Hair Health and Headbands with Sabrina Storozuk
Chicks Who Give a Hoot
In this episode, we chat about: Sabrina’s background in tech Sabrina’s personal motivation for ARC disappointment with existing headbands on the market challenges in finding a headband that fit properly, stayed in place, and felt comfortable extensive R&D process involving international designers and manufacturers the use of flat-knit technology and sustainable, high-end materials ARC Headbands user impact and stories hair health & wellness connection advocacy for women’s health positioning ARC as a premium, functional, and confidence-boosting solution ...
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The Enneagram Edge with Tracy O'Malley
Chicks Who Give a Hoot
In this episode, we chat about: the energy and dynamics when two Enneagram 8s interact Tracy's personal journey, including her introduction to the Enneagram and how it helped her understand herself and others Tracy's explanation of the Enneagram as a tool for self-understanding and growth the concept of home base and moving beyond survival mechanisms Tracy’s initial resistance to the Enneagram and eventual acceptance and embrace of its teachings challenges of being a female Enneagram 8 the differences in perception and societal expectations based on gender how understanding...
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Creativity, Art, and Friendship with Charith Denson
Chicks Who Give a Hoot
In this episode, we chat about: our friendship and work history transition to working in communications and branding for small businesses and nonprofits the role of the Monastery in supporting and showcasing artists, hosting events and workshops. Charith’s experiences in Bali, Indonesia, and the impact of travel on her perspective and creativity the process of creating art that transcends visual representation to connect deeper with personal stories the importance of emotional connection in their friendship and professional dynamics the challenges and support in transitioning...
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Breaking Barriers in Media with Bernadette Marciniak
Chicks Who Give a Hoot
In this episode, we chat about: Our shared background in journalism and their differing career paths. Bernadette's journey from aspiring journalist to PR professional and then to photojournalist. Bernadette’s transition from photojournalism to creating her own business the importance of building and connecting with a network of powerful women in the media industry. challenges women face in the media industry and dealing with imposter syndrome. creating an inclusive and supportive environment for clients during photo and video shoots. the significance of language and values such...
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High Performance Habits with Alessia Citro
Chicks Who Give a Hoot
In this episode, we chat about: habits and high performance coach the Higher Self Habits Method™ framework for women rigid consistency vs. flexibility confidence and capacity difference between male and female habit formation Resources + Links: Explore Alessia’s work and offerings at Listen to her podcast, Get her bestselling book, Higher Self Habits on Connect with Alessia Instagram: Facebook: Alessia and I are co-authors—alongside 10 other incredible women—of , a kaleidoscope of raw, radiant stories from purpose-driven women entrepreneurs who chose...
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Women and Wealth Empowerment with Shalaree Lamboy
Chicks Who Give a Hoot
In this episode, we chat about: Shalaree’s personal experiences of financial instability as a child and young adult the importance of financial education and being financially aware the taboo around money and its impact on women the top questions to understand one's financial health: the role of Whole Life Insurance the benefits of financial control on spiritual, personal, and family life removing stigma around discussing financial topics Resources + Links: Learn more about Shalaree and her work at Connect with ShalareeInstagram: LinkedIn: Facebook: Shalaree and I...
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Mental Health Reform with Angie Peacock
Chicks Who Give a Hoot
In this episode, we chat about: Angie’s background in the military and her experience with overmedication issues surrounding overmedication and its impact on her life and health Angie's healing journey and her shift in understanding of mental health being featured in the documentary "Medicating Normal" and its impact on her the normalcy of trauma reactions and criticism of the mental health system. the role of situational factors in mental health and the critique of DSM-5 personalized trauma experiences and reflections on overmedication advocacy for self-reflection, personal...
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Rewiring the Mind for Success with Julie Costa
Chicks Who Give a Hoot
In this episode, we chat about: what hypnosis is—and what it isn’t myths around hypnosis what a hypnotherapy session looks like conscious vs. subconscious mind emotional impact of hypnotherapy the role of meaning and reframing the intersection of business and subconscious work client success stories Julie’s Certification Program: Anchored coaching vs mentoring getting started with subconscious work Resources + Links: Learn more about Julie Costa and her work at Join Anchored, Julie’s accredited NLP & Coaching Certification Program at Link in Bio –...
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Midwifery and Maternal Equity with Melissa Dean
Chicks Who Give a Hoot
In this episode, we chat about: Melissa's journey into the career of midwifery Melissa's credentials as a licensed midwife and integrative and functional medicine practitioner advocacy for birth justice, maternal health equity, and sustainable healthcare reform the difference between a doula and a midwife the differences in responsibilities and medical capacities the importance of home birth and birth center care emotional and physical support during and after birth high maternal mortality rate in the United States financial challenges faced by midwives and birth centers ...
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Empowering Women in Media with Carly Gilleland
Chicks Who Give a Hoot
In this episode, we chat about: Carly’s background and business the significance of video in brand storytelling and connecting with audiences the importance of Carly’s team, their backgrounds, and the collaborative culture at Good Vibe Media the challenges and opportunities for women in the male-dominated film industry the impact of female filmmakers and representation in the industry overcoming imposter syndrome and using unique perspectives to stand out the broader implications of AI in creative fields Resources + Links: Explore Carly’s video production work at...
info_outlineIn this episode, we chat about:
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Kelly's background and early career in the fragrance industry.
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The inception and mission of Kayla Gray.
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Personal challenges, including Kelly's experience with ectopic pregnancies.
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The decision to leave a corporate job and start a business.
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The role of scent in memory and emotion.
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Insights into the entrepreneurial journey, including seeking investors and scaling a business.
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The importance of authenticity and consistency in business.
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Building a community and seeking mentorship.
Resources + Links:
Shop for your next favorite scent at caylagray.com
Or visit their space at The Churchill in Downtown Phoenix located at 901 N 1st St, Phoenix, AZ
Follow Kayla Gray on Instagram | @caylagrayco
Check out Kayla Gray on TikTok | @caylagrayco
Grow your brand, income, and impact!
Learn more on our website ellyandnoracreative.com
Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative
For show notes, resources, and more, visit Chicks Who Give a Hoot
Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot
Show Notes:
In this episode of Chicks Who Give a Hoot, I welcome my dear friend Kelly Kussman, founder of the clean and transparent ingredient fragrance company, Cayla Gray. Kelly shares her journey of self-discovery that began after she suffered from a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, almost losing her life and her first baby. This pivotal moment led her to create Cayla Gray, a brand named in honor of her lost child and inspired by her deep love for the nostalgia of scent.
Kelly delves into her entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of building Cayla Gray from the ground up without external investment. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity and consistency in her business, sharing valuable insights on the power of bootstrapping. Kelly reveals how saying “No” to investors allowed her to maintain full control over her brand and stay true to her vision. Kelly also discusses the profound connection between scent and memory, and the deeply personal rituals she developed through bi-annual trips to nature that helped her and other women move through life's transitions. Her story is a testament to the resilience and creativity required to succeed in business with minimal external capital.
01:00 Meet Kelly Kussman
02:00 Kelly's Background
04:00 Founding Cayla Gray
05:24 Personal Experiences Influencing Business
10:08 The Power of Scent and Memory
12:58 Challenges of Entrepreneurship
14:18 Bootstrapping Your Business
17:50 Bringing An Investor to Your Business
21:27 The Value of Bootstrapping
30:12 Imposter Syndrome
34:35 The Big Bold Impact of the Business
37:01 Advices on Bootstrapping
38:55 Connect and Shop