We were lucky to catch up with Kirrston Mclendon recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kirrston, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Some ways I have learned to be effective/successful when I am the only one in the room that looks like me are self-belief and carrying myself with confidence. I firmly believe in my abilities and the value I bring to the table. This self-assuredness helps me navigate situations where I might be the only one who looks like me.
Faith and spiritual grounding, knowing that I am a woman of God provides me with strength and assurance. My faith reinforces my sense of purpose and gives me the resilience to face challenges with grace.
Self-worth and value recognition has been crucial during my entrepreneurial journey. I am deeply aware of my worth. This understanding ensures that I never doubt my place in any room, regardless of the surrounding environment. Brand confidence, believing in my brand and products is fundamental. This conviction not only fuels my passion but also helps me to present my business with authenticity and enthusiasm, which resonates with others.
Presentation, class, style, carrying and dressing myself with class is another key aspect. Dress and carry yourself in a manner that makes you feel empowered and confident. I believe that how you present yourself can significantly impact how others perceive you. Know who you are and embrace it fully. Your unique perspective is a strength, not a weakness. Know that you deserve to be in any room you find yourself in.
By integrating these strategies, you can be effective and successful, even when you find yourself in spaces where you might be the only one who looks like you. Confidence, faith, self-worth, belief in your brand, and classy presentation are powerful tools that can help you navigate and excel in any environment.
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?
I was born and raised in Louisiana, a place renowned for its rich culinary heritage. From a young age, I was immersed in the world of cooking, thanks to my grandmother who taught me the art and joy of creating delicious meals. This upbringing instilled in me a deep love for food and flavors, particularly the bold and vibrant tastes of Creole cuisine. My Business is Kirrston’s Kollections. I founded K’s Kreole, a specialty Creole seasoning blend made with pink Himalayan salt, in my home kitchen. The journey began with a passion for sharing the unique flavors of Louisiana with a wider audience. K’s Kreole seasoning is a testament to my roots and my commitment to quality, crafted to bring the authentic taste of Creole cuisine to any dish.
In addition to the seasoning, I also developed natural perfume oils made with essential oils. My interest in these oils stems from a desire to lead a more natural lifestyle. I have always enjoyed using essential oils for their aromatherapeutic properties and their ability to promote healing and well-being for myself and my children. Like many businesses, Kirrston’s Kollections has faced challenges, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Inflation has significantly increased the cost of producing my products by fifty percent, prompting me to find innovative ways to adapt and pivot. Despite these hurdles, my dedication to delivering high-quality products remains unwavering.
What’s special about Kirrston’s Kollections is the authenticity and care put into every product. The Creole seasoning blend is not just a spice mix; it’s a piece of my heritage, a flavor that encapsulates the essence of Louisiana cooking. Using pink Himalayan salt adds a unique and health-conscious twist to traditional Creole flavors. Similarly, my natural perfume oils are crafted with love and a deep understanding of the benefits of essential oils. They offer a natural and holistic alternative to conventional perfumes, aligning with a lifestyle that values well-being and natural beauty.
I am currently working on expanding K’s Kreole seasoning to other parts of the country. It’s an exciting time as I explore new markets and share the flavors of Louisiana with a broader audience. Additionally, I am in the process of partnering with wellness centers and spas to introduce my natural perfume oils. This expansion aims to bring the therapeutic benefits of essential oils to more people, enhancing their wellness journeys.
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?
Being tenacious has been crucial in my entrepreneurial journey. Starting a business from scratch, especially during challenging times, requires a relentless pursuit of goals despite setbacks and obstacles. Relentlessness has driven me to keep going, even when the odds were stacked against me. It’s about consistently working towards your goals and not giving up, no matter how tough things get. Ambition has been the fuel behind my drive to grow and expand K’s Kreole. It has pushed me to dream big and strive for more, even when the path forward wasn’t always clear.
For those starting their journey, it’s essential to stay committed to your vision. There will be challenges, but tenacity will help you push through. Cultivate a mindset that views setbacks as learning opportunities rather than failures. To develop this quality, focus on your passion and purpose. When you truly believe in what you’re doing, it’s easier to maintain relentless effort. Set clear, achievable goals and celebrate small wins along the way to keep your momentum going. For those early in their journey, harness your ambition by setting long-term goals and breaking them down into manageable steps. Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage your growth. Remember, ambition coupled with action can lead to incredible achievements.
Working from the heart and being your authentic self are fundamental. Your unique talents and passions are your greatest assets. Embrace them fully and let them guide your path. Authenticity not only makes your journey more fulfilling but also resonates deeply with others, creating genuine connections and support.
Utilize your talents: Identify and leverage your God-given talents. These innate abilities will make your journey more enjoyable and less arduous. When you align your work with your strengths, you’ll find it easier to overcome challenges and achieve success.
By focusing on tenacity, relentlessness, and ambition, and by staying true to your authentic self, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the ups and downs of your entrepreneurial journey. Keep pushing forward, and remember that every step you take is a step closer to your goals.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
The number one challenge I am currently facing with Kirrston’s Kollections is navigating the increased production costs due to inflation. This surge in costs has significantly impacted my profit margins, making it essential to find effective ways to pivot and adapt. To overcome this challenge I am actively negotiating with suppliers to secure better rates or explore alternative sources for raw materials without compromising on quality. I am re-evaluating pricing. I’m carefully reviewing my pricing strategy to ensure it reflects the increased production costs while still being competitive and fair to my customers, emphasizing the unique qualities and benefits of my products to justify any necessary price adjustments to my customers, forming new partnerships by expanding my market reach by partnering with wellness centers and spas for my perfume oils to create additional revenue streams, exploring new markets across the country for my Creole spices to increase sales volume and mitigate the impact of higher costs, continuing to have transparent communication by keeping my customers informed about the reasons behind any price changes and the value they continue to receive.
While inflation and increased production costs present a significant challenge, these strategies are helping me navigate this difficult period. By focusing on cost management, efficiency, and customer engagement, I aim to maintain the quality and integrity of Kirrston’s Kollections while ensuring the business remains viable and profitable. Adaptability and proactive planning are key to overcoming this hurdle and continuing to grow the business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kirrstonskollections.com
- Instagram: @kskreole
- Facebook: kirrston’s kollections LLC
- Other: tik tok: kskreole
Image Credits
Jocias Pitre
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
