We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kris Wrede. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kris below.
Kris, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
In 1993 I was going to take a job at Aveda in Chicago, one of the first free standing stores in the U.S. I had been studying aromatherapy for 3 years, and I told a friend about the job. She said why would you do that? Your products are so good you should just start your own business. So, I did! I travelled around Chicago with my backpack on my bike, on the bus and on the ‘L’, going from door to door in shops I wanted to have my products in. It was a HUGE risk and every day in business is a risk. I always say you have to reinvent yourself every day. I worked at a pizza place as a waitress at lunch, and I worked the night shift at a group home for developmentally challenged adults.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
When I was very young, I would be in my grandmother’s bathroom and I would climb up on a little stool to go into the medicine chest. I adored smelling her perfumes and cosmetics, and that was the beginning of my scented journey. My Mom was a Home-Ec teacher and she was a fab cook, so there were always good smells around. When I was in Chicago I got into a bad car accident, and went to an acupuncturist. He gave me a book on aromatherapy and said it could help with my pain. It turns out I had been using aromatherapy for a while, I just did not know it. I was hooked and started studying and making my own products.
I believe very essential oil has a story, and I have made it my mission to discover which ones are aphrodisiacs, and which have been used throughout history for love, passion and healing. My custom blends are made to create a deeper level of experience and sensuality in life, as well as a meaningful connection to the Earth. I am devoted to discovering exotic oils from all over the planet. Only non-sprayed, wild grown, eco-cert or organic oils are sourced. I feel it is important to support small farmers, and the economy and well-being of everyone involved in the process.
I practice the traditional perfumer’s art using top, middle and base notes in each blend. Over the years I have developed numerous aromatic product lines and custom fragrances based on the tenets of perfumery for a wide variety of exclusive corporate and individual clients. Some of my esteemed clients have included W Magazine, Jones New York, Mirage Hotel Las Vegas, Epicuren Discovery, Treasure Island Hotel Las Vegas, La Posada Resort and Spa, Sanjevani Health & Lifestyle Center, and Urban Oasis & With Child Spas in Chicago.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
I got my first aromatherapy book from my acupuncturist that I mentioned before. It was called The Art of Aromatherapy by Robert Tisserand, one of the most well- known aromatherapists in the world, I am pleased to have met him many times over the years and taken classes from him, and consider him a friend. There are not many books on the managerial aspects of aromatherapy, I just went to as many conferences on the art and science as I could over the years, and learned from everyone that I could.
Can you talk to us about how your funded your firm or practice?
I funded my business myself, working 2 jobs and doing my business. Over the years I have had to have another job in order to fund any expansion.
Contact Info:
- Website: kismetpotions.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kris-wrede-15868018/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/kriswrede/videos?view_as=subscriber
- Other: https://aromaticstudies.com/love-potion-by-kris-wrede/ https://blog.floracopeia.com/love-potion-recipes/