How Self-Reflection Boosts Career Growth and Sales

Sep 24, 2025

Discover how self-reflection drives career growth, boosts sales, and helps navigate transitions from entrepreneurship to corporate success.

Career transitions are often fraught with challenges, especially when moving between the entrepreneurial world and corporate settings. Yet, for Kayla Childris - a veteran of the beauty industry with nearly 40 years of experience - embracing self-reflection and reevaluating personal priorities became the cornerstone of her professional evolution. In this article, we delve into her journey, exploring how self-awareness, adaptability, and strategic relationships can propel career growth and personal fulfillment.

From Entrepreneurial Roots to Corporate Leadership

Kayla Childris' career began in the beauty industry, a field she feels is woven into her DNA. From managing salons and spas to holding executive positions with major brands in the late '90s, her career trajectory seemed tailor-made for success. Like many seasoned professionals, she eventually ventured into entrepreneurship, founding her own company, Mindful Luxury, which she ran for nearly 10 years.

However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic presented unforeseen challenges, leading Kayla to reassess her path. Faced with the choice between persisting as a struggling entrepreneur or embracing a corporate opportunity, she chose the latter. This decision led her to join Naturidge Labs as Director of Sales - a role that marked the beginning of a transformative chapter in her career.

Key takeaway: The willingness to pivot and reevaluate your career path, even when it feels daunting, can lead to unexpected and fulfilling opportunities.

Lessons from Entrepreneurship: What to Keep and What to Let Go

Kayla’s 10-year journey as a business owner taught her invaluable lessons - both about leadership and herself. As an entrepreneur, she wore many hats: founder, accountant, marketer, and even lawyer. This breadth of experience sharpened her ability to adapt, but it also brought to light the importance of focusing on what she truly loved and outsourcing the rest.

"Farm out the things that you don’t like or you’re not good at", Kayla advises. Just as importantly, she emphasizes the need for self-compassion. Feeling burned out or struggling to maintain passion for your business isn’t a sign of failure; it’s an opportunity to explore new paths.

Her advice extends beyond business ownership: she encourages others to see career transitions as part of a broader personal journey. "Give yourself grace", she says. "There’s no shame in pivoting."

Key takeaway: Recognizing when it’s time to let go and try something new can be a powerful act of self-care and growth.

The Ego Barrier: Overcoming Internal Resistance

One of the most personal challenges Kayla faced during her transition back to corporate life was managing her ego. "There’s this perception of being an entrepreneur as though it’s all rainbows and sprinkles", she shares. Letting go of her business felt like relinquishing an identity she had built for years.

Yet, through self-reflection and candid conversations with herself, trusted mentors, and loved ones, Kayla realized the only person judging her was herself. "Nobody else cared", she says. Her friends and colleagues supported her decision, underscoring the importance of surrounding yourself with people who encourage your growth.

By confronting her internal doubts, Kayla not only overcame the ego barrier but also discovered the joy of building something new within a corporate framework.

Key takeaway: Ego can be one of the biggest obstacles to change. Honest self-reflection and external support can help navigate this challenge.

The Evolving Beauty Industry: Challenges and Opportunities

With nearly four decades in the beauty industry, Kayla has witnessed its transformation firsthand. She describes the past decade as a period of "lightning-speed" growth, highlighted by the emergence of over 12,000 new beauty brands annually. The rise of indie brands, increasing consumer intelligence driven by AI and digital tools, and an ever-demanding market have reshaped the industry landscape.

Navigating this rapid growth as a Director of Sales has been both rewarding and challenging. Kayla emphasizes the importance of agility in contract manufacturing. Being part of a company like Naturidge Labs, which embraces a "figure-out-able" mindset and values adaptability, has amplified her passion for the role.

Key takeaway: Rapid industry growth demands agility, innovation, and a willingness to adapt to new market dynamics.

Building and Maintaining Relationships in Sales: A Masterclass in Connection

One of the cornerstones of Kayla’s success has been her ability to foster deep, meaningful relationships in the beauty industry. With a background in both brand-side sales and contract manufacturing, she highlights the importance of being "interested rather than interesting." This approach involves active listening, understanding the client’s needs, and maintaining a human touch.

Kayla’s strategies include leveraging tools like LinkedIn, trade shows, and regular check-ins to stay connected. "Every single day, I make time for reaching out and continuing to build relationships", she says. Her commitment underscores the value of intentionality in nurturing both new and long-standing partnerships.

Key takeaway: Strong relationships are built through consistent effort, active listening, and genuine curiosity about others’ needs.

Overcoming Challenges in Growth Mode

Naturidge Labs’ impressive 25-year history is a testament to its resilience, but the company’s recent pivot to a formal sales structure marks a new chapter. As the company’s first dedicated salesperson, Kayla has been instrumental in driving explosive growth. However, such rapid expansion isn’t without its hurdles.

From improving internal tools to identifying staffing gaps, the company is actively addressing the challenges that come with scaling. Kayla’s insights into maintaining alignment between sales and operational teams emphasize the importance of having the right systems in place to handle growth.

Key takeaway: Growth is exciting but requires careful planning and the right infrastructure to ensure long-term success.

Advice for Women in Sales and Manufacturing

As a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience, Kayla offers invaluable advice to women navigating careers in sales and manufacturing - fields traditionally dominated by men. Her key message is one of resilience and positivity: "Don’t give up. Persevere and stay positive."

She encourages young women to refocus frustration into productive actions, whether it’s networking, enhancing LinkedIn profiles, or pursuing personal development through masterclasses and industry connections. By redirecting negative energy toward growth, women can break through career barriers and achieve success.

Key takeaway: Resilience and a proactive mindset are essential for overcoming challenges and thriving in male-dominated industries.

Key Takeaways

Self-reflection drives growth: Regularly assess your passions, strengths, and career direction to make informed decisions.
Recognize when to pivot: Letting go of an unfulfilling path can open doors to new opportunities.
Overcome ego barriers: Self-awareness and external support are crucial for navigating career transitions.
Invest in relationships: Consistent, intentional communication builds trust and long-term partnerships.
Be agile in growth: Rapid industry changes require adaptability and robust systems to sustain momentum.
Refocus frustration into growth: Use challenges as opportunities to learn, connect, and improve.
Stay positive and persistent: Perseverance and optimism are key to navigating setbacks and achieving success.

Conclusion

Kayla Childris’ journey from entrepreneurship to corporate leadership is a testament to the power of self-reflection, adaptability, and relationship-building. Her story highlights valuable lessons for anyone navigating career transitions, particularly in fast-paced industries like beauty and manufacturing. By embracing change, fostering connections, and maintaining a growth mindset, professionals can not only overcome challenges but also thrive in new and exciting ways.

Source: "Self-reflection and Personal Growth are Essentials | Kayla Childress | Field Sales Unscripted | E164" - Wesleyne Whittaker, YouTube, Sep 3, 2025 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3boPfmd_Bms