In this episode, we chat about:
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Kelly's background and early career in the fragrance industry.
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The inception and mission of Kayla Gray.
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Personal challenges, including Kelly's experience with ectopic pregnancies.
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The decision to leave a corporate job and start a business.
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The role of scent in memory and emotion.
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Insights into the entrepreneurial journey, including seeking investors and scaling a business.
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The importance of authenticity and consistency in business.
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Building a community and seeking mentorship.
Resources + Links:
Shop for your next favorite scent at caylagray.com
Or visit their space at The Churchill in Downtown Phoenix located at 901 N 1st St, Phoenix, AZ
Follow Kayla Gray on Instagram | @caylagrayco
Check out Kayla Gray on TikTok | @caylagrayco
Grow your brand, income, and impact!
Learn more on our website ellyandnoracreative.com
Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative
For show notes, resources, and more, visit Chicks Who Give a Hoot
Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot
Show Notes:
In this episode of Chicks Who Give a Hoot, I welcome my dear friend Kelly Kussman, founder of the clean and transparent ingredient fragrance company, Cayla Gray. Kelly shares her journey of self-discovery that began after she suffered from a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, almost losing her life and her first baby. This pivotal moment led her to create Cayla Gray, a brand named in honor of her lost child and inspired by her deep love for the nostalgia of scent.
Kelly delves into her entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of building Cayla Gray from the ground up without external investment. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity and consistency in her business, sharing valuable insights on the power of bootstrapping. Kelly reveals how saying “No” to investors allowed her to maintain full control over her brand and stay true to her vision. Kelly also discusses the profound connection between scent and memory, and the deeply personal rituals she developed through bi-annual trips to nature that helped her and other women move through life's transitions. Her story is a testament to the resilience and creativity required to succeed in business with minimal external capital.
01:00 Meet Kelly Kussman
02:00 Kelly's Background
04:00 Founding Cayla Gray
05:24 Personal Experiences Influencing Business
10:08 The Power of Scent and Memory
12:58 Challenges of Entrepre
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