From Kitchen Stove to Business Growth: Kristy Miller's Path to Entrepreneurial Success

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Have you ever been branded a failure for choosing a path less traveled? On the latest episode of the Figure Eight podcast, Julie had the pleasure of chatting with Kristy Miller. Kristy shared her journey from dropping out of university to becoming the founder of The Scented Market. Despite the resistance, her unwavering determination and strong support system proved that success doesn't always follow a conventional script.
Kristy is the founder and CEO of The Scented Market, a homegrown business known for its self-care mission and soy wax candles, bath and body products, and home decor. In 5 years, The Scented Market has expanded to four retail locations and supplies hundreds of stockists across Canada and the USA. With a passion for creating sensory experiences that transcend the ordinary, Kristy has built a reputation for excellence in the candle industry.
Join Julie and Kristy as they discuss evolving team dynamics and strategies to align with the needs of a flourishing business, the art of hiring for brand wellness, and the tough decisions that spark monumental growth.
**Journey to Entrepreneurship and The Scented Market (00:02:03)**
Kristy's path from nursing student to entrepreneur, overcoming resistance, and garnering support. The genesis of The Scented Market and crafting the inaugural candle.
**Expanding Business, Team Dynamics, and Overcoming Struggles (00:07:29)**
The expansion of the team, learning from errors, valuing team members, and transforming challenges into lessons for positive growth.
**Business Growth and Role Transitions (00:14:46)**
Addressing the complexities of scaling up, including U.S. expansion plans, legal and financial hurdles, and the necessity for detailed planning. Kristy contemplates moving from CEO to a creative director role, leveraging her strengths, and the intricacies of such a transition.
**Self-Reflection, Aspirations, and Mentorship (00:21:51)**
The critical role of self-reflection in entrepreneurship, Kristy's ambitions for herself and The Scented Market, and her intent to provide mentorship based on her experiences.
**Leadership Balance and Strategic Decisions (00:27:31)**
The balance between being a leader and a learner, the significance of data in strategic decision-making, and combining instinct with analytics for the brand's benefit.
**Customer Engagement and Strategic Marketing (00:33:01)**
Fostering customer loyalty, community engagement, niche marketing focus, and future plans for growth and community support through self-care product experiences.
You can find Kristy and The Scented Market on Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

You can connect with Julie on LinkedIn or Instagram.
Find Julie's writing at her blog or by ordering Big Gorgeous Goals.
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