Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kari Zee, Founder, and CEO of Kari Zee Coaching LLC., located in Seattle, WA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Kari Zee Coaching, LLC is an LGBTQIA+ and woman-owned business that serves as a people-first Consultant to executives and change leaders struggling with burnout as they work towards creating systemic changes within their organizations and communities.
Our goal is to eliminate the stress that comes with change management, program execution, and employee development by sharing our knowledge from root-cause analysis and providing simple and practical tools for sustainable, life-long mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
Tell us about yourself
I started Kari Zee Coaching with the sole purpose of creating a more diverse leadership landscape in Corporate America by teaching those best suited for the roles how not to burn out on their way to the top. As a recovering, burned-out overachiever who grew frustrated with the lack of change in corporate leadership, I spent the last six years reverse-engineering what led me to my lowest point, and I have put together the blueprint for others who find themselves on a similar path. Every day I am motivated by the amazing people who put themselves on the front lines of driving systemic change, and I want them to know they have a support system in me.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
As a business owner, my biggest accomplishment has been seeing the ways my clients have connected with my messaging and when they share my name with others. People often allow fear to hold them back, but my goal has always been to help one person one time with one thing, and that will never be possible if I don't put myself out there.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that have come with being a business owner has been balancing my desire to provide my services with the need to get reimbursed appropriately. Given that my clients often work in organizations or business units where funding is not readily available, it can be challenging to hold my boundaries.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
First and foremost, you must be clear about what product or service you are providing. Going on this journey will have you questioning yourself and chasing what seems like the easiest and quickest win. You'll see other people try to tell you what to do and persuade you to follow their guidelines to be successful. Knowing who you are will keep away the stress that comes from all of the outside noise.
Second, make sure to have your finances in order. Starting a business comes with a lot of upfront costs, separate from the materials or time it takes for you to produce your product. Having your finances in order will help you stay on track and prevent you from making fear-based business decisions that revolve around money.
Third, have fun with it. Starting a business is an awesome way for you to reclaim your life and make it what you want. Don't become the kind of business or business owner that has you staying away from established companies. Burnout is no fun, and turning your passion into trauma can really steal the joy from your life.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.karizeecoaching.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karizeecoaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karizeecoaching/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karizee/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.
