We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kristine Smock a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kristine, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience comes from a life riddled with storms, challenges, trauma and abuse. I’m determined to overcome any obstacle, and I will never give up. I will persevere. God has kept me, and continues to bless me every day.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
In 2020, I left my husband, who I’d been with since 2011. We have 2 children together. We moved to the metroplex in 2022, and spent some time in a homeless shelter. From there I found employment and was able to get back on my feet.
In 2022, I started my first business: Kristine With A K Entertainment. I host events, as an emcee. I like to describe myself as “the female Flava Flav, the Ultimate Hype Chick.” I elevate the experience of any party, Vendor Pop Up event, or show. After networking at many vendor events, I learned how to create high quality Eau de parfumerie for women and cologne for men. I also design CUSTOM, unique fragrances. A millionaire once told me, “your networks are worth TEN TIMES your net worth,” and it has stuck with me to this day.
I now make high quality, long lasting, supremely scented, handcrafted soy wax candles with soy wicks, & soy wax melts created with intention as well. They clear the energy in your space and elevate your mood. I often use fragrances and essential oils that get rid of the smell of smoke too!! I price my products to be extremely affordable, without the harmful carcinogens that are in other non soy candle waxes. I feel like we shouldn’t have to break the break to have great products.
I also craft all natural shea butter, honey & olive oil soaps, because I love a high quality soap without all those harmful chemical ingredients, at an affordable price. I have tentatively named my handcrafted products business “The Goddess Within Luxury Spa Products.”
I look forward to perfecting my craft(s) and growing my business(es) as my territories continue to enlarge. I’ll keep God first and continue to persevere over any challenge and hardship that comes my way. After all, the only room in your life that you will NEVER fill, is the room for improvement.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
My 3 qualities that have been most impactful in my journey thus far have been: my integrity, perseverance, and determination. Without those things I would not be where I am today. If you have an idea, a product or unique service, my sole piece of advice is to listen to YOUR heart, not the voices of others who have not been given your path to walk on. They are not on the same journey as you, so even in love, sometimes they do not know what’s best for you. Heed your calling and stay steadfast in your determination to succeed. Don’t allow others to measure your success.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My parents taught me that the world owes me nothing, but everything is available to me if I work hard enough. They taught me that my word is my bond, and that giving up is not an option. They instilled in me respect for my elders and manners that help me elevate my professionalism and customer service to new heights.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @therealkristinewithak
- Facebook: Facebook.com/therealkristinewithak
Image Credits
Kristine Smock Mikahia Tarae High
