This show is the start of a series of interviews entitled, “From the workplace to your own space.” For many in the workplace, the ultimate career goal is to be a business owner. In this episode, Rick & his guests (Arthur & Amanda Keith) explore how to build a transition plan from your current job to running and owning your own business.

Bios:

Sold Mary Kay makeup illegally at age 12 in rural Ohio.

Obtained all her cosmetology certificates before graduating from High School (skin, makeup, esthetician)

At age 18 owned and managed her own salon

Early 20’s moved to Vegas

Signed a 2 year deal with Planet Hollywood as their celebrity model

Worked part time at the salon at Wynn Las Vegas

Hired to Manage the Salon at Ceasar’s Palace- left after one year with the knowledge of how to run a world-class Salon business operation

Used money made while modeling to create the DIVINE Cosmetic line

DIVINE image Cosmetics was incorporated in 2007 and for the last 7 years Amanda has been full-time CEO & entrepreneur.

A graduate of the internationally-renowned Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, Arthur Keith has over 30 years experience in the hospitality and entertainment industry at some of the country’s most distinguished properties. Arthur Keith began in the hospitality industry as a dishwasher and in 2006 had been recognized by American Hotel & Lodgings magazine as General Manager of The Year for large hotels. Before relocating to his current home of Las Vegas, Keith enjoyed a distinguished career as the senior vice president and general manager at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee during which the resort earned over 70 awards of recognition.

Arthur Keith holds the unique distinction of having served as general manager of three of the largest hotels in the world and as the only African American to have held that title at two different properties on the Las Vegas Strip.  In December of 2011 he served as opening general manager for The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, named one of the hottest new hotels in the world. Prior to that, Keith was president and general manager at The Stratosphere Casino Hotel and Tower in Las Vegas.

Arthur is co-owner of Divine Image Cosmetics with his wife Amanda May. He is also founder & owner of Innkeeper Coaching—an executive coaching & advising firm to entrepreneur leaders and business professionals.