Kaycee Messmer wanted a better life for her two daughters, so she started not one but THREE online businesses to support her family! Read our interview with the lovely Kaycee below…
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
I am disabled, stay-at-home mom of 2 girls. My children look up to me, and they are my everything. Disability is not enough to live off of, and I don’t want my children to suffer. We have struggled for so long, I don’t want my children to struggle. My girls are smart and I want them to be whatever it is they choose to be. I also want them to see that their mommy did everything she could for them and to see that I went for something, when everyone told me I could not do it, and succeeded. So they learn to never give up on their dreams!
Tell us about your business.
Well, I actually have 3 companies.
- I sell Younique makeup – which is naturally based makeup and facial products.
- Do You Bake? cooking mixes – which is all natural mixes to make your own homemade meals, breads, cakes, cookies, and even drink mixes.
- I also sell Jewelry In Candles – which is candles, body butters, tarts, and a nice little surprise piece of jewelry in which you can choose what you want, whether it’s a necklace, ring or earrings, but you never know exactly what you get.
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
Yes! The November special is the the Naughty and Nice Candle!
If you receive a Naughty candle or tart, you will find two (2) pieces of jewelry and two (2) Bonus and Grand Prize entry codes hidden inside. Enter the codes on our website and follow the steps to receive another Bonus and Grand Prize entry (a possible total of 4 Bonus and Grand Prize entries). *Jewelry pieces will include one (1) piece of your choice and one (1) surprise piece of the same type (necklace, earring, ring, or men’s jewelry).
If you receive a Nice candle or tart, you will find one (1) piece of jewelry of your choice and one (1) Instant Prize code. Enter the Instant Prize code on our website to claim your prize and follow the steps to receive one (1) additional Bonus and Grand Prize entry. Instant prizes include: free candles, tarts, rewards points, and discount coupons.
*Each Prize Code entered on our website enters you into our Grand Prize drawing for the valuable Diamond Ring, and also for additional Bonus Prizes to be awarded on January 3, 2017.
You could also win these Instant Prizes:
- Free jewelry
- Free products (candles and tarts)
- Free exclusive items (Party Candles and Tarts)
- Reward Points
- Discount coupons
Bonus Prizes you could win (awarded on January 3, 2017)
- iPads and Android Tablets
- Xbox One Gaming Consoles
- Playstation 4 Gaming Consoles
- Best Buy Gift Cards
- Target Gift Cards
- Groupon Gift Cards
- Toys-R-Us Gift Cards
- JIC Logo Merchandise
**International Winners will receive similar items of comparable value.
Where is your business based?
My businesses are done online, so I am available everywhere!
- Younique ships to the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Mexico, Germany, France, Hong Kong, and Spain.
- Do You Bake? ships to within the 48 contiguous states and within Canada, via FEDEX!
- Jewelry In Candles ships to the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
Training, and tons of reading! I read so much about online marketing, and strategies. I watched hours worth of videos, notified people of my businesses, set up my first virtual parties called “Launch Parties”, and invited everyone I knew.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
I do my business 100% online, specifically with Facebook! I am always trying to meet new people in groups, so I can expand my customer base! I also ask for my friends and followers to share some of my posts about my sales or a specific product! I also LOVE to give my customers a chance to boast about the products they love, so I am going to be giving my loyal customers a chance to post on my Facebook business pages about what they purchase – this will go into effect in November 2016! I am so excited about this new addition to my business pages!
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
So far, my biggest challenge has been getting people to trust me. Everyone on Facebook sees millions of ads per day and hear horror stories of sales reps, so a lot of people have issues with trust!
How did you overcome these challenges?
I want to make sure my customers understand that they are my number 1 priority, and I will do whatever I can to improve their experience! So I take the time out of my day to speak to them, give them 1-on-1 time, see what their interests are and what they like/need. I even have a calendar that I keep for birthdays and anniversaries and sales dates. My customers get an extra special deal or surprise from me on those days. I want them to know they are important to me and not just a “money bank”! My customers are also my friends!
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
My family keeps me motivated! My daughters are always asking me how things are and want to see how many people have been on my pages, did I get any sales, and different things like that. My husband is always asking me how it went and if I met any new people! My oldest daughter even helps me post on Facebook. They are the reason I wake up everyday, and the are my motivation!
How did you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
Well, I am the type of person who just wants to help, so what I do is that if I don’t have something my customers want, I have contacts in others companies so I can get those products for my customers. I am also planning on setting up a website, to combine everything I have available to offer and also bringing in some of my friends from other companies!
What is the best advice you have received recently?
The best advice I have received recently is, in this business, you need diamond skin. Don’t let anything anyone says bother you, or it will make you want to quit. People can be mean, just ignore it, and move on!
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Stop thinking about what other people have done, or how soon they did it! No one makes it to the top without building a solid foundation first. It may take you some time to be able to get a sale, just hold on! People need time to trust you! ALSO, find something you are passionate about, if not, you will lose interest, and your company will fail!
What is your favorite business tool or resource?
I don’t really have a favorite business tool. My calendar is the most IMPORTANT though!!
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Facebook
www.facebook.com/kaycee.askew.7
www.facebook.com/youniquelyfabulous
www.facebook.com/groups/1746818225587571
www.facebook.com/Baking-with-Kaycee-1114122031956270
www.facebook.com/Jewelry-In-Candles-with-Kaycee-1681924408790354/?skip_nax_wizard=true
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
I have not really had a lot of time to read lately, but the last book I read, was “Successful Woman Think Differently” by Valorie Burtin and “9 Habits to Make You Happier, Healthier, and More Resilient”. I LOVED it and think any woman entrepreneur should read this!
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
I am always looking for new team members to have their own website, and work from home. I am constantly learning new things for all of my businesses!
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
My goal, is to make my businesses grow, help others, and most importantly, I want to make my own website! I want to build a website, were I can sell all my stuff in one place for my customers. I also want to have other companies in there to! That way, my customers can come, and find exactly what they want, or need, in one place. I have already talked with a few friends who LOVE this idea, and can’t wait to get it going!