KIMBERLY WALDROPT shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
KIMBERLY, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
I wake up around 6am. Have a cup of earl grey tea, and I sit still before my energetic toddler wakes up. I get dressed into something cozy. Get my toddler out the door for daycare. I hit the gym shortly after, come home, have a shower, then another meal. Then I get my work day started. That’s heading into my studio, or getting ready for some meetings. If my assistant is in, she’ll be doing some work around while I plan out my week. Then around 5:30pm I my full attention is back with my little boy. We have dinner, and we get ready for bed.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
As a busy women, being a professional and now mom, I barely had time for myself. Juggling the two can be challenging. My skin sets the first alarm letting me know something was wrong. I was stressed, over worked, and it showed. I couldn’t find anything on the market that truly moisturized my skin, in addition to the coconut oil sensitivity which make my options very slim. That’s where TERRA-TORY was born. I formulated products in my kitchen that was simple, effective and connected to my roots as a Caribbean women. Today, TERRA-TORY is a natural body care brand that handcrafts soaps, body butters and body oils for dry sensitive skin. All small batch and rooted in plant-based ingredients. We’re currently working on organically scaling our retail distribution with partners that align with our brand ethos.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
My control. If I can be transparent, I (had) a control issue. I used to always think I can do it all on my own, or all my way. When that’s truly not the case at all. I was doing more harm then good and not allowing my team to do their thing. I’ve finally released that grip of having to in charge of every instagram post, and every email that went out. Those days are gone. The brand can flourish and grow the way it should in the hands of people I trust. It wasn’t easy, but it was a growing pain for me.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Too many times. I’m an overthinker most days. I’m also a control freak and perfectionist. Have to change those ways about myself because it was always clouding my judgement of my and/or the brand. I also had to separate my emotions from the brand in order to see it as a business and not an exact reflection or part of myself. TERRA-TORY is its own entity that we grow as a team. So whenever I felt like giving up, the brand it hurt the brand. I didn’t want that. I have too much on the line, I have people counting on me and I have customers who rely on us.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I admire people like Teyanna Taylor. She’s a mother, and a very hard worker. She’s always showing up. Always. I admire, Richard Christiansen, founder of Flamingo Estates, I admire what he’s built, and he’s very consistent and disciplined in his work. I admire many people in my community who’s never given up on their businesses. They never stopped working, promoting, advertising, telling thier stories, no matter how difficult it got. I admire my girlfriend Brianna, founder of Moss Medicine who always leans into her faith. Her faith, inspires mine. She reminds me to speak with abundance, life, and conviction when you speak in my desires in life. As if it’s already done. I respect that.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That staying true to yourself is the key. To never ignore that voice inside you that tells you to keep going even when the odds around you seem grim, when there’s no sales.
Movement. Always stay moving. Once you stop, you’re dead. Even if it’s a slow, or in increments, the goal is to never stop. Never stop telling your story. Ever.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.terra-tory.com
- Instagram: @terra_tory
- Linkedin: @terra_tory
- Facebook: @terratoryskincare
- Youtube: @terra_tory
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