We had the good fortune of connecting with Katrina Allen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katrina, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Two years ago the world experienced an unexpected pandemic. During this time of isolation, I begin to really think about next steps in my own personal life. I had several ideas on the direction I wanted to take but I knew I needed a plan. At the time, my job had fully transition to a work from home position and I wanted to take full advantage of the extra time I had since I no longer had to commute to the office. I started to write down all my ideas and set deadlines to complete next steps. I would spend my early mornings researching how to start a business and my evenings developing my ideas. After a month of consistency………365 Decor was created in July 2020!

The thought process behind starting my own business was building my own path, starting a foundation for my dreams and creating legacy. I have always considered myself a visionary. The many aspects of business gives me the opportunity to fully display my passion to the world.

I started this business with a vision of many different directions. I’ve worked in corporate since I was 18 years old, starting off in the non-profit industry. Every job that I have ever worked has developed a different professional skill set that is helping me to transfer those skills into my business platform.

In the corporate world, I was missing many aspects that always gave me perspective on how I would run my company. There were details that I would foresee such as providing essentials for my future staff and professional development opportunities that my team could always use in their professional careers. Also, creating diversity in the workplace and flexibility with families always in mind.

When strategizing the foundation of 365 Decor- there were divisions of the business that I knew would be the foundation to great success. With my brand, I have combined my passion, hard work and consistency to develop the world’s favorite candle and more to come in the future!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
365 Decor is a Curated + Created home decor brand with luxury life design!

Our candles are made in small batches with perfectly fragrant ingredients to formulate the worlds new favorite candle. Our candles are handcrafted in Georgia with a mixture of passion, art and cultivating new traditions.

The most intricate details of our business that sets us apart is that we thrive on experience. Every detail of the business to the decor for a pop-up shop, to the wax seal on a candle tins all come together to provide an experience for our customer.

The most exciting aspect of business is to see the evolution of your thoughts coming together and other people in love with your vision. I remember sketching out my logo ideas when I finally settled on the brand name. I would write out any detail that came to mind even if I didn’t have completed thoughts. I would put it in a reserved thinking tank and come back to it at a later time and develop the idea. Today, those ideas have transitioned into products and have traveled to 15 states and growing. I am proud of pushing myself pass the fear and living in my vision.

Some of the challenges that I have experienced in business for me is resources. I am the first generation Entrepreneur of my family and a black woman in business. I spend a lot of my time dedicating my efforts into educating myself, researching products, and working on scaling my business to the next level. I often times try to navigate the unknown and as a result make many mistakes. The best part about mistakes is that you have the opportunity to grow pass them and also develop new strategies in the process. This business has taught me that there is no easy route to success. Im confident in whichever journey the business takes me in the process. I believe it can only help me to grow as an individual and professionally.

If I could describe our business I would say Energetic, Effortless and Empowered! These words carry much volume in the foundation of our business now and for years to come in the future!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my bestie is visiting ATL, I’m creating an experience for them because Atlanta is full of culture, arts, and history.

I have the best itinerary with my favorite spots in the city.

Monday- Home cooked breakfast, visiting the birthplace of Martin Luther King, JR and a trip to the World of Coca- Cola and Lunch at Papis!

Tuesday- Lets have a day of adventure with nature and take a drive Amicalola Falls State Park and pack a lunch!

Wednesday- FUN day and for starters lets stop by The Village Market at Ponce City Market and shop with some amazing black businesses. Later, go to Cascade Adult Skate Night and dinner at C&S Seafood & Oyster Bar

Thursday- Stop by the Ginger Room in Alpharetta for a tea experience! Then lets go back in town and take pictures at all the murals downtown then head over to the High Museum of Art!

Friday- Lunch at J.Paul’s Culinary Experience in the NBWS Market and Depending on the season lets do a Hawks or Falcons game!

Saturday- Market Saturday visiting one of our favorite local markets in Madison Yards with @thehandmadeshops, lunch at Chi-Chi Vegan and enjoying vibes. Later, lets have dinner with friends at Yebo Beach Haus

Sunday- Worship at Victory Church (@victoryatl) and family time

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My success as an individual and in business is stretched amongst many people. If I could credit the wonderful women in my life I would acknowledge them by my qualities that I admire about myself today.

My strength comes from my mother Tracy Allen. She was a woman that could navigate any situation. She was fearless, multifaceted, and innovative. She is the root of my foundation and continuing legacy I will always carry with me.

My love & heart of service comes from my aunt Sheila Barkley & First Lady Mitchell. These are woman that I have watched in my lifetime sacrifice, never complaining, show others unconditional love and a heart of service. It takes a special person to walk in their purpose for others even when they may not see it. They have always been pillars of hope in my life, always.

My wisdom comes from my grandmother, Shirley Branscomb. She was a woman who mastered forgiveness, open to constructive criticism and also had a holistic view of life. She is truly the angel that I got to experience on earth. She was a woman of her word and a woman of truth.

My individuality comes from my aunt Veda Allen. She always encourages me to push pass myself and live in my truth no matter what others are doing around me. She challenges me on my comfort levels and gives me thought provoking advice to make my own decisions.

Website: www.my365decor.com

Instagram: @365decor

Twitter: @365decor

Facebook: www.facebook.com/my365decor

Other: Tik Tok: @365decor

Image Credits
Donald Gibson Instagram @_donhansen

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