Naturally Sweet ™️ - Kinsey Kakes

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in skincare but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kiwa Smith, founder, and CEO of Kinsey Kakes, located in Prairieville, LA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

My company specializes in natural handmade skincare. We want to inspire people to make better skin care choices while still keeping it fun and exciting. We want our customers to know that making healthier skincare choices doesn’t have to be boring.

Tell us about yourself

I started Kinsey Kakes when I was at my lowest, battling depression. It was my escape. It started as a hobby, but after losing my daughter “Kinsey” that’s when I began to lean on it. I didn’t want to be depressed, and I didn’t want to be on medication all my life, so I was always looking for new ways to cope with it. I love to create, and being creative made me feel good, so I used it. I tried many things, and they all worked well, but something about making skincare just kept calling me. I just had a very particular love for it. It was and still is my happy place.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Every step I take forward is a big accomplishment to me. Over the years, I watched my business grab the attention of retailers, from mom and pop stores to nationwide retailers. Even if they don’t add my product to their line, It’s exciting just to know that they noticed me. Out of all the awesome companies out there, they noticed me, so that’s definitely always something that gets me excited.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Finding the balance between work and home. Trying to give your all to your business without neglecting home is a challenge for me. As a business owner, especially a small business owner, you are the company. The marketing team, the shipping department, customer service, manufacturer, etc. Wearing many hats in a business can mean long hours. But I have a family, so I had to learn to set schedules so I can get things done without compromising work or home, but sometimes no matter how hard I try, I still can fall off schedule, and I’m back trying to pull it back together.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

My first tip is to be patient. Don’t get so easily discouraged. Every business grows differently. Sometimes it seems like everyone around you is growing but stay consistent and stay focused. My second tip is that it is ok to take a break if needed. It’s not a race. Many business owners, including myself, have had to take a break for many reasons. Many of them come back stronger there than before. My final tip would be to take your business seriously. If you don’t, no one else will. Make a schedule. Plan things out. Treat it like a job. I found that a schedule keeps me more focused and definitely more organized. I found that being more organized in my business makes a difference in my business and my life.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Celebrate the small accomplishments. Those are the ones that will keep you motivated even if you are not where you want to be; being in a better place than you were yesterday is still something to celebrate.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.kinseykakes.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kinseykakes
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kinseykakes/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiwa-smith-b0069ab7/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.