Saying No to Investors with Kelly Kussman

Chicks Who Give a Hoot

In this episode, we chat about:

• Kelly's background and early career in the fragrance industry.

• The inception and mission of Kayla Gray.

• Personal challenges, including Kelly's experience with ectopic pregnancies.

• The decision to leave a corporate job and start a business.

• The role of scent in memory and emotion.

• Insights into the entrepreneurial journey, including seeking investors and scaling a business.

• The importance of authenticity and consistency in business.

• Building a community and seeking mentorship.

Resources + Links:

Shop for your next favorite scent at caylagray.com

Or visit their space at The Churchill in Downtown Phoenix located at 901 N 1st St, Phoenix, AZ

Follow Kayla Gray on Instagram | @caylagrayco

Check out Kayla Gray on TikTok | @caylagrayco

Grow your brand, income, and impact! Learn more on our website ellyandnoracreative.com

Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative

@ellyandnoracreative

For show notes, resources, and more, visit Chicks Who Give a Hoot

Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot

Show Notes:

In this episode of Chicks Who Give a Hoot, I welcome my dear friend Kelly Kussman, founder of the clean and transparent ingredient fragrance company, Cayla Gray. Kelly shares her journey of self-discovery that began after she suffered from a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, almost losing her life and her first baby. This pivotal moment led her to create Cayla Gray, a brand named in honor of her lost child and inspired by her deep love for the nostalgia of scent.

Kelly delves into her entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of building Cayla Gray from the ground up without external investment. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity and consistency in her business, sharing valuable insights on the power of bootstrapping. Kelly reveals how saying “No” to investors allowed her to maintain full control over her brand and stay true to her vision. Kelly also discusses the profound connection between scent and memory, and the deeply personal rituals she developed through bi-annual trips to nature that helped her and other women move through life's transitions. Her story is a testament to the resilience and creativity required to succeed in business with minimal external capital.

01:00 Meet Kelly Kussman

02:00 Kelly's Background

04:00 Founding Cayla Gray

05:24 Personal Experiences Influencing Business

10:08 The Power of Scent and Memory

12:58 Challenges of Entrepreneurship

14:18 Bootstrapping Your Business

17:50 Bringing An Investor to Your Business

21:27 The Value of Bootstrapping

30:12 Imposter Syndrome

34:35 The Big Bold Impact of the Business

37:01 Advices on Bootstrapping

38:55 Connect and Shop