We recently had the chance to connect with Audrina Henry and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Audrina, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Right now, I’m being called to slow down, take my time, and still use my platform to influence others to be comfortable in their own skin, their dreams, and most importantly, themselves. For a long time, I was afraid of stepping out of my comfort zone. The moment things didn’t go my way, I would retreat back into the shell I once fought so hard to leave.
But every time I did step out, doors opened, and opportunities appeared that I couldn’t have imagined. So now, I feel called to not only continue stepping out boldly myself, but to encourage my community to do the same to step out of their comfort zones with confidence and fearlessness.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Audrina Henry, founder of Adra Hair Company and Kali Swimwear. I’m a 25-year-old African American woman, born in Fresno, California, and now based in Kansas City, Missouri.
I launched Adra in 2018 after being the go-to girl in college for hair. What started in a dorm room has grown into a company that’s hit $1 million in sales, offering everything from lace fronts to tape-ins, plus wholesale options to help other stylists and businesses succeed.
Kali Swimwear came a few years later, inspired by my love for design and my mom always saying my name sounded like a designer brand. We reached $10K in our first year, and now Kali is about creating swimwear that makes people feel bold, confident, and sexy.
Both brands are built on my journey turning childhood teasing, setbacks, and challenges into businesses that empower others to feel beautiful, fearless, and seen.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
The person who taught me the most about work was my father. He was the type of dad who pushed you to become something and wasn’t afraid to critique everything you did so you wouldn’t repeat mistakes. Over time, I had to learn for myself that we’re human we’re never going to be perfect but his lessons stayed with me.
When my dad came home from prison, I saw his hustle firsthand. It wasn’t always pretty, and it definitely wasn’t always legal, but he managed to build and run a million-dollar trucking company. Watching him taught me about grit, resilience, and what it means to be a boss.
The difference is, I took his hustle, added my own vision, and built my businesses the right way. Because of that, I’ve been able to grow into a six-figure boss in my own lane carrying the drive he gave me, but rewriting the story in a way that’s true to me.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
two words. ego and pride.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
Just because you’re smart doesn’t mean you know everything. Steve Jobs is a great example you might be smart as far as technology but with health you’re not.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing?
Honestly, I would have regretted not betting on myself. Back in late 2017, early 2018, I was supposed to launch a hair company with a college friend. But I quickly realized that if I was going to be doing most of the work and not seeing the profit, it wasn’t worth it. That was my wake-up call.
I had already registered my LLC in 2015, so in 2018, I finally decided to take that leap on my own and launch Adra Hair Company. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I ever made.
Now I’ve reached $1 million in sales and built a six-figure brand with a team I trust including my assistant and even my best friend, who helps with logistics. I don’t regret not having a partner, because it taught me that I was capable of carrying my own vision and bringing it to life.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/itstherealdri
- Youtube: https://YouTube.com/audrina
Image Credits
Brooklynn Van Meurer
