VisionPassionFaith
Updated: Jan 21
Enjoying the Process
I believe that love and gratitude are the two most powerful forces in the universe. And this is indeed true within business and entrepreneurship.
The amount of wisdom accumulated along the entrepreneurial road is invaluable. Entrepreneurs and Artists embrace the entire journey, and are the most "on track" when they enjoy the process.
My third interview in my "Entrepreneurs and Artists: Like Fine Wine" series is with Karen Kampfl, Founder of Soul Spark Candles. Made in San Diego, Karen created Soul Spark Candles to spread a little love and gratitude wherever the candles are burned. Hope you enjoy this interview, as much as I did!
Me: Your vision and mission is spreading love and gratitude. Where did this vision emerge from?
Karen: Back in 2016, I felt a shift going on here. People being in a hurry and only caring about themselves. There seemed to be a loss of camaraderie, and I wanted to do something to kind of spread positivity in my little circle and see where it would go. Around that time, my best friend was doing a class on affirmation writing. I wanted to support her in this, and took her class.
During this same time, I was selling gifts and many of my clients were asking about candles and I did not sell candles. One of my friend's boyfriend had thirty plus years of knowledge in the candle business, and I asked if he would help me. He was instrumental in this, and the company has grown organically since then.
My Takeaway:
I am a big believer in intentions, clarity of intentions, and purity of intentions. When we are clear in our intentions, the universe does seem to deliver people, clues, creative ideas and insights. Being present and taking one step at a time is important. Karen's story is an example of how this does indeed work. Life does seem to unfold in beautiful and amazing ways, when we are aware, present, clear, and pure in our intentions.
Me: How did you come up with the idea for the affirmations, crystals, as well as the amazing and luscious fragrances for each candle? and the amazing packaging?
Karen: I literally came up with the affirmations and names for the candles in an hour or so. I wrote it all down in my notebook, and the start of it was very clear to me. It all came together naturally and organically. In one week, I had the entire business handwritten.
My Takeaway:
Most of the best entrepreneurial ideas start on a napkin, or in a matter of a few hours. Big elaborate business plans and "decks," which many labor with and talk about, in my opinion, do not bear the same "fruits" as the ones that start out simple, organic, and in the flow.
Me: So many entrepreneurs start out with a clear vision and along the way get "distracted." Much of this "distraction" comes from others who are giving them ideas, suggestions, ways to "improve" and to "grow" their entrepreneurial endeavors, etc...
Some entrepreneurs stay true and focused on their core vision and others start listening to others, who most of the time have no clue about any of the "unsolicited advice" they are spewing. How do you stay so true to your vision and not get distracted?
Karen: I never deviate. I don't follow any other candle brands. I don't want any distractions. This is way more than a 'candle business.' I sell a lot of my Healing Candles. Lots of people are going through so much. I hear so many stories from others, and I know I am on the right track. I am clear on my vision, and I am not in this to 'chase the money.'
My Takeaway:
Karen is so spot on! Do not deviate! I find it so odd how there is so much "unsolicited advice" that others want to give entrepreneurs and artists. One of my mottos, which I mentioned in a previous interview –
"never despise small beginnings." As long as we are moving forward and taking steps which are aligned with our unique vision; clear and pure in our intentions, we are on the right track on our journey.
Me: I know your "Confidence" scent is one of your favorites, mine as well. There is an amazing quote by Marie Curie on confidence:
"Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and, above all, confidence in ourselves. We must believe we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained." - Marie Curie
Want to chat a bit about confidence and perseverance?
Karen: One needs to stand for something! Whether starting a business, pursuing a career, etc... one needs to have a clear vision or one will get sidetracked. I sell a lot of the Confidence Candles to those between the ages of 15-35 years old.
Me: This is great! Leading up to my next question!! What advice would you then give younger women, specifically, who are just starting out in their careers and entrepreneurial endeavors? Many get a bit "bummed" when they have a challenge or bump up against a "struggle."
Karen: As I have gotten older, I have learned to not fight against the flow. When I fight against the flow, it ends up hurting me. The best things just come. If I allow them to come to me, and I am not 'chasing' the next big thing, I am good. The gut is never wrong. When there are times I work against it, I end up in a '"wrong" place. Trust yourself and it is so important to believe in what is right for you.
My Takeaway:
Don't get side tracked! Go with the flow! Flow and Resonance are two of my favorite words! One of my favorite sayings is "Don't Push the River." As Karen shares, allow things to come, as these things are usually (if not always) the best things and meant for you! The older we get, the more we understand this, on a deeper and deeper level, as we have acquired the evidence and the life experience to know this to be true.
Me: Do you have any non-negotiables and/or core values that you remain steadfast to?
Karen: Live and Let Live! Everyone is entitled to be who they are. As long as people are not impacting me and affecting me, I say "live and let live."
My Takeaway:
Live and Let Live!! One of life's great mottos for sure!
Me: Last question is on introverts. The last couple of women that I interviewed are introverts. I know you are most likely extrovert? What are your thoughts on the introvert/ extrovert scale, as it pertains to entrepreneurs and artists?
Karen: Oh no, I am definitely an introvert. I am the closet introvert and very shy. I am a very deep thinker. I am really a homebody, and an introvert deep down. I am only an extrovert with my business.
My Takeaway:
This is the great last question, as well as insights, possibly for many. I really thought Karen was an extrovert, though she is so similar to me, this does make sense. This may possibly be why others think that I am an extrovert, for many of the same reasons I thought Karen was. It is clear from all three interviews in this series, the 'Triple Threat' in the Entrepreneurial/Artist categories: shy, deep, and introverted!
Me: Lastly, any good podcasts that you listen to?
Karen: How I Built This with Guy Raz. Also, Mayim Bialik Breakdown.
Me: Thanks for the recommendations! I listened a while back to a great episode on Mayim's podcast with Michael Singer, the author of The Untethered Soul, and The Surrender Experiment. I will post the link for that, as well as the general links for both Guy and Mayim's podcasts. Thank you!
Mayim Bialik Breakdown:
https://www.bialikbreakdown.com/
How I Built This with Guy Raz:
https://www.guyraz.com/#podcasts
Mayim Bialik with Michael Singer:
https://mayim.simplecast.com/episodes/michael-singer-let-go-of-yourself-and-surrender-to-life-QhJ75Bkd
My Final Takeaway:
As mentioned in my last interview, the amount of time and life force energy it takes to forge a path unique to one's own vision, is in my option, one of the great adventures of life. Being true to yourself, your intuition, your vision, as well as being self aware, present, and curious, do meet with invaluable rewards, most of which are quite intangible!
I want to thank Karen so much for this interview! What an amazing example of someone who continues to stay true to her vision, mission, as well as living in the flow, sharing love, and spreading gratitude!
For more information on Karen and Soul Spark, please visit:
https://soulsparkcandles.com/
