Welcome to Episode 89 of the Indie Business Podcast! Today's Indie Story introduces you to Lakisha McMillian of Simply Unique, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Not only is Lakisha leading her business, but she also works full-time and is earning her master's degree. You'll enjoy learning about how Lakisha organizes her time for maximum efficiency using a basic notebook and pen and paper.







You'll also be inspired (and maybe even a little bit convicted personally) by Lakisha's superbly proactive attitude, which is so important for all Makers and entrepreneurs from all walks of life to embrace. Lakisha's get-up-and-go mindset will motivate you to leave it all on the field when it comes to pursuing your goals. As Lakisha says, “If you don't know how to do it, figure out how to do it, and then go out and do it!” Enjoy my interview with Lakisha NOW!



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Episode Show Notes



Here are the topics discussed in this episode, with time stamps to help you find the information that interests you most:



* Lakisha's journey to calling North Carolina home. (starting at 2:45)* How Simply Unique got started, its growth and purpose. (starting at 3:45)* How Lakisha juggles full-time work, grad school, and Simply Unique. (starting at 5:50)* How Lakisha turned a forgotten craft project into a thriving business, and important steps. (starting at 8:04)* Lakisha shares her process for keeping her scents fresh and interesting, and her line expansion. (starting at 12:37)* About Simply Unique's product development and research. (starting at 14:30)* How Lakisha handles powering through meltdowns. (starting at 17:16)* Lakisha's tips on doing shows and markets (starting at 19:57)* How Simply Unique focuses on the unique. (starting at 21:44)* Lakisha's talks about her vision for the future of Simply Unique. (starting at 29:22)* Words of advice for entrepreneurs getting started. (starting at 33:52)* The brilliance of Lakisha's live, sphere-expanding Scentful Sundays events on Instagram. (starting at 35:50)



















Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode



In this episode, Lakisha and I mentioned the following resources.



* Simply Unique website* Simply Unique on Instagram* A plethora of planners at Michael's* Candle supply at Lone Star Candle Co.* Timber Ridge Gifts on Youtube* Standley Handcrafted on Youtube* Indie Business Insurance



Important entrepreneurial insights from Lakisha



Let's unpack some of the most significant business insights Lakisha and I discussed in this episode.



1. Write it down



As a busy entrepreneur, full-time employee, and student, Lakisha has to be extra careful about how she manages her time. She says that writing things down is one of the keys to her progress.