The story of today brings us to Nashville, in the U.S. state of Tennessee. Autumn, a self-made entrepreneur and founder of The Kind Poppy, discloses the catalyser and shares how was the journey of moving from a state of blockage, to achieving her dream of becoming a business owner. A source of inspiration for aspiring and early entrepreneurs!
MEET AUTUMN!
My name is Autumn Grant and I'm the owner and founder of The Kind Poppy. We are a small yet world famous brand, proudly located in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee. I'm a licensed cosmetologist with a pursued degree in cosmetology sciences. I'm twenty-seven years old with a birthday quickly approaching. My lovely husband and I have been married for five years. Currently, we don't have children but we have two rescue dogs that are spoiled rotten! I enjoy "veganizing" common recipes and dream of opening a fully vegan restaurant. I love long walks down Trader Joe's aisles and sipping my favorite red wine.
THE STORY
What were you looking for in life?
My husband received a job offer shortly after graduating college, in 2015. We moved to Nashville, Tennessee and started our new life in the south. I couldn't practice cosmetology, in Tennessee, until my Illinois licensing paperwork was transferred. I always wanted to start my own business but I had no idea what the future would bring.
What was stopping you from achieving it?
I was stuck! I had my hopes and dreams written down on my vision board, but didn't have the drive to complete them. Honestly, I was stuck in my mundane life. It wasn't until my father got suddenly ill that I decided to shift my perspective on life. I had this reoccurring thought that I was too small to create change. That is a lie! We all have endless potential to create change.
Which was the trigger for the change?
My father (Poppy) became incredibly ill, in 2017. I started making and selling bath bombs as a medical fundraiser. I'm an only child and I felt incredibly helpless being away from my family. Being able to contribute financially made me feel productive. I realized that I had the opportunity to change the cosmetic industry. I wanted to create products that were vegan, cruelty-free, environmentally friendly, and affordable. I wanted to make the world a kinder place!
How was your journey? What did you put in action?
At first, I started making bath bombs in our two bedroom apartment. I was featured in subscription boxes, department stores, and became one of the top shops on Etsy. I quickly grew out of that apartment to a warehouse and now a storefront. My small dream quickly became an enterprise for my family. I never gave up on my dream and I never gave up on myself. Starting a company can be a lonely and agonizing road, but if you are persistent enough others will soon celebrate in your success. People thought I was crazy! Those same people now support and celebrate my wins. I encourage other entrepreneurs to keep moving forward!
How do you think your life would be now if you had continued in the same direction?
I hate that my father got sick, but that situation created a change in my families life. I will always look for the silver lining. I wouldn't be in my storefront today! I wouldn't be socializing with our amazing social media community, donating to national charities, or befriending top philanthropic celebrities. I think I would've still been that small girl with big dreams, but stuck.
How is your life today?
My life today is vastly different! My father is our miracle and he helps me deliver large orders, all over the country. We have been featured in top magazines, blogs, and have even been featured on TV. I get to support my family and make the world a better place. Our online store has grown dramatically and we now ship all over the world. My next goal is to buy my parents a house, in Tennessee, and donate a million dollars to charity.
What would you say to someone reading your story?
I would like to encourage people to be authentic and persistent. I'm a small town girl, from Southern Illinois, who had big dreams of breaking the mold. My journey has not been easy! In 2020, our storefront was hit by the Nashville tornado and then hit by COVID-19. There were so many times I thought about throwing in the towel - but I changed my strategy and worked harder. If you continue to grow and change your strategy you can face even the toughest of days! You are never too small to create change. You are worthy. You are of value. You are able to succeed!
THE FAVOURITES
Which are your top 3 inspiring books?
To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee. This is such a classic book for the stance of injustice and inclusivity. I always admired Atticus Finch, although he was a fiction character, and wanted to be a world changer and to stand up for what is right.
Get it in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States, France, Germany, Italy, Spain.Girl, Wash Your Face, by Rachel Hollis. This was the way I discovered this upbeat power mogul. I've since read all of her books and I always feel empowered and inspired by her. I want to become that for someone else. I love Rachel Hollis.
Get it in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States, France, Germany, Italy, Spain.The Chronicles of Narnia, by C.S. Lewis. I love any C.S Lewis book. They remind me of my childhood. I believe C.S. Lewis was very ahead of his time.
Get it in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States, France, Germany, Italy, Spain.
Which are your top 3 inspiring movies, series or documentaries?
The Harry Potter series. I know that so many people rave about Harry Potter, but I wasn't allowed to watch it as a kid. I didn't discover the wizarding world of Harry Potter until college. I adore the movie series so much, and Hufflepuff's are way underrated!
Forks Over Knives. This is my favorite documentary. This documentary inspired my transition to a plant-based lifestyle. I firmly believe this lifestyle has spared my health and has turned me into a more eco-conscious human being.
The Lion King. The Lion King is special to me because it's a movie my father and I watched on repeat. I always think of my dad when I see lions, and it's a classic.
Which are your top 3 favourite songs?
Iris, by GooGoo Dolls. It is one of my favourite songs ever! It reminds me of growing up in the 90's and it's forever a classic.
Thriller, by Michael Jackson. I loved watching the Thriller music video growing up. I was a dancer and I had the routine memorized. I still know every move, but I'm not as limber anymore - ha!
Celebration, by Kool & The Gang. I would go on many road trips with my mother and my aunt. They both were into 70's disco music and we would blare KC & The Sunshine Band, Sean Cassidy, and of course Kool & The Gang. I love this song because it reminds me of precious times with my loved ones. My aunt sadly passed away and I always light up hearing, Celebration playing.
Which is your most inspiring quote?
Do what you feel in your heart to be right - for you'll be criticized anyway, by Eleanor Roosevelt. No matter what you do in life, whether business or personnel, someone will always have something to criticize. It reminds me to do what I believe is right for my life. It's a quote that I never grow out of.
Tell us about your own favourite picture!
My favourite picture is that one, of my father. In that moment we had just delivered my first subscription box order (4,000 bath bombs) and it was after his six month hospital stay. It reminds me that there is always hope just along the horizon.
|
|