Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Traci Dalrymple, founder, and president of Kokokahn Essential Oils, located in North Port, FL, USA.

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

Kokokahn is a small artisan essential oil and aromatherapy manufacturer. We import individual oils direct from farmers around the world, GC/MS test for purity, and handcraft our own blends and aromatherapy products. Our customers are women between the ages of 35 and 65. They like yoga, healthy lifestyles, natural health alternatives and tend to enjoy gardening and to spend time in nature.

Tell us about yourself

I was introduced to essential oils in 2020 while living in Japan. I instantly fell in love and knew it was the career path for me. I spent a month in Bali on my way home from Japan and chose the name, Kokokahn. It means white heron in Balinese and is an eternal, sacred spirit. After working as a spa manager for four years and getting my education in the chemistry of essential oils, I was ready to take the leap. I started Kokokahn in 2009. I was on a bootstrap budget and started doing farmer's markets to grow and market my business. Thirteen years later, we have an online store, wholesale, physical storefront, and we still do farmer's markets! I love making people feel better with essential oils. I love creating blends and products. Those two things alone get me up and going every day. I also love that I am able to give back to my other passion, animal organizations. We donate some of our revenue every year to a variety of local and national animal organizations.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Hmmmm, that's a challenging question for me. I tend to prefer shining the light on others! There are several things that I am proud of, and it's difficult to pick just one. But if I had to, I would say growing my business and getting it to a sustainable point.

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

One of the hardest things for me is delegating and not micro-managing employees. It was a one-woman show in the beginning, and I find myself having a hard time letting go.

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

  1. Only start it if you have passion for it
  2. If you are not a good salesperson, find someone who is.
  3. When you are creating your business, consider how you will give back and support your community. Not necessarily financially, but in general.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my journey.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://kokokahnessentialoils.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kokokahn
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kokokahnessentialoils/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kokokahn
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracidalrymple/

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.