Welcome to Business Class: Build It Braver

Owning a small business takes courage, resilience, unwavering optimism, and of course, a strong support system. Having someone to turn to for guidance throughout the entrepreneurial journey is invaluable. This is “Business Class: Build It Braver,” a podcast offering real-world advice for small business owners, powered by American Express. The small business world is full of personal stories, innovation, and fearless determination.

On “Build It Braver,” listeners will follow host and entrepreneur Vivian Kaye through conversations with some of Canada’s brightest entrepreneurial minds about the challenges of small business ownership, from managing cash flow and hiring remote teams, to accessing funding and crafting a brand narrative. Beyond business development, Vivian and her guests also talk late nights and coffee-fueled mornings, and how hard it is to get a sitter.

Each episode delves into a different business challenge, pairing a small business owner with a mentor and expert in their field who can guide them on their journey. People like Wes Hall, Dragon on CBC’s Dragon’s Den, and Tareq Hadhad, founder of Peace by Chocolate. These impressive mentors come from all across Canada and provide our small business owners with invaluable, thoughtful advice to help guide them on their unique business journey.

Think of this podcast as real-time learning with compelling storytelling in one super-charged package. As small business owners, the stakes couldn’t be higher, which is why you need the backing of trusted partners. And we’re here to support and guide you on your way to success. #AMEXBuildItBraver.

About American Express Business Class

American Express Business Class is an educational resource for today’s business leaders. It provides modern business education through compelling stories, timely tips and inspiring insights from business experts, industry leaders, and savvy entrepreneurs. 

About Vivian Kaye

Vivian was born in Tema, Ghana, and immigrated to Toronto, Canada as a toddler. After dropping out of college and battling depression in her early adulthood, she worked a series of jobs as a French bilingual for several startups in fintech, Medtech, and at the home office of a multinational franchise company. She took these entrepreneurial lessons and started a 6-figure wedding decor company.

While running that business, her 2nd business, KinkyCurlyYaki was born. Tired of not being able to find high-quality hair extensions that matched her afro hair texture, and realizing she wasn’t alone, the company took off. In the first year (2012) it hit 6-figures. Then in 2016, it hit 7-figures, as it remains today, which has allowed her to run the business while single-handedly raising her son, sharing her story internationally, and helping others reach their goals.

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