Today we’d like to introduce you to Kourtney Perry

Hi Kourtney, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?

I started my entrepreneur journey back in 2018. You never know what the world has to offer till you get out of your comfort zone. Working in the corporate world you feel as if you will never be able to live your dreams until you take the leap of faith or an opportunity presents itself. That is what happen for me. When I was tired of feeling unappreciated in my job, there was a family friend in need. I took my 20+ years of experience in Administration and applied it to help create a successful event. I fell in love with networking with new people, establishing relationships, and being in control. From that day forward, I knew that I needed to find my passion and create a career I would love to wake up and do everyday.

There wasn’t any map to guide me and I didn’t even really know where I wanted to go. So I started out with getting registered with business classes and surrounding myself with individuals that would be able to give me insight on my thoughts to being a CEO. I searched Eventbrite for free events that I could attend. This allowed me to increase my contact list in a major way. I still have all of my business cards from over the years. You just never know when you may need to reach out for resources or referrals.

To establish my brand identity I hosted a couple of events that targeted supporting the community, children, and other small business owners. My grandmother always told me that you should share your knowledge with others. I created a space of comfort where people could depend on me for event planning and brand management service that my company Privacy, LLC provided.

Once the pandemic hit, I had to pivot. There was no way I could stop with all of the traction I made over the course of a year and a half. Still keeping the mindset of being the CEO the obvious thing to do while people were sitting at home was to create a product to sale. With the support of my family I ventured into manufacturing and retail of candles. Intensive research and testing for the course of 3 months lead me to Ladie Lex Scented Candles. A company focused on helping individuals find a holistic way to combat depression, stress, and anxiety while promoting self care.

Today, each company is thriving to support our customers and clients in various different ways. I love every bit of the work that I do. To see the smiling faces after a successful event, the growth of a small business owner after following strategic advise, or repeat customers that come to purchase candles. I found my passion to be an innovator and leader.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

Heck no!! This is a roller coaster ride with no end in sight. Now, don’t get me wrong there are some amazing days. Especially when an event goes as planned. My clients listens to my advice, or materials come on time. However you can’t expect that all the time. I always say “It wouldn’t be fair if something didn’t go wrong”. You have to take those failures and turn them into a lesson.

A major struggle that I currently have is building capital to be able to secure federal contracts. There are a lot of stipulations that you have to abide by and you need to make sure that your company is secure to manage more duties. That comes with hiring employees, materials on hand, and the time invested in assuring you provide great quality work. This is where my resources and educational programs come in to help me understand my financials. With time I know that I will get to my goal but it is always about taking your time to make sure that you have everything you need for an approval.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

I am a creator. To take an idea and turn it into a reality is amazing to me. I also love to write. Poetry was a thing for me when I was younger and English was one of my favorite subjects. So both of my businesses, Privacy, LLC & Ladie Lex Scented Candles, I have the ability to utilize my skills and critique different perspectives. I am known for work ethic. I play no games when it come to getting the job done. I have the ability to understand people when they are trying to build from scratch. I say it is “A blessing and a curse” because it can get me into trouble sometimes. Especially during the holiday season when I want to make everything I see.

What sets me apart from the rest, I would say is my authenticity. I am a fact and truthful person. So if it doesn’t look good, I am going to tell you that. I feel that in order for you to help people succeed you must create an honest relationship. My reputation is everything to me. So I make sure that everything I do is on point.

How do you think about happiness?

My daughter, Journee. She is a blessing to me. We have been dealt some difficult cards in life but to be a mother who has been able to guide her though is outstanding. She takes on my traits of going for what you want. She owns her own business, Kingdom Of Kehlexis, where she handcrafts bracelets. She is also a photographer for the University of Northern Iowa football and basketball, as well as the Iowa Woo. There is no telling her she can’t do anything. I mean down to creating the budget, and she is going to make it happen. To know that I have instilled in her the ability to go after her dreams puts a smile on my face everyday.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.privacyllc.net & www.ladielexcandles.net