Kanika Ward began making natural beauty products in her kitchen eight years ago. Today, she is the owner of Kosmik Kare Day Spa. Her products, such as liquid gold black soap and the lavender rose petal milk bath, line the shelves.

Ward decided to share her talents for achieving wellness by attending the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Master of Business Administration Program with the intent of building the foundation of Kosmik Kare.

Steps she took to concurrently facilitate her business plan while earning her degree included engaging in independent study and devising a marketing plan for credit. While there were challenges, the milestones she achieved took her closer to completing her own vision.

“I didn’t go to business school for traditional reasons,” Ward said. “I went to be my own boss.”

Her hard-earned dream became a reality when Kosmik Kare opened at 633 W. Capitol Drive in July 2003. She now greets customers in the reception room, which has various natural products lined against the window and wall, and is painted an earth-like orange to “welcome our guests with warmth.”

Although the spa is for holistic health consumers, Kanika focuses on serving African American women, who are an underserved market in the beauty industry. Products for African American women include effective hair products and custom-made makeup.

The services the spa offers are body care, hand and foot care, facials, makeup, massage and hydrotherapy. Not only does Ward desire for her clients to leave with a sense of renewal after such treatments as honey salt glows and rose petal milk baths, but she also seeks to share health knowledge with holistic consultations.

“I go a little bit beyond providing a service,” Ward said. “I give you something to take home with you.”

Ward has also given back by welcoming people who may appreciate extra pampering. She once hosted a spa party for a group of teen mothers, who loved the new experience of being pampered at a spa.

“Feeling like a queen for the day is much needed as a teen mother with all the challenges there are,” Ward said.

She recalls how elated a girl felt once she had her eyebrows done, given how much she loved looking in the mirror.

“Just small things can really make a difference in someone,” she said.

Ward is now able to give back through her dream business because of “heart and courage.” She said the best tool for starting a business is research and determination.

“Be an expert in the field so no one can deny you,” Ward said. “It may sound cliché, but don’t give up. It may not happen right away, but it will happen.”

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