We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kourtney Perry. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kourtney below.
Hi Kourtney, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
Navigating the business world as a woman, and particularly as a black entrepreneur, can be daunting, especially when you find yourself in rooms where you’re the only one who looks like you. I distinctly recall the initial unease I felt when I began networking for my business. Every event seemed to magnify the feeling of being under scrutiny. Stepping out of one’s comfort zone is never simple, but it’s essential for establishing the connections and clientele necessary for success. It took time before I grew accustomed to being the sole black woman in these settings, but persistence was key. I refused to let fear of judgment deter me; instead, I consistently showed up.
Several key strategies proved crucial to my effectiveness in these environments. Firstly, entering with a clear plan in mind was paramount. Additionally, finding my voice and actively participating in discussions was essential. Equally important was identifying a support system—having a trusted friend or colleague accompany me to these events provided not only comfort but also a valuable sounding board for ideas.
In my journey, I discovered a plethora of networking opportunities hosted by various organizations, from chambers of commerce to nonprofits and community leaders. Starting with free events allowed me to allocate resources more effectively once I began investing in paid gatherings. Thorough research beforehand—examining the event’s mission, previous attendees, and goals—enabled me to strategize whom to connect with and what conversations to initiate. Setting specific goals for each interaction, whether it was exchanging contact information, seeking feedback, or arranging future meetings, shifted my focus from standing out as the lone black woman to advancing my business objectives.
Ultimately, despite the initial intimidation, I approached every room with confidence, embracing my identity and leveraging my unique perspective as an asset. By doing so, I transformed the experience of being a minority into an opportunity for empowerment and meaningful connections.
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?
Greetings! I’m Kourtney Perry, the proud CEO and Founder of Ladie Lex Scented Candles, LLC. I am the mother of one beautiful daughter, Journee. She is the light of my life. I am a Des Moines, Iowa native and surrounded by a supportive village that shaped me into the woman I am today. Raised as the youngest member on both sides of my family, I’ve always harbored a drive to lead. My entrepreneurial journey is fueled by a passion for creativity and a desire to build an empire.
In March 2020, amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, I faced a pivotal moment when I was laid off from my Sales Manager position. Despite this setback, I was already deeply engaged in my second venture, Privacy, LLC, a business focused on event planning and brand management, founded in 2018. With Privacy, I aimed to create memorable, uplifting experiences for people to come together and celebrate life’s moments. I was hosting an annual event to support other local small business owners and uplift young children to build self confidence while getting a better education.
However, the pandemic forced a halt to event planning operations in May 2020, leaving me with loss of income and the need to adapt. It was during this time that I found myself drawn to the idea of candle-making, suggested by my sister as a potential pivot that aligned with my passion for crafting atmospheres of comfort and peace.
I began my journey into the world of candle making—a period marked by extensive research, experimentation with blending recipes, and the joy of discovery. I soon realized the profound impact that a simple candle could have on mental well-being, particularly in combating anxiety, depression, and stress. At the time I knew people who suffered from these issues and provided them with samples to test out the products to assure they worked.
Driven by a desire to offer a holistic approach to self-care, I founded Ladie Lex Scented Candles, drawing on my middle name, Alexis, and the support of my daughter, Journee. Crafting each candle became a deeply fulfilling endeavor, as I witnessed firsthand the comfort and solace it brought to others’ lives.
Today, my lab is where the magic happens, as I passionately produce hundreds of candles, each one tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of my customers. Our goal for 2024, is to continue to reach more customers that are in need of a holistic way to manage their self care needs and offer mass production to clients around the world. I have partnered with non-profit organizations, large corporations, and small business owners such as Principal Financial Group, Ruan, NCMIC, Watpad, Black Women 4 Healthy Living, Iowa Juneteenth Observance, Hip Hope Inc., LadyLike Empowerment, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated Iota Zeta Omega Chapter, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. I am currently working on signature products for Girl Scouts of Iowa and Broadlawns Medical Center. It’s a joy to collaborate with individuals, transforming their favorite scents into custom fragrances that enrich their homes and lives.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
In the journey of building a brand and navigating entrepreneurship, every step offers valuable lessons that shape your path forward. Reflecting on my own experiences, here are my top three that have been instrumental in my success. First and foremost is determination. I’ve always believed that if I want something, I need to actively pursue it. Success rarely falls into one’s lap; it requires unwavering faith, patience, and a refusal to give up. I’ve learned that perseverance is essential in overcoming obstacles and achieving goals.
Next, networking has been invaluable. I make it a point to attend various events and support others in their endeavors. This commitment to stepping out of my comfort zone has led to countless valuable connections. As I was told in my childhood, you never know until you try. Building relationships across different spaces opens doors to new opportunities and collaborations.
Lastly, leadership is essential. Whether it’s offering support and mentorship to others or fostering genuine relationships with clients, being a leader means uplifting those around you. I prioritize building strong connections and providing a positive, uplifting experience for everyone I work with. Seeking out opportunities to contribute to teams, volunteer, or lead initiatives not only benefits others but also propels personal growth and success.
Additionally, finding a mentor and participating in advancement classes has been crucial to my development. Programs like the One Million Black Women: Black in Business, Breaking Barriers Black Entrepreneur Bunkers Lab Series, and the Walkers Legacy Prospectus Procurement Accelerator cohort have provided invaluable insights and knowledge. There’s a wealth of resources available to support small businesses, and tapping into these resources can significantly impact your journey toward success.
Determination, networking, and leadership are foundational pillars for any aspiring entrepreneur. Coupled with the guidance of mentors and access to educational programs, these qualities can empower individuals to overcome challenges and thrive in the world of small business.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Absolutely! Collaboration is at the heart of what we do at Ladie Lex, and we’re always thrilled to embark on exciting joint ventures. Our range of offerings provides numerous avenues for creating magic together, whether through fundraising initiatives, donations of self-care baskets, engaging candle-making workshops, or wholesale opportunities. With our expanded product line featuring candles, wax melts, room sprays, and lotions—all infused with The Best Aromatherapy—we ensure that each item delivers benefits that resonate with your audience, whether they seek a delightful scent or a soothing self-care routine. Our signature scent blending service presents an ideal option for enhancing any brand, and we’re actively seeking partnerships with professionals such as therapists, massage therapists, chiropractors, retail shops, hotels, and corporate sponsors who provide event swag.
The versatility of our products allows for diverse applications, from fostering team building and celebrating birthdays to facilitating educational workshops. Whatever your vision, we’re committed to bringing it to life in the most impactful way possible.
In addition to our collaborative endeavors, I’m also a self-published author. In April 2023, I released “Be Your Authentic Self Care Workbook,” a comprehensive guide designed to kickstart your self-care journey with a focus on both personal and professional growth. Tailored for individuals of all ages and genders, this workbook covers essential topics such as prioritizing health, cultivating a positive environment, and achieving work-life balance. It serves as a foundational tool to inspire individuals to embark on a journey toward self-improvement and holistic well-being.
I’m presently engaged in developing a curriculum tailored for workshops aimed at middle and high school students, addressing the emotional challenges they face in today’s digital age. Recognizing the need for a holistic approach beyond the traditional educational framework, these workshops provide a natural avenue for students to navigate the impacts of technology on their lives. Additionally, the workshops extend to employees experiencing stress in the workplace, fostering a supportive environment conducive to managing diverse personalities and life stages. Our aim is to equip individuals with essential skills to navigate emotional challenges and promote a healthier, more harmonious environment both in and out of the classroom or workplace.
Contact Info:
- Website: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/ladielexcandles
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ladielexcandles/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kourtneyperry/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ladie-lex-scented-candles-des-moines?osq=Candle+Stores
- Other: Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@ladielexcandles?_t=8gx6nQUWyMA&_r=1
