From Playing Small to Flying Free

I was out for my morning run (a new habit I’m trying on this soul-searching journey I seem to be on lately) when I found myself reflecting on the word “small.”

It’s strange how powerful that word can feel, especially when you’ve spent years building something you care about deeply.

This past week, I’ve been listening to the She Means Business podcast, and wow — Carrie Green speaks with such clarity and truth. I wish I’d found her years ago when I first started exploring entrepreneurship. One thing she said struck a deep chord with me: how often we play small without even realising it.

Looking back, I know I’ve done that. I’ve toned myself down to make others comfortable. I’ve held my ideas close to avoid judgment. I kept things “quiet” — not just out of fear, but out of habit. And over time, that silence built walls around my confidence, making it harder and harder to break through.

I tried to appeal to the masses. I priced my products like everyone else. I kept my branding safe. I barely posted because, honestly? I hated the sound of my own voice. I’ve always been self-conscious about how I look, so I filtered photos and avoided being seen — but then felt judged for that, too. (Side note: filters are personal. If they help you feel brave enough to show up, then more power to you. Nobody gets to dictate how someone builds their confidence.)

And so, my business stayed “small.” Ticking over quietly in the background while I questioned if I was really cut out for this. But here’s what I’ve come to realise — “small business” is such a misleading term. These businesses only look small to people who’ve never built one.

We work late into the night, we wear every hat, we carry the vision, the pressure, and the passion. We learn on the job. We adapt, stretch, and figure it out as we go.

And behind every wax melt or candle is not just scent and wax. There’s the cost of oils, wicks, jars, lids, labels, packaging, marketing, compliance, hours of testing — and the value of someone’s time, creativity, and energy.

Whether someone uses essential oils or fragrance oils, the outlay can be high. Whether you’re making three candles or three hundred, the care it takes is real. And just because one product is more affordable than another, doesn’t mean it’s better. There’s room for both. And we shouldn't be tearing one another down over price points — we should be supporting each other, understanding that every maker's journey, cost base, and vision is different.

What really matters is the intention behind the product.

What really matters is why we create what we create.

The truth is, people will always have opinions — but I’m starting to realise that I don’t need to be everyone’s cup of tea. And that’s okay. I'm becoming more at ease with that.

Because what I’m building here isn’t about being liked by everyone — it’s about showing up honestly, doing meaningful work, and creating something that feels aligned with who I am.

Last week, I took The Cosy Bird to its first proper event. I was nervous, unsure how it would be received. I brought along some of my old Oh My Aroma stock too, just to have a variety on the table.

And do you know what? The Cosy Bird outsold OMA.

People stopped to chat. They connected with the story. They complimented the packaging and the scents. They got it. That event wasn’t just about sales — it was a turning point. It was the confirmation I didn’t know I needed.

This isn’t a hobby. It’s not a side project.

This is my big business.

This is my voice. My choices. My story.

The Cosy Bird is more than a home fragrance brand. It’s a retreat. A place of calm. A community that I hope will grow into something truly meaningful — something that supports women’s health, wellbeing, and self-connection. A space that says: you’re allowed to take up space. You’re allowed to rest. To breathe. To grow.

Because the world doesn’t need more “perfect” brands. It needs more real ones.

So here I am, flying a little freer these days. Letting go of the fear. Letting my voice rise.

And if any of this resonates with you — whether you're running a business or simply trying to figure out what’s next — I see you.

 

 

With Love, gratitude and confidence,  

 

Kat x