Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Allison Pinkney, Owner of Allison Kayne & Co., located in New York, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
It's a self-care product line. My customers are everyone who wants soothing/relief (not healing, I'm not a doctor) from certain issues they may be having. Or to just destress from the everyday stressors of the world.
Tell us about yourself
I own several e-commerce businesses. I own Allison Kayne & Co., a self-care line. A fashion brand called Vncommon (pronounced uncommon), a stationery line called Stationery by AllisonIlene, a printables line called Printables by One Autumn Leaf, and a travel agency called Allison Kayne Travel. What first got me started in my initial business, Allison Kayne & Co., was my family. They suffered from different issues, some of which were skin related. So, I kept looking for products or were recommended products that did not help solve the problem but soothe it. Or the doctor recommended a lot of creams or pills, and I didn't, nor did my family want our kids on a lot of pills and medicines.
But, at the time, it was during the pandemic, I wasn't working, the products were expensive, and the prescriptions had side effects. So, I did a lot of research and found different holistic approaches that could help. I started experimenting with different soaps, oils, and essential oils and found out that they gave my sons, my nieces, and other friends' family members relief from their issues. So, my best friend and my mentor kept pushing me to sell the products to others to help them. And, not long after Allison Kayne & Co. was born.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Seeing all of my hard work and long hours finally pay off. Being able to do more with my family that I couldn't do before.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Commitment and dedication. There are days when you are tired and times when you are awake long after the kids are asleep. There are days and weeks when you don't see any sales. But if you keep going, keep pushing, and keep moving, then you will see the other side of the rainbow. When I got to the other side, I was free, and I could make up for all of the time I missed. More vacations, more time with my family, fewer working hours, and more financial freedom.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Consistency: consistency is key. Always post on social media, always advertise, and if it's not broken, don't fix it.
- Commit: business is not a get-rich-quick scheme. Do not quit in the ninth inning. Keep going; there is gold on the other side of the rainbow.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.allisonkayne.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allisonkayne1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allisonkayne/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/allisonkayne
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.