Meet Caden Kendell

We were lucky to catch up with Caden Kendell recently and have shared our conversation below.

Caden, thank you so much for making time for us today. We’re excited to discuss a handful of topics with you, but perhaps the most important one is around decision making. The ability to make decisions is a key requirement for anyone who wants to make a difference and so we’d love to hear about how you developed your decision-making skills.

Being a Brand Builder & Operator of a small startup has pushed me to develop strong decision-making skills — mostly out of necessity. I handle everything: sourcing, testing, customer service, logistics, even vacuuming the floors. There’s no one else to pass things off to, so every decision I make matters. If something goes wrong, I feel it immediately.

Early on, I realized that relying on gut instinct alone wouldn’t cut it. I started leaning hard into data. I track what’s selling, what’s not, supplier reliability, customer feedback — all of it helps me make better choices. Whether it’s how much inventory to bring in or which product line to grow, I try to let numbers guide me as much as possible.

That’s especially true in uncertain times — like right now with tariffs and market volatility. In situations like these, data and preparation are everything. I try to look ahead, run scenarios, and make decisions that position us to adapt, even if the market shifts overnight. But the truth is, there’s always a point where the data runs out — where you just have to make the best call you can and trust your instincts. Sometimes it takes a leap of faith.

What I’ve learned is that good decision-making doesn’t mean always getting it right. It means taking ownership, learning from what didn’t work, and adjusting quickly. That’s how I’ve grown — by staying thoughtful, staying flexible, and making each decision with both the short and long term in mind.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

At Minky Designs, we are a small business focused on creating incredibly soft, luxurious blankets that are actually affordable. That balance — high quality without the high price — is what drives everything we do. I started Minky Designs because I saw a gap in the market: beautiful, cozy blankets were either overpriced or underwhelming. I wanted to change that.

What makes our brand special is how much care goes into every detail, from selecting the right fabrics to designing styles people will love year-round. And because we keep our operation lean, we’re able to offer premium quality without the premium markup.

Right now, we’re focused on expanding our custom gifting and wholesale programs — especially for small businesses who want high-impact gifts at a reasonable cost. We also have new product drops planned for later this year, just in time for the holiday season.

At the end of the day, we’re not just selling blankets — we’re offering comfort that’s accessible. That’s what makes this work so rewarding.

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?

Looking back, the three qualities that have made the biggest impact on my journey are resourcefulness, resilience, and a willingness to learn as I go.

As a small business owner, especially one doing everything solo, resourcefulness is essential. There’s rarely a clear roadmap — you have to figure things out, make decisions with limited information, and constantly solve problems. Whether it’s sourcing materials, managing cash flow, or finding creative ways to connect with customers, you learn to get scrappy and make the most of what you have.

Resilience is just as important. There are always ups and downs — slow sales months, supplier delays, unexpected costs, or just pure exhaustion. Being able to stick with it, adapt, and keep moving forward even when things don’t go as planned has been key to making progress.

And finally, being open to learning — constantly. I didn’t start out as an expert in e-commerce, branding, or supply chain logistics. But by staying curious, asking questions, testing ideas, and learning from both wins and failures, I’ve grown alongside the business.

For anyone early in their journey, my advice is this: start before you’re ready, stay flexible, and don’t be afraid to figure it out as you go. You won’t have all the answers at first — and that’s okay. The most important thing is to stay committed, keep learning, and keep going.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed — which definitely happens when you’re wearing every hat in a small business — I’ve learned to pause, prioritize, and simplify.

First, I get everything out of my head and onto paper. I make a list of all the tasks, worries, and moving parts, and then ask: What really needs to happen today? What can wait? What’s just noise? Seeing it all clearly helps me breathe a little easier.

Sometimes, when it’s really piling up, I’ll hit the gym or go on a hike — because a brisk walk and a little fresh air solve at least 60% of my problems. The other 40% usually look a lot less scary once I’ve sweat them out.

I also try to remind myself that I don’t have to do everything at once. Even small progress is progress. When you’re overwhelmed, momentum matters more than perfection.

My advice? When you feel like you’re drowning in to-dos, step back. Do one thing that brings order or calm — whether it’s crossing off a tiny task, organizing your space, or just walking away from your screen for 20 minutes. Clarity doesn’t come from doing more; it comes from giving your mind a little space to reset.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://minkydesigns.com/