Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Kealey.
Emily, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m originally from Kilgore. Being the youngest of three girls, my parents wanted to try something different with me. I remember 13 year old me watching the video about Hockaday and turning around to my parents asking if it was even possible that I could attend. They mentioned I would have to live at the school and not see them during the week. I knew that part would be tough, but I also knew that I was ready to jump in head first for this new opportunity. I’m so grateful I did. I boarded at Hockaday for four years and then attended Southern Methodist University where I received my BA in Corporate Communications & Public Affairs.
I had a job offer in New York but instead decided to follow my college boyfriend to Los Angeles. Scared, not knowing anyone and going to an unfamiliar city during a recession was hard. Slowly and steadily though, I got a job at small PR agency and then a really large one. I traveled with the Friskies for More Cat team taking 4-5 cats across the country and booking them on TV morning shows. I got to work on Sunkist Citrus, TurboTax, RedBull and more. Early on in my career, I knew that the consumer-packaged goods (CPG) space was my true calling.
After five years in Los Angeles, I decided to move back to Texas and chose Austin. From there, I worked at a global PR firm once again overseeing food and beverage clients. I then felt a calling. I had just met my now husband, David, and wanted to try do something in food, not just promote it. I had this crazy idea for a small ball of pie with the crust on the outside and the filling on the inside so you didn’t have to eat a whole slice of pie. I come from a family of entrepreneurs and grew up cooking with my mom and… I really love pie. With a fellow pie maker, we opened The Pie Society and brought the pie idea to life under the name Crimps – the two bites and your done bite of pie.
Well, then marriage and two beautiful girls came along and the pie business started to grind in a way that was not sustainable. I then went back into PR and eventually started my own PR firm focusing on consumer-packaged goods. I loved this time in my life. I had an amazing group of women who felt more like family than coworkers. We had this little office in a house and I looked forward every day to working with them. But, as things go, clients fall off and life happens. I had to lay everyone off and it was just me, humming along taking clients and trying to make it work.
Earlier this year I received a call that a position was open for CEO/ED of an organization that represents natural CPG products. In a nutshell, it was a dream job. I could represent hard-working entrepreneurs, continue my career in the CPG space and work with the entire Austin community and beyond!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Recently, my husband and I had to make a point here to our oldest daughter who felt like she was failing (she wasn’t). I told her “you can work the hardest you’ve ever worked in your life and do it perfectly and still fail.” Her jaw hit the floor, “that seems unfair!” Touché right? The point is, there have been plenty of struggles in my life. Running out of cash to run your business, business partner disagreements, misunderstandings, trying your best and still failing and more. I would have been so disappointed if this had been a smooth road because I wouldn’t have learned anything. Because of these challenges, the things that scared me 10 years ago don’t scare me today. There will always be struggles, it’s what you learn from them and do better next time that counts. Embrace the struggle!
Please tell us about your business.
Naturally Austin is the only collaborative community for natural CPG (consumer packaged goods) products in Austin. We’re a part of a larger network called the Naturally Network with affiliates in Boulder, San Francisco, Chicago and San Diego. We are also proud to know and work with the team at the Greater Dallas Food & Beverage Group. Naturally Austin focuses on providing education, resources and networking for anyone who is trying to build their natural consumer product. What I always say to someone who wants to sponsor Naturally Austin is that I’m proud because we have incredible members who really want to see everyone succeed. A sort of rising tide lifts all boats mentality. When you work with some of the most inspiring entrepreneurs in the city, it’s pretty easy to get out of bed every day. My job is to help our members grow their business sustainability and successfully and I take that role very seriously. I recall owning the pie business… the long nights, the big wins and sometimes even lower lows. I remember those times vividly and if there’s anything our organization can do to help them on their journey, then that’s what we’re going to do.
For example, COVID-19 impacted everyone, and our CPG community was no different. As a way to support our members we built bundles that support our members, who are local makers, during our continued social distancing efforts. You can send loved ones, customers, coworkers or a front-line worker a bundle of local products. We wanted to provide a revenue stream for our members and support our community, so we are also donating five percent of the proceeds to Keep Austin Fed.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I try to find the potential in any situation, good or bad, and remain positive under adversity. I think it’s this combination of positivity and tenacity that when someone says, “it’s too hard’ I put my hands on my hips and say “watch our team pull it off!”
Pricing:
Our current Austin Naturally Bundles that support our members and Keep Austin Fed.
- SWEETS Bundle: $55 | If you’ve got a sweet tooth this is for you!
- SNACK ATTACK Bundle: $60 | When the need to snack attacks, we’ve got you.
- ADVENTURE Bundle: $60 | For the outdoor exploration in your near future.
- AUSTIN BEVS Bundle: $65| Cool down and keep going with these beverages.
- ON-THE-GO Bundle: $85 | For when you are out and about in the wilds of Austin or beyond.
- GOOD MORNING Bundle: $95 | Get a great start to your day with Austin goodies.
- RELAX Bundle: $95 | Wind down from a tough day.
- #SELFCARE Bundle: $120 | Self-care is important now more than ever.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.naturallyaustin.org
- Email: info@naturallyaustin.
org - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturally_austin/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NaturallyAustin
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/naturally-austin/
Image Credit:
Jamie Wang
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