We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kristy Printup a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kristy, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
I’ve always loved home fragrances and relaxing with a good book. I began pondering the idea of starting my own candle business. Who doesn’t love candles? This is a billion dollar industry and I wanted my seat at this huge table.
My business would be different from the others. How, you may be thinking. I’m an influencer and I’ve been truly blessed with the gift of bringing out the best in others through transparent conversations. With that, I’ve taken that same strategy when coming up with my product line. I’m bold. I say the things that everyone is thinking but don’t want to say, respectfully of course. Now I’m converting that to a candle scent that fits whatever mood you’re in. For example, if you are curled up with a book and coffee in hand, I’m lighting my “Sipping Coffee” candle scent.
Now let’s fast forward to 2020…..yes the “PANDEMIC.” I didn’t know if I would survive it because of all of the death and just the unknown. I was inspired in that moment to step out on faith and start this business. Life is too short to not dream big. I made my first 200 candles in three days. The rest is history.
Camille’s at Home continues to expand. Besides candles, our product line includes Manspace, a men’s line and room/linen sprays.
Kristy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I had experienced a very long journey of operating outside of God’s will for my life. So when God spoke to my heart concerning my passion, I knew that this was it. I love people….I love having fun….so why not bring that energy into your home.
Having my daughter truly changed my perspective on what kind of legacy I would leave. My husband and I endured the process of IVF. I was convinced that nothing in life should ever be taken for granted. I didn’t want my insecurities to trickle down to her. She continues to watch my every move….including my moods, facial expressions. In 2015, I made the decision that no more would allow my situations/circumstances to stunt my growth. I decided to live out loud and be absolutely proud of pursuing this new business venture.
Now, let’s fast forward four years later…a home essential candle line became a reality. Because I was so focused on PEACE, I asked myself, “how can I help women and men create peace in their home?” Then we were hit with the pandemic which confined us to our homes. We couldn’t go to church, work, grocery stores, etc. In many instances, church, work, and the grocery store were our escape from the chaos at home. Now home is my workplace…..home is where I go to church……home could no longer be the place where all hell breaks loose. So, I’ve created a home essential line that evokes peace, serenity, grace that creates a warm soothing environment with all of the different scent throws.
My fragrances are all natural (no chemicals) using a coconut wax. The are all hand poured my me and made in my kitchen where I can still interact with my family and bring them along this journey with me.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson that I had to unlearn is that it’s ok to change even when you have a business plan. When I started my candle business, I had a vision. I was always passionate with building, empowering, and inspiring women to live free. I wanted my business to send a message; however, the vision that I had in my mind necessarily interpreted when conveyed to an outsourced company. So basically a year later I decided to rebrand my business. I changed everything down to the name and logo.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I have learned in business people buy into you. You know the goal is to make money; however, that isn’t my main focus. I like to establish relationships. There is always a need to be met. Whether it’s someone who just needs to talk, or someone who wants to become a customer. I stand behind my products.
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