Meet Kiana Hughes

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kiana Hughes. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kiana, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My work ethic is deeply inspired by my late mother, LaDonna. As a single mother, she raised my brother and I with incredible dedication. Her commitment to her job at Ford Motor Company World Headquarters was unwavering; I don’t recall her ever taking a day off. Starting in the mailroom, she climbed the ranks to become a photo technician, driven by her relentless pursuit of greatness and a passion for learning. Her 32 years of service there profoundly shaped my approach to work and life.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am the proud owner of Scent Science Candle Bar, a venture I initially started to fund my travel dreams. My journey with Scent Science began in May 2019, while I was still working as a medical supervisor in dermatology, a role I held for over 21 years. My routine involved crafting candles after work hours and showcasing them at weekend pop-up events. Over four years, I’ve participated in over 100 such events, sharing my passion for candle making.

The turning point in my career came with the sudden loss of my mother. This profound loss made me realize the fleeting nature of life and propelled me to pursue my dream of full-time entrepreneurship, without leaving any room for ‘what ifs.’

After dedicating five months to renovation, I opened Scent Science Candle Bar in downtown Auburn Hills, MI, on June 5, 2023. At Scent Science, we offer more than just candles; we provide a unique, interactive experience. Here, customers can immerse themselves in the art of candle-making, creating custom candles by selecting from a wide range of scents and vessels. Our focus on quality, creativity, and customer satisfaction is unwavering. Scent Science Candle Bar is not just a store; it’s a destination for those seeking to explore and create, bringing the joy of scent creation to the heart of our community.

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, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey?

Reflecting on my journey as the owner of Scent Science Candle Bar, I believe that being a visionary, a system creator, and a leader were the three key qualities that significantly impacted my success.

Firstly, as a visionary, I always had a clear and imaginative view of what Scent Science could become. This ability to envision the future of my brand helped me steer the business in the right direction, keeping innovation and creativity at the forefront.

Secondly, my skill as a system creator played a crucial role. Developing efficient systems and processes was vital in transforming my vision into reality. This skill was particularly important in managing the complexities of candle making and running a business simultaneously, ensuring everything from production to sales operated smoothly.

Lastly, leadership has been fundamental. Leading a business, especially through its growth and development phases, requires a strong sense of direction and the ability to inspire and motivate others. My leadership skills helped me build a cohesive team, foster a positive work environment, and guide Scent Science Candle Bar towards its goals.

These qualities have not only shaped the trajectory of my business but also defined my personal growth as an entrepreneur.

What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1. Cultivating Visionary Thinking: Start with your passion and let it guide your vision. Just as your love for travel and candle making sparked the idea for Scent Science, find what excites you. Encourage yourself to dream big and imagine the possibilities. Stay open to inspiration and continuously adapt your vision based on your experiences and learnings.

2. Developing System Creation Skills: The key is to start small and focus on efficiency. Begin by streamlining your daily tasks, just as you managed candle making alongside your full-time job. Learn to identify processes that can be optimized and don’t hesitate to innovate or adopt new technologies. Embrace trial and error, as it will lead you to create systems that are both effective and adaptable.

3. Enhancing Leadership Abilities: Leadership is not just about guiding others but also about self-leadership. Reflect on your journey, where you took the leap into full-time entrepreneurship driven by personal loss and realization. Understand your strengths and weaknesses, and be open to feedback. Build a support network, engage with mentors, and learn from other leaders. Remember, great leaders are also great learners.

For those at the beginning of their entrepreneurial journey, remember that these qualities develop over time and through experience. Be patient with yourself, stay committed to your goals, and learn from every step of your journey, just as I did with Scent Science Candle Bar.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I find myself feeling overwhelmed, my first step is to take a break. It’s essential to step back and get some space to clear my head. I’ve learned that making decisions while emotional can cloud judgment and lead to choices that might not be the best in the long run.

Most importantly, I prioritize self-care. Taking care of my physical and mental well-being is not just beneficial for me personally but also impacts my ability to run my business effectively. Whether it’s a short walk, a moment of meditation, or just some quiet time, these small acts of self-care can make a big difference.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember to step back, reassess, and give yourself the kindness and patience you deserve. You’re doing better than you think.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Dee Hues Photography

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