Rooted in Growth: How One Small Business Owner Transformed Her Leadership with Intention and Integrity

Client: Kathryn Stice
Industry: Hospitality, Weddings & Events
Interviewee: Kaythryn Stice, Founder

The Challenge

As the founder of Kathryn Stice Design–a boutique floral designer, and In Trusted Company, a connection and networking experience for wedding professionals, Kathryn Stice had always valued creativity, connection, and integrity. However, a decision that deeply hurt her community shook her confidence as a leader. She knew she needed to take full accountability, confront her unconscious biases, and understand how to lead inclusively.​

What made the situation more complex was her past experience as part of a business partnership, where navigating leadership decisions wasn’t always clear-cut. As she transitioned into running her own business and leading a team, Kathryn found herself questioning her place in the wedding industry and how to be the kind of leader her community needed.​

“I really wanted to be a better leader moving forward... to not only learn from my mistakes, but to inspire others to do better too.”​

Why Crystal Lily Creative

Referred by a colleague, Kathryn found herself drawn to Crystal Lily Creative's approach—particularly the compassion and individualized mentorship embedded into the leadership development process. She was in a fragile emotional space and needed both accountability and empathy.​

“I needed to be taught, but I also needed compassion and the individualized mentorship really stood out.”​

The Process

Kathryn engaged in 1:1 Aligned Coaching with Crystal Lily Creative, diving deep into:​

• Uncovering unconscious biases​
  

• Redefining leadership through inclusion and authenticity​

• Developing tools to navigate difficult conversations​
• Revamping brand processes with intentional inclusivity​
• Establishing values-based decision-making​
  

The transformation wasn’t just about building business strategies—it required deep personal introspection. What surprised Kathryn the most was how much she had to dig within herself to uncover what was holding her back as a leader.​

“It was like digging deep into the dirt, planting the seed, and then blossoming six to nine months later. I knew that I would get some tools and resources; and that I would learn to understand a little bit better, but I never thought that it would totally transform me.”​

The Transformation

Personal & Professional Growth

Through personalized coaching, Kathryn evolved from people-pleasing and reactive decision making, to leading with confidence, clarity, and intention.​

“I gained the confidence to say ‘no’ to opportunities that don’t align with my values—and that’s a big deal.”​

Business Impact

Expanding beyond Kathryn Stice Design, Kathryn launched In Trusted Company (ITC) to offer a unique blend of customized networking opportunities and personalized education. Kathryn cultivated a diverse team of trusted industry professionals to ensure that every ITC experience prioritizes safety and inclusion.​ As a result, the ITC team sold out their first industry networking event, providing meaningful interactions for wedding professionals to take their careers to the next level.

“It's become so top of mind for me to not only create welcoming spaces, but also brave spaces.”​

Ripple Effects

The impact extended beyond her business:​

• Sparked meaningful conversations about inclusion with friends and family.​
  
• Felt empowered to model inclusive values for her daughters.​
  
• Became a resource and role model for others navigating similar leadership challenges.​

“I’m raising my girls differently. This work really showed me how much more I can do to teach my girls about other people that live in the world and their lived experiences–using appropriate terminology, teaching correct history, and doing research to answer hard questions when they ask.”

The Outcome

Crystal didn’t just provide leadership coaching—Kathryn received space to heal, transform, and lead. Her foundation as a leader is now rooted in connection, intentionality, compassion, and inclusion.​

“I don’t like thinking about what things would be like if we hadn’t worked together. This made me a better human, a better friend, and a better listener.”​

Final Reflection

“You’re in a leadership position more than you think. Whether you’re a photographer, a florist, or entrepreneur—your actions and words matter. This work is essential.”​ –Kathryn Stice

Testimonial

Investing in Aligned Coaching was invaluable for Kathryn. She left the program as a more confident and empowered leader, equipped with the tools to make intentional, inclusive decisions for herself and her business. Kathryn didn’t just receive coaching—she experienced a transformation.

“I highly recommend working with [Crystal] and going through [her] program. It has been so invaluable to me; and I know it can be invaluable to others. I think a lot of people might not think they need a leadership development program, but for those of us that are in leadership positions, it is so important that we can be a leader for everyone. That means having a greater understanding of what inclusion means and how we can create more welcoming and brave spaces for others. And I really enjoyed working to uncover my core values to build and strengthen that foundation for myself and for my business. I feel like I am a more confident and empowered leader, armed with the tools and resources to navigate my business and the challenges and the decisions that I will have to make.”

Learn more about Aligned Coaching

If you're seeking to bring more clarity, confidence, and intentional decision making to your business and leadership practices, reach out here to learn more about Aligned Coaching.