Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Renee Marshall-McKinley, founder of Keep Yourself Smelling Sweet, located in Newark, NJ, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

KYSS – Keep Yourself Smelling Sweet is a handcrafted, artisanal, small-batch company founded in 2012. We specialize and offer a full line of natural and organic body care products and hair care products that include soy aromatherapy candles.

People are striving to live cleaner, healthier lives. That is where KYSS stands out by providing clean and healthy options that the entire family can use. With our products, you can pronounce the ingredients you are applying to your skin. We put good in our products with you in mind.

Tell us about yourself

I’m Renee Marshall-McKinley. I started Keep Yourself Smelling Sweet, KYSS, in 2012 part-time while working professionally in the Information Technology (IT) field for a major health insurance company.

Funny story, KYSS really began because of a soapy shower. I fell in love with handmade soap. During a shower, the idea hit me that I could make my own soap! I began to research like it was my job. It had become one. I wanted to know the science behind it, like how do you get all those bubbles and how do you make it smell sweet? I began my creative journey by mixing soap and other body goodies like body butter at home in the kitchen the artisanal way, handcrafted in small batches to maintain integrity and quality. I’m committed to providing awesome products that smell amazing and are affordable.

I believe in reach one and teach one by offering educational DIY body care workshops for people of all ages. I host Girls Night Out/In spa parties as well as offer private lessons. I participate in corporate and vendor events and local community events as a giveback.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Giving back is one of my biggest accomplishments as a business owner. I make time to give back to the community by giving my time and talents to several major and community non-profit organizations like NAWBO, LINKS, The Girl Scouts, and ETTW, to name a few. KYSS donates money, goods, and services to not-for-profit organizations, including The Newark YMCA, LUPUS Foundation, Greater Friendship Baptist Church, and many others. I also facilitate workshops across the US to encourage confidence and inspire others to learn to make and or start their own beauty care business.

As a result of my service to the community, I have received several business awards. Essence Magazine selected me as one of the Top 50 Founders to Watch, and I received a personalized thank you from former first lady, Michelle Obama.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

One of my major challenges has been time management. As a solopreneur, you are responsible for every aspect of your company, from sunup to sundown. I find myself keeping extremely long hours to chip away at my task list. I have learned to accept help from my family and friends allowing me the time I may need to create, ship, respond to customers or simply take a NAP! Get a schedule and stick to it. For example, ship on Monday, create on Tuesday-Wednesdays, etc. My time management schedule has helped me tremendously.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Start your business with a financial plan just like you plan for anything in life.
  2. Start today. Just do it. Procrastination is a dream killer.
  3. Do not be afraid to collaborate. Collaboration may lead to connections and opportunities that you may have never been able to reach on your own.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Many celebrities have enjoyed our products, such as singers Chaka Khan, Faith Evans, Emmy Award-winning makeup artist Karen Dupiche, Bed and Breakfast mogul Monique Greenwood, The Chew TV personalities, Finance Expert Tiffany Aliche aka The Budgetnista, and more, and I am so blessed and grateful.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.keepyourselfsmellingsweet.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KYSSKeepYourselfSmellingSweet/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepyourselfsmellingsweet/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kyssweet1

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.