Written by Amber Jefferson, founder and CEO of K’Nai Beauty Supply
During National Small Business Month, we are reminded that small businesses are the backbone of our communities. As a small business owner, every decision I make matters, not just for me but for my customers and the community. At K’Nai Beauty Supply, I have spent the last few years building more than a business here in Bowling Green. I have worked to create a space where customers feel seen, supported, and understood. But like many small businesses, growth does not happen on its own. It requires the right tools, the right support, and the ability to connect with the people who need what we offer.
As part of the Meta Business Leaders Network, I had the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. for the Meta Business Leaders Network annual conference, where I met with staff from Representative Brett Guthrie’s office, alongside fellow small business owners from across the country and members of the Meta team. During those conversations, I was able to share my story not just as a business owner, but as someone who relies on digital tools to compete, grow, and better serve my customers.
Personalized advertising tools on platforms like Instagram and Facebook have been critical to my success as a small business owner. Without the budget or staffing for large-scale marketing campaigns, targeted ads allow me to reach the people most likely to engage with my business instead of wasting time and resources. That precision not only helps me grow efficiently but also gives small businesses like mine the ability to compete in an increasingly digital marketplace.
AI has played a major role in how I run my business day-to-day. Like many other business owners, I wear many different hats, and AI-powered messaging tools help me manage a constant flow of customer inquiries. By organizing and prioritizing messages, I can respond faster, provide a better service, and ensure that no customer feels overlooked.
As lawmakers continue to consider policies around privacy and artificial intelligence, it’s important they understand how those decisions can impact small businesses like mine. Strong privacy protections matter, and the trust of my customers and community is incredibly important to me. At the same time, policies should be thoughtful and balanced, so they do not unintentionally limit access to the very tools that help small businesses grow and connect.
During my conversation with Representative Guthrie’s office, I had the opportunity to emphasize why small businesses deserve a seat at the table in these conversations. We are not just users of these tools, but proof of how they create opportunity, foster innovation, and strengthen the communities we serve.
K’Nai Beauty Supply is more than just a store. It is a space built on community, representation, and connection. As conversations around technology and privacy continue, I hope and urge policymakers to remember the voices of small business owners. With the right approach, we can protect consumers while still empowering entrepreneurs to grow and thrive. Because when a small business succeeds, our communities succeed too.
Amber Jefferson is the founder and CEO of K’Nai Beauty Supply, a full-service salon and retail facility located in Bowling Green, KY. She can be reached at knaibeautysupply@gmail.com