Advocate of Financial Literacy

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in finance but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kalee Boisvert, founder of Kalee Boisvert Wealth Advisory, located in Calgary, AB, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I am a financial advisor. I support people in identifying their financial goals and creating individualized investment plans to grow their wealth. I am also a big proponent of financial literacy, as I believe that most people feel underprepared or that they lack knowledge when it comes to money and investing.

My business is focused on working with women. The industry I work in is very male donated, and as a result, it historically has been very focused on working with men. As a single mom, I think it's important to provide a safe space for women to feel comfortable when it comes to their finances, so that is why I specifically have built a business that focuses on the needs of women. I have also recently written a book about building money confidence for women. My book will be out in 2023. As well I wrote a children's picture book about a little girl learning about money because I'm so passionate about financial literacy. I believe that learning about money can start very early. And I have created a podcast that is called the Wealth and Wellness podcast with Kalee Boisvert.

Tell us about yourself

I've always had a love for numbers and a fascination with money. Growing up, I was raised by a single mom, and finances showed up as a source of struggle and stress in my household. Because of all the stress I saw it causing my mom, I always wanted to figure money out to see if there was a way that I could help. And so I started saving for my own financial goals very early on as a child knowing that I couldn't ask for the things I wanted from my mom, so I felt it was up to me to go after them. From buying myself Super Nintendo when I was 8 to my first car when I was 16 and paying my own way through university. Each time I could independently achieve these financial goals, my confidence grew in my own capabilities. I knew I had to go on in my career to support women in their finances and to build that same confidence for them. I believe anything is possible when it comes to people's wealth goals, and I never want anyone to think that they are limited by their financial situation. I love getting to watch women start feeling engaged and in the know when it comes to their money. Seeing that change from fear and insecurity over money to empowerment is the absolute best.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is actually starting this business from scratch and succeeding. There's a high failure rate for new financial advisors, and there is a very small percentage of women in this industry. I knew the odds were stacked against me. And I was reminded of that along the way by male colleagues who told me that a woman couldn't succeed as an advisor. I am so proud to say that I did, and I never doubted myself along the way. I was so passionate about my purpose why for creating this business that I never had a doubt that I would succeed. But actually, getting to prove my success to all the people who didn't believe in me along the way feels good. I am proud that I built this business while being a single mom hair and I have been able to do exactly what I said to do and empower women.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

I think from you, one of the hardest things has just been my own insecurities that come up along the way. As a business owner, you have to get out of your comfort zone a lot, and during those moments, fear can creep in if you let it. So I would say mindset is probably one of the biggest challenges to be able to stay positive when things aren't going great because there are all sorts of unplanned things that come at you as an entrepreneur. So staying calm and focused can be difficult during these times. I believe that the possibilities are endless, but we stand in the way of ourselves and can be our own worst enemies at times.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

I would say that there is no perfect time and no amount of preparation that will create an easy path when it comes to being an entrepreneur. So you just gotta start now and start where you are and figure some of it out along the way. It won't be perfect, and there will be lotta bumps in the road, but it will surprise you with what you're capable of.
Another tip I would give is that it's also ok if you have a lot going on in your personal life. I do believe that people can do a lot at once if they're passionate about it. When I started building my business, I had a one-year-old daughter. I was doing my MBA and building the business from scratch. I was able to do all, and I think I did a pretty good job at each one. But it was because I really wanted all of those things. Don't let society's expectations dictate what you can or can't do or what you are capable of; only you know what you can do. Nobody knows your entire circumstance or your drive, or your passion. So don't write yourself off if people doubt you or think you're doing too much or suggest taking an easier path by having a job instead of doing your own thing.
Another tip would always go back to your why, especially during the hard days are the moments when it feels like you're not getting ahead. Your y will remind you of the gifts you have to give and what you have to share with the world. No bad day can take that away from you.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://linktr.ee/Kaleeboisvert
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaleeboisvertwealthandwellness/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaleeboisvert/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaleeboisvert/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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