Meet The Maker

As a small business owner and philanthropist, I believe that to make a difference in the world, we must care about the communities in which we do business. That's why I prioritize social responsibility and community enrichment in everything we do.

While some may believe that the sole purpose of a business is to drive sales and increase market share, I believe that being a profitable business is not enough. Our business strategy is simple - to leave the world a better place than we found it. My team and I are committed to building a socially conscious company that is focused on charitable giving and community enrichment.

We believe in doing what we can to drive revenue back into the community by teaching people to fish. We are not "bottom line" focused, our charge is: If not us, who? If not now, when? We are dedicated to making a positive impact on society and the environment, and we strive to create long-term value for all our stakeholders.

While providing luxurious illumination to the world, we lift others out of poverty. Doesn’t get any better than that.

Kim M. Braud
Owner

Kim M. Braud is the founder and operator of Fleurty Wick, a distinguished boutique candle manufacturing company based in Atlanta, Georgia. Specializing in private-label products, Fleurty Wick caters to retail, residential, and commercial clients. As a leader in the industry, the company extends its expertise through workshops and coaching sessions aimed at women who are eager to increase their revenue or embark on new business ventures. Kim's approach combines high-quality products with robust marketing support and strategic coaching to guarantee her clients' success. Additionally, she owns several other business ventures.

Previously, Braud served as the Affinity Sales Management Consultant for Nationwide Insurance, where she was responsible for prospecting, researching, and identifying new groups to present the benefits of the Nationwide Affinity program. In that role, she generated more than $260 million for the Southwest Regional Operation. Throughout her career with Nationwide, she also worked as an Operations Business Support Consultant responsible for identifying and executing market campaigns, improving community presence, brand awareness, and lead generation. She has over twenty years of experience in the areas of claims, training, marketing, and corporate communications

Widely regarded for her industry expertise, her passion for community service is evident in her active involvement in the community. She has served as Board Chair for the American Red Cross Minority Recruitment Board, and has also served as a board member with the Executive Women’s Golf Association, Metropolitan Atlanta American Red Cross Chapter Board, SafeKids GA, Children’s Restoration Network, Army Explorers, Atlanta Fire Foundation, Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity Think Tank, and was the Co-Chair for the Mentor committee of the SafeAmerica Foundation.

She has been a dedicated volunteer of United Way of Greater Atlanta for several years, serving as a Community Investment Volunteer, an Independent Panel Reviewer, and a 2019 United Way Volunteer Investment Program participant. She has served as an Employee Campaign Manager for Nationwide Insurance (Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina) from 2007-2013. She has also served as the Homeless Representative of the Community Investment Committee (2013-2015), which makes funding recommendations to the United Way Board of Directors.

Braud organized The Collab Atlanta, an initiative of Fleurty Wick Candle to provide a collaborative space for women-owned businesses. Each month she hosts a Women's Entrepreneur Roundtable event to provide resources to women-owned businesses. The intimate event of 20 women provides a safe space to share and grow. From business concept to million-dollar organizations, there is representation every step of the way.

Braud has been featured in the 2010 through 2020 issues of Who’s Who in Black Atlanta, and is the recipient of the 2017 American Red Cross Special Citation for Exceptional Volunteer Service, the 2012 Presidential Drum Major for Service Volunteer Service Award, and several other community awards. She was also featured in the fall 2011 edition of the Strayer University Scholar Magazine and was recognized in the September 2014 and 2018 issues of The Atlantan as a Woman of Power and Influence. She was interviewed in 2019 by The Dekalb Champion Newspaper and Voyage ATL. Additionally, she is a 2021 NAWBO Fellow and a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Program.

A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, she currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia.