They’re tiny sweet treats that are packed with goodness to illuminate your skin, help with anti ageing and make you glow from the inside out.

During our talk, Keira shares her experiences in building a brand of this size and what went wrong when she first started out, how she launched nationwide in Australia into Priceline and Coles, what it's like to trademark a brand, getting into Sephora’s accelerator program and her advice to women who are just starting out.

The Hustle of Finding the Right Manufacturer

When Keira first set out to launch Krumbled Foods, she knew that finding the right manufacturer was key. Picture this: she was juggling phone calls, emails, and meetings—often flying from Sydney to Melbourne just for a quick five-minute chat! Yes, you read that right. That’s the kind of hustle it takes to turn a dream into a reality. Keira wasn’t just sitting back waiting for things to happen; she was out there making connections and constantly following up with retail partners. Talk about determination!

Making Waves with Priceline

One of Keira’s biggest goals was to get into Priceline, the pharmacy chain that’s basically a staple in Australia. Why Priceline? Well, it’s all about the customer base. The brand attracts a demographic that aligns perfectly with Krumbled Foods’ vision. Plus, with so many locations, getting into Priceline meant major exposure. And guess what? They recognized Keira’s passion and potential early on, which helped establish her brand's credibility. That’s a game-changer!

Navigating Retail Orders and Cash Flow

After securing her spot in Priceline’s 440 stores, Keira knew she was on to something big. Imagine placing your first order with such a massive retailer! It was thrilling but also daunting—especially when you realize that retailers often don’t pay upfront. Keira had to be strategic, ensuring she had the cash flow to buy all her ingredients upfront. It was a true test of her entrepreneurial spirit, but she made it work.

Building Buzz on Social Media

Keira’s social media presence played a crucial role in her brand’s success. She started documenting her journey and sharing updates about the brand’s development on Instagram. It was a fantastic way to create buzz and keep her audience engaged. As she teased upcoming products, her followers became invested in the brand, which is so important for building a loyal customer base. In fact, about 50% of Krumbled Foods' revenue comes from their online store! How impressive is that?

The Importance of Protecting Your Brand

And let’s talk about trademarks. When Keira first ventured into business, she went all out, hiring a top-notch trademark attorney. But as she learned the ropes, she found a more efficient and cost-effective way to handle her legal needs. Protecting her brand was essential, especially as she aimed to go international.

Seizing New Opportunities with Sephora

Fast forward to today, and Keira is taking her game to the next level by participating in the Sephora Seed Accelerator program. This is such a huge deal! Initially, she applied for the program before launching her new brand, Habitual Beauty, but didn’t make the cut. However, when Sephora noticed her success with Krumbled Foods, they reached out and invited her back. It’s like the universe was aligning for her, right?

Through this program, Keira will gain invaluable insights and access to Sephora buyers and planners. Plus, she’ll receive media training and product development focus groups. How cool is that? The pitch day is just around the corner, where she’ll present her ideas to around 150 investors. No pressure, right? But if anyone can handle it, it’s Keira.

Embracing a New Mindset

As she navigates this exciting chapter, Keira is also open to discussing investment opportunities for Habitual Beauty. She’s shifting her mindset from being just a founder to thinking like a business owner ready to scale. And honestly, that’s such a refreshing perspective!

Conclusion: An Inspiring Journey

So there you have it, the incredible journey of Keira Rumbles from Krumbled Foods. Her passion, hard work, and strategic thinking have led her to where she is today, and there’s no stopping her now. If you’re dreaming of starting your own business, take a page from Keira’s book—stay dedicated, build connections, and always keep your eyes on the prize!