We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kai Leigh a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kai thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

I come from a traditional household. My parents have been married for over 50 years. To me, they are different yet they are the same if that makes sense lol. I’ve learned lessons from watching them individually and lessons from observing them as a unit.

My dad taught me to be ambitious, honest and respectful. My mom taught me how to be a lady, and how to be kind. Together they taught me what it looks like to be a part of a team. They taught me that there would be good times and bad times in marriage but life will still move forward. And when you love someone you work it out.

I take that same thought process into business as well. My mom once told me that “when you get married you better know that you love that man, don’t marry for money or anything else because in the end, when all else fails, love is what you have left”. I still remember that. That’s why I chose to do something that I love.

I decided to make a product that brings joy and peace to another. Plus I have a bit of an obsession with candles myself lol. But I’m thankful that it is an obsession that I can share with others.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Kai. I am the owner of Touch of Kai, where I sell wax tarts, candles and other handmade items. I am a native Detroiter who loves to craft. I come from a family who knows how to work with their hands.

I started making wax tarts after a near death experience as a way to cope with the changes that were rapidly going on in my life. It relaxed me greatly to make and burn my wax tarts. So I wanted to share them with others in hopes to provide the same kind of relief to someone else. The response on my wax tart was so good I decided to make those same scents into candles.

I am very proud that I was able to teach myself how to make candles and wax tarts. In a million years I wouldn’t think I could create such a thing. I love the variety in choosing the different scents. It keeps candle making exciting.

What are the main things that I would want potential clients to know about my brand? Hmmm i think the main thing would be that I do this for them. I could make candles for myself all day, but I want to make something that will help change someone’s mood for the better. Even if it’s just for the few hours it takes a wax melt or a candle to burn out. I would want them to know that I purposely choose calming scents. That many of my wax tarts and candles contain oils specifically meant to destress, relax and uplift one’s mood.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn that you have to be perfect at something from the beginning. I learned that you will grow if you keep going. It shows in my products. Specifically my wax tarts as I have been working with them the longest. I have seen them evolve over time from the way they smell to the packaging and the way that they look.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

For me the most effective strategy will always be consistency. A customer can trust a business that shows up consistently. This means in social media to the way you create your product. If you are all over the place your customers won’t know how to take you. And they won’t know how to connect with you.

Contact Info:

• Website: Touchofkai.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/TouchofKai
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/touchofkai/