As some of you may know, Kim at Studio Milk is actually the supplier of my boho dried flower candles, she’s the woman behind those beautiful creations and I knew I had to interview her to be a part of this new venture!

Studio Milk is an online home fragrance boutique, offering shoppers a range of candles, wax melts and diffusers, as well as a therapeutic range of aromatherapy salts, linen sprays and essential oil blends. There is such an extensive range of scents, with new ones always being released. Kim is a wonder woman, currently running Studio Milk solo.

Tell me a bit about you and who you are?

I am originally from Cape Town, South Africa, but I now live in Auckland with my two daughters, as well as my 2 cats and 2 dogs. I would call myself an obsessive creative, painter and all round maker - I am so grateful I have been able to turn this passion into my business, Studio Milk. 

What was it that inspired you to take the leap and start up Studio Milk?

As I said I have always been a creative person and when I got diagnosed with cancer some years ago, I decided to take a step back from my full time marketing role and pursue my dream of combining creativity and business. I haven’t looked back, I’ve loved every minute of it.

What is your favourite product of yours? I personally don’t think I could decide!

Oh great question! My favourite product is our boho candle bowls, they're a bit of fun and combine great smells with my other favourite - flowers!

 Pictured above -  Boho Bowls

Definitely have to agree with you on that, my vanilla bean one is gorgeous!  Were there any obstacles you faced when starting up your business? Positive/ negatives?

There weren't any obstacles as such, but a big learning curve is you are suddenly every role in the business, as well as making the products. Marketing, sales, accounting, web design… the list goes on. That would probably be what contributes to the only negative about being a small business owner - I work all the time and find it hard to put boundaries in place so I can have time off. In saying that, the positives are that you can choose your own hours, and get to be involved in all aspects of your business. You get to decide the look and direction, and also you get to meet so many inspiring women in business (so many talented ladies!)

Do you have any influences or inspirations - personal or business related?

I am inspired daily by a lot of women I meet in business, everyone is so unique and has a different perspective on life. I’m also inspired by my brother. School wasn’t the easiest for him but he had so much drive and determination that he built his own hugely successful business. My belief is that there is room for everyone in this world!

Definitely! How much you succeed in school is not a reflection of how well you will do once leaving. What is your proudest achievement so far?

My proudest achievement has been creating a brand that has the ability to have an affect on people's lives - in a good way. To be a part of someone's gift giving is so awesome.

What are your goals, what's the next move? 

We have outgrown our current home studio so we are currently looking at options to move into a retail space. The business has grown enormously in the past year and we are taking on new wholesale partners every week.

How exciting for you! If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?

Just do it. Start with what you have and refine and tune as you go. Secondly, invest in great photography, professional if you can afford it. When I started it was the one thing all my marketing budget went on.

Thank you so much Kim for taking the time to work with me and becoming a part of The Creator Collective!

Thank you so much Ashleigh, you have an amazing talent, I love seeing your beautiful drawings on Instagram.