Episode 93- Kelly Kussman

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.