1. House of Harlow Sunnies 2. iphone 3. Abas Wallet 4. ipad mini and square reader 5. Lipsticks 6. Kleenex 7. Lily Kai business cards 8. L’Occitante Verbena Lotion
What’s your biggest accomplishment? My biggest accomplishment was stepping out on faith and launching Lily Kai. It is a scary thing to work for yourself because there is no guarantee that money will come in but I’m still here pushing forward.
What are three books you would recommend to our readers? To be completely honest my schedule doesn’t allow for much reading time. Instead I read a lot of blogs, articles and forms on the Internet.
What’s the biggest lesson you have learned since launching? I learned never ever get comfortable. I have to always be ready to make the necessary changes needed to make my business better.
What’s your advice to someone interested in starting their own business? Treat you business like a fortune 500 company. If you treat it small it will be small. Your site, product, marketing materials etc. have to represent a business not a hobby. You want people to take you serious and that depends on how serious you treat your business.
Kristen’s YSL Muse bag
Where do you receive inspiration? I draw inspiration from the current fashion trends. I want our customers to look to Lily Kai for unique vintage pieces that are on trend. I also look to other businesses, both big and small, that I admire. I also look to the circle of people that surround me. These are the people who send me an encourage text, pass on business information and constantly support me no matter what.
If you could have one famous entrepreneur as your mentor who would it be? Without a doubt it would be June Ambrose. I admire her work ethic so much and how she is seemingly able to balance her career and family.
Do you feel your life is balanced between work life + personal life? Wow, this is something that I struggle with daily. I will admit that I am getting better but it’s so difficult because my first priority is my family. It’s hard to concentrate if that side of my life isn’t taken care of. The blessing is that I have an amazing husband that pushes for my dreams for Lily Kai and Style with Kristen Kai just as much as I do. Our teamwork makes it easier to maintain a healthy work + life balance.
Soundbytes:
What is your most indispensable gadget: iphone
What’s your favorite app? Mint
What’s your Favorite account to follow on Twitter: @bevysmith
What’s your favorite item in your closet: Vintage Sequin Jacket
You can learn more about Kristen of Lily Kai on her site, and you can follow her on Twitter. She has an amazing eye for vintage, and you will be smitten with her blog. Tell her I sent you!
