Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kristie Kennedy, Founder of Queenfidence Image Consulting, located in Tallahassee, FL, USA.

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

Executive Image Consulting and Inner Confidence Coaching for timid women who desire to find their voice, free their voice and look fabulous using their voice in a crowded marketplace.

Tell us about yourself

As I peel back the curtain of history, the spirit of entrepreneurship has been in my blood since I was a child. The path that led to destiny was adversity and the school of hard knocks. On December 6, 1999, I was laid off from the homeless shelter due to a budget cut. I worked in the Women's Center as an Information and Referral Counselor. Two days later, I was at the Division of Corporations filing a fictitious name. At the moment, I said to myself, "I never want to have all my eggs in one basket again."

Over the past twenty-plus years, I've evolved into a brand that empowers women who are experiencing the struggles I've lived through. I often tell my clients you need more than motivation because that is merely an emotional state that can easily vacillate.

As a leader, I depend heavily on my highest values to incite me to action when the feeling of excitement has fluttered away like a butterfly seeking fresh nectar from a coneflower.

Additionally, I am deeply moved to tears of joy when I witness a client create powerful wins, discover new insights, and transform before my eyes. There are days when I show up to a coaching session almost down to the last ounce of energy in my tank, and that is the day my clients blow me away with a major breakthrough.

The miracles are in the moments, and Walt Disney said, Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” I hold on to the precious treasures to strengthen me during the tumultuous weather.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

The biggest accomplishments are hidden in the intangibles: the ability to endure hardness, the strength to start over, the courage to ask for what I'm worth, the joy of service, and the lives I am entrusted with to impact.

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

It has been said, "Heavy is the head that wears the crown." The most difficult thing is the constant demand for my time, energy, and brilliance. Success spells responsibility. I've insulated myself with a wellness squad to help carry the load resting on my shoulders.

Each week, I have a conversation with a therapist, I have several mental health coaches who I chat with on an App, I have multiple touch points with a physical health coach each week, I sit in wellness group coaching spaces, visit a chiropractor for realignment after sitting in an office chair weekly and attend group fitness classes. These are a few ways I prevent burnout.

The higher the output, the greater the input is my personal motto. There is a dark side of leadership that is rarely discussed publicly, and above all, I am committed to ensuring that I love well, live well and lead well.

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

You have two choices, to either live by design or by default. The first step is to ask what you desire to create and what need your business will supply in the marketplace that is currently being unmet.

Secondly, remain focused on your goals and avoid falling into the comparison trap, which will impede your progress. If you plan to blaze a trail, the beast of tenacity will have to be unleashed to overcome insurmountable obstacles standing in your way. Nelson Mandela stated, "It always seems impossible until it is done."

Thirdly, utilize every resource you have access to. Start where you are and continue to hone your craft. I learned later in life the power of owning your unique and irreplaceable characteristics. Prepare your portfolio for the opportunities ahead because there will come a time when your posture shifts from the hunter to the hunted, and endless opportunities will knock your door down.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

If you are feeling STUCK, use these four prompts to powerfully pivot with the future in focus:

  • I acknowledge: (name the difficulty)
  • I accept: (what are you willing to release)
  • I appreciate: (give thanks)
  • I am willing to take fast action and commit to (Make a plan, executing and celebrating the wins)

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://queenfidence.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristieykennedy/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristieykennedy/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kristieykennedy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristieykennedy/

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.