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#SheShines With Channing Hesse

“Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.” This powerful quote by Anita Desai could not be more poignant for today’s #sheShines spotlight. It’s so true that travel often inspires far deeper experiences than a fleeting vacation high. Travel can completely redirect you down a new path, open up doors you never thought you’d walk through, and if you’re lucky, travel can sometimes lend a hand in helping you to become the person you were always meant to be. 

 

Channing Hesse, 48, was working as a commercial lawyer in the suburbs of Chicago when she took a trip to the Philippines with her sister. A graduate of Northern Illinois University with a J.D. from Chicago Kent College of Law, she always thought that she would simply remain a lawyer. Little did she know, this trip would change her life and transform her career in ways she could have never imagined. With no running water, no electricity and many stricken with illness, she saw how desperately the people of this little island called Illing needed her help. Having already been bored with her law career, she turned her passion to help into a purpose, starting Farmacologie, both a business and a non-profit that helps provide a substance called Moringa (a plant-based powder that is rich in protein and nutrients) to those who are malnourished. Discover her journey:

 

Let’s start from the beginning. What prompted you to start Farmacologie?

I was on a trip to the Philippines where my sister and I felt so compelled to do something for the people on this tiny island in the South China Sea called Illing. They had nothing, no running water, no electricity and lived in mud huts. Some of the people living there were starving, as they never got off of this island. We inquired about the natural resources and learned that “Malunggay” grew on the island. We quickly learned that this was the Moringa Oleifera Tree that had amazing superfood properties, and had been studied in other countries for its ability to reduce cholesterol, blood pressure, give natural energy and help all kinds of diseases caused by inflammation. We then developed formulations with moringa for energy, inflammation, lactation and for general well being.

 

What businesses or career moves helped shape Farmacologie or led you to it?

It was bored with my law career and this ultimately led me to the Philippines and to the moringa tree. I offered to give free legal help to a friend, Nancy Economou, who had a dream to bring solar lights to third world countries. I helped her get her dream established with the formation of Watts of Love (a not-for-profit) and obtain its IRS 501(c)(3) certification. We traveled back to the Philippines and Haiti to deliver solar lights. I bought packs of moringa to breastfeeding women in Haiti to help nourish them and their infant children and did a feeding program for kids in Manila.

 

What steps did you take to prepare for your business launch? How did you know you were ready?

I was quite bored with my job. As a commercial business lawyer, all I was doing was helping companies sue other companies for money. It was always about money. I wanted to do something that had more human substance to it. Once I saw the plight of the people on Illing, I knew I wanted to do something to help. My sister and I did a lot of research into moringa and consulted with other experts in the field. We then consulted with marketing experts to help launch the business.

 

Can you tell us about the philanthropic arm of your business? What is it like to run both a business and non-profit?

The non-profit is way more fun and rewarding. The heartfelt thank-you’s and hugs I’ve received from mothers of the children we were feeding was worth everything. There is always people in the world to help, so we never run out of people to help feed or educate about the benefits of eating moringa.

 

What has been the biggest learning curve you’ve faced as a business owner?

That I’m no marketer. I think I can do it all, but I’ve quickly realized that I need the help and expertise of others.

 

Do you have any advice for other future lady bosses considering making their side hustle dream or passion projects their full-time reality and career?

If you died tomorrow, what will you regret in life? If you have that passion, then you will always regret not taking the chance to make it happen.

 

We absolutely love the way you styled your Body Bark piece. How would you describe your overall look/style?

Flirty casual?

 

One thing about me that may surprise people is…

I’m a classical pianist.

 

When I’m not working you’re most likely to find me…

Swimming, watching Breaking Bad, or having a cocktail with a friend (or all 3)!

 

My all-time favorite lady boss mentor is

My mom

 

Thanks so much to Channing for sharing her passion and career insight with the Body Bark community! Hopefully, you’ve found a bit of inspiration in her story. Tell us about the boss lady risks you’ve been taking, and join us next month for a chat with another #SheShines entrepreneur!

 

December 13, 2017 0 comment
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FeaturesSheShines

#sheShines With Jenn Jett

Sometimes the people who are most supportive of your dreams are the ones who dream biggest themselves. 

They just get it.

That’s true for Jenn Jett, the Dallas-based owner of Jenn Jett Creative and The Well Studio , and this month’s #sheShines female entrepreneur feature. As a branding expert, she works with business owners to visually represent their dreams. As a conference mastermind, she facilitates space for women to encourage and connect deeply with one another.

We caught up with Jenn to hear about how she got started with her businesses, what she loves about conferences, and how she uses her knowledge of her Enneagram type in her work life.

 

Let’s start from the beginning. What was your first job after school? Or did you immediately dive into business ownership?

Right before I graduated college, I began freelancing as a textile designer for JC Penney. My first “real” job after school was as a Children’s Textile Designer at Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., in Arkansas. It was actually the best first job. Our team was small, so we had to wear a lot of hats. I only worked there a year but learned a ton in a short amount of time.

How did you get started with that initial freelance position?

While I was finishing my design degree in college, a friend was already working at JC Penney and needed freelance help. She was designing children’s clothes at the time. I remember her saying, “You can totally do this.” And to my surprise, the job required me to draw hearts and flowers all day. I kept thinking, “This is really a job.” I was hooked!

What prompted you to start Jenn Jett Creative? Have you always had an interest in branding?  

I think, as a creative, when you work for a corporation or even a small-size company, you realize you have a skill that, with the right amount of confidence, you could go out and build a business from. I just eventually got tired of helping someone else build their business and decided I wanted to use my gifts and time to build my own. You do have to assess the cost of going out on your own, but for me, the freedom and flexibility I gained were worth it. I think the thing I love about branding is that I am a builder and a starter. I love helping people build their vision and dreams. Branding is the visual representation of that.

Tell us about Camp Well. What inspired this, and how did you prepare to launch this new arm of your business?

Camp Well is a four-day, faith-focused, deep-rooted retreat for dreamers and doers. I saw a need for this group to have face-to-face, authentic community. Women thrive in environments where they are understood and cheered on. I wanted to create a space where they could reflect, refocus and reset the dreams being stirred in them. I am a conference junkie, so after spending a lot of time attending retreats and conferences and then speaking at them, I did a lot of research on how to actually produce one. Then I just got the courage to say, “I can do this,” and I recruited the best friends a girl could ask for to join me on this crazy ride!

You’ve had so much success with Camp Well. Have you been surprised by the response?

I have been. I cry every start of a retreat and the last few minutes before everyone leaves.

Why do you think it’s resonating with so many women?

I think women just want to be understood. They want to know they are not alone in their overwhelm or the fact that they don’t feel “enough” as they pursue a dream or launch something they are passionate about.

As a business owner, what has been the most challenging part of running your own company? Any secret sauce you want to share to future lady bosses considering making their side hustle dream their full-time reality?

Discipline has been my biggest challenge. If you are familiar with the Enneagram (basically a personality test), I am a SEVEN. I love adventure, and structure is my kryptonite. Sitting still is hard for me, but my job requires hours at my computer at times. One thing that has helped is block time. For instance, I try to only schedule meetings on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This leaves Monday for easing into work and getting organized. Wednesdays are “zone days” where I try to work straight through the day. And then when Friday comes, if I can just work half a day, I do that and start the weekend early!

What have you found has been the greatest medium for you in terms of promoting your business, getting new clients and campers, etc.?

Instagram and Mailchimp. We connect on Instagram and reach back out through newsletters.

We absolutely love the way you styled your Body Bark piece. How would you describe your overall look and style?

Basic with a flair. My wardrobe is pretty simple, but I love pairing random items, wearing pieces in a unique way or adding some fun accessories.

One thing that may surprise people about you is…

I am an outgoing introvert.

Your favorite way to spend the day in Dallas is…

With friends over happy hour on a porch in 70-degree weather…which is so hard to come by!

Your all-time favorite lady boss mentor is…

Jo Saxton. She has been an amazing coach in my life!

 

Thanks so much to Jenn for sharing her story with us! We hope her story encourages and inspires you to dream big and take the risks you’ve been wanting to take. Join us again next month for another #sheShines!  

July 19, 2017 0 comment
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#SHESHINES WITH ANIMAL ACTIVIST, PAMELA HART

Pamela Hart, the director of the Animal Law Program at the Animal Legal Defense Fund, never stops finding ways to help others advocate for animals.

For example: She co-founded Sheltering Animals of Abuse Victims (SAAV) with her law school classmate Megan Senatori, whom she calls one of the most inspirational women she knows. She was the first to teach Animal Law courses at both the University of Chicago Law School and her alma mater, University of Wisconsin-Madison.

And she didn’t stop there.

Always looking to expand the field of animal law and equip people to defend animals and treat them humanely in the first place, this Wisconsin-based lawyer is launching three new educational programs this year alone.

Body Bark caught up with Hart to hear a bit more about how she got into animal law and what inspires her to keep going.

Let’s start from the beginning. What was your first job after school?

My first job after law school was working with my dad at his law firm. This was a great experience as I got to work with an excellent attorney, mentor, and, most importantly, my dad!

Did you always know you wanted to go into law and animal advocacy?

I did not always know I wanted to go to law school. In fact, I took 10 years off between Business School (undergrad) and law school. When I did return to school, I was ready! By the time I went to law school, I had already adopted Max. He was a German Shepherd mix from the ASCPA in NYC. Unfortunately, Max had seen abuse and neglect in his young life. He opened my eyes to the link between domestic violence and animal cruelty. This started me down my path of animal advocacy.

What prompted you to start teaching? Have you always had an interest in education?

When I was in law school, there weren’t any animal law courses or student animal law chapters available. After graduation, I and my classmate, Megan Senatori, approached the UW Law School administration about adding the first-ever animal law course. Thankfully, they were receptive, and we were able to develop the course curriculum and introduce UW law students to animal law. A few years later, I taught the first animal law course at the University of Chicago Law School.

You’ve had so much success in the industry. When did you realize this was the direction you wanted to take your career?

I am incredibly fortunate to be able to marry my passion with my profession. I have been involved in animal protection for almost 20 years. I have my dream job!

In 2001, you co-founded SAAV. What made you feel the need for this organization?

Max inspired me to recognize and care about the link between domestic violence and animal cruelty. When Megan and I first met, we’d frequently talk about how we wanted to use our law degrees to help animals. We quickly realized there wasn’t a safe haven program for animals in our community, as a result, SAAV was born. We are so fortunate to have incredible partners collaborating on this program — Dane County Humane Society (DCHS) and Domestic Abuse Intervention Service (DAIS).

You’re clearly a master at multitasking and confidently wear a variety of hats. Is there any secret sauce you want to share to future lady bosses considering making their passion their full-time reality?

I don’t think there’s a secret sauce necessarily. I think following your passion, believing in your purpose, embracing the unknown, and surrounding yourself with amazing, supportive, inspirational female leaders along the way will make things happen.

I take it back, surrounding yourself with inspiring women IS the secret sauce.

We absolutely love the way you styled your Body Bark piece. How would you describe your overall look and style?

I’m a busy mom and attorney who leans toward professional casual. I love Body Bark because you can dress it up or down, plus it’s unbelievably comfortable. Also, every time I wear Body Bark, I think of my incredible and inspiring friend, Catherine Poirier. Not only is she the founder of Body Bark, she is one of my dearest friends and favorite people on the planet.

One thing about you that may surprise people is…

I play a mean game of H-0-R-S-E with my kids. I’m in it to win.

Favorite way to spend the day in Madison, Wisconsin…

Summertime in Madison is the best! Whether it’s enjoying Wisconsin’s beautiful lakes, strolling around the world-class farmers market, or taking in the view at the Union, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be!

Your all-time favorite lady boss mentor is…

Joyce Tischler, founder of the Animal Legal Defense Fund.

 

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Body Bark is so grateful to Pamela for filling us in on her career and how she helps make the world a better place for animals and humans alike! Want to know more about her story? Check out this article, and shop her Body Bark look here. We’ll be back soon with more from another inspiring boss woman!

June 21, 2017 0 comment
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#SheShines with Serial Entrepreneur, Becki Silverstein

Becki Silverstein, 30, of Solon, Ohio, practiced her sales skills early, offering pencils to family members for 10 cents each as a 10-year-old. But despite her entrepreneurial spirit, she didn’t start her first business until a few years after earning her degree in Communications from John Carroll University.

Once she started, though, she took off. Today, she’s the owner of Rebecca Adele PR & Events, Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows and BeccaBee Photography. She’s also the co-owner of Bump to Bows: A Mommy Boutique Show and the owner and inventor at Little Iguana Mama. Read on to find out how she unconventionally made the leap from corporate employee to entrepreneurial firecracker.

Let’s start from the beginning. What was your first job after school? Or did you immediately dive into business ownership?

My first job after school was as a public relations coordinator for Keathley Advertising. I started as a PR coordinator and advanced to Account Coordinator and Traffic Manager. While there, I wore several hats as we were a small advertising agency, so I became well versed in PR, social media, account work, event planning — and the list goes on!

What prompted you to start your first business, Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows? How did everything go down?

Never would I have imagined going into business for myself at the age of 25.

Growing up, I attended a variety of art and craft events with my mother on the weekends. After college, while I worked in advertising, I began taking cake-decorating classes at a local craft store to feed my creative energy.

Upon completing the courses, I came up with the idea to sell my crafts at local arts and craft shows for fun. As I started to attend these shows, I noticed there was a large generation gap between what appealed to me versus the veteran craft scene attendees and crafters. It was only a matter of time before the entrepreneurial wheels in my head began to turn. I began to toy with the idea of starting a new generation of art and craft events, focusing on unconventional, funkier and out-of-the box items. Basically, this would be a show that would wipe away the stereotypical stigma of arts and craft shows being focused on potholders, stockings and doilies. Thus, I launched my first show, known as the Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show, shortly after my 25th birthday in June 2011.

I quickly began to realize there definitely was a market for this, and I was excited. It was also thrilling to be able to combine my love of the arts with my event planning, social media and public relations background. Because of that, I was able to take these shows and begin to transform the local arts scene in my community. While the process was exciting, moonlighting as an entrepreneur while working a full-time job during the week was definitely trying. My family would actually joke that I worked two full-time jobs, which actually was pretty true. Eventually something had to give.

Soon after landing the cover of a major local magazine for its arts and entertainment issue, I was brought into the office at my current job and told by the owners that they needed someone 100 percent committed to the agency. It was their fear that I wasn’t that person, as my side job was taking off and, at times, taking time away from my full-time job. I was fired on April 24, 2012 after growing my career and having one idea of a future in my head. At the time, I was devastated, especially never having been fired from a job and because I wasn’t planning on losing my job or going solo for at least a few years, if at all.

Looking back on it, losing my job was the push I needed to fly from the nest and spread my wings. Without that, I could have missed one of the greatest life adventures and opportunities I’ve experienced to date.

Read more of Becki’s story here.

What steps did you take to prepare for your business launches, and how did you know you were ready?

To be honest, I didn’t prepare; I just took each day as it came in figuring out the process. It may have been more of a learning curve, but it definitely taught me a lot along the way on what works and what doesn’t work. There was a lot of tweaking and many lessons to be learned, but it was all hands-on, which gave me, at the end of a day, a true and in-depth understanding of my businesses and how they worked.

You’ve had so much success in the greater Cleveland market. When did you realize your side project was more than a hobby and could be a solid career path?

I was actually on vacation at a friend’s wedding in Jamaica when I was still working at my ad agency job. I remember thinking that I would love to be able to do this — “this” being travel and still work and dictate my life and my own choices when it came to my career. I wasn’t ready quite then to quit my day job (although the day I came back from that trip was the day I was let go from my job), but I knew that I was onto something. I figured I’d give it a year or two before thinking or going full-time, but it was on that vacation in the computer lobby in Jamaica answering business emails that I realized I had a business that was profitable and that I could run anytime and from anywhere. It was then I decided that eventually my art show business may and could really be something I could do full-time.

You recently became a mom! How has little Jake changed the way you approach business?

He’s the light of my life! Jake has definitely made me rethink what is worth my time and what isn’t. I don’t live to work; I work to live. That means saying no sometimes, whether that looks like passing on a photoshoot, moving an art show around, closing the computer down early or taking a day off work (I don’t work on Fridays, so I can spend the whole day with him). Having my son has really made me try to be more aware and line up my priorities. By all means, I haven’t mastered it yet, and it’s a constant struggle to balance being an entrepreneur, wife and mom, but it’s nice at the end of the day that I decide what I want to do with my time. So if a project isn’t something I’m in 100 percent, then I won’t take it on. Family is first.

You’re clearly a master at multitasking and confidently wear a variety of hats. As a PR professional, event planner and photographer, what has been the most challenging part of running your own companies? Any secret sauce you want to share to future lady bosses considering making their side hustle dream their full-time reality?

Again, it’s a life-work balance. That’s something I don’t have, and I’m not sure I’ll ever fully grasp it! When I was actually in the hospital after I had my son, I had my laptop with me and was getting work done while my son slept! That’s how crazy it can be — if I don’t work, then the business doesn’t work. There is no true vacation; I’m always connected. So I definitely struggle with that balance of finding “me time” and working. When my office is right down the hall from my family room, it’s easy to work the night away. Sometimes you just have to shut everything off and walk away for the night, which is VERY difficult for me to do!

I wouldn’t say there is a secret sauce. Don’t expect results overnight. A lot of people want immediate results, and if they don’t get them fast enough, they quit. I had to work for quite some time juggling a full-time job during the day and working on my dream job at night. So I put in the hours. Don’t skimp, don’t skip steps, don’t give up and don’t lose sight of the light at the end of the tunnel. Set yourself a goal or a deadline, a tangible for when you want to go full-time. Will it be a year from today? A dollar amount in the bank? Whatever it is, set yourself a goal. This will keep you from fear of flying (leaving your 9 to 5 for safety), and it will keep you focused because you have a goal to meet. Either way, setting your sights on when you can go off on your own will either force you to do it (so you don’t get cold feet) or keep you in line so you don’t leave your 9 to 5 too prematurely.

We absolutely love the way you styled your Body Bark piece. How would you describe your overall look and style?

My style is definitely trendy and sparkly! Dare I say gaudy mixed with class? I love classic designers, but I like to pair them with trendy items to make my look my own. In the picture of me, I’m actually wearing a vest that is an original design by one of my vendors, plus a resin-based cicada glitz wing necklace paired with my Body Bark shirt. I really love mixing unusual pieces that are one of a kind with classic pieces like the Body Bark shirt. I love a little bit of bling in almost every outfit!

Vest by Sew Chicky by Sai

Necklace by Terra Artistry

What’s one thing about you that may surprise people?

I don’t like to think big picture. It overwhelms me. I literally take each piece of all my business ventures, and my life in general, piece by piece. Because my mind is racing with ideas and to-do’s, if I try to think of a five-year plan or even a five-month plan, it overwhelms me. If I can break each task down to a to-do list and check it off as I go, I can accomplish almost anything I set my mind to. If you ask me to write a business plan or anticipate my year coming up and what my goals are, chances are I won’t be able to, or I’ll lose interest. I love to plan, but I hate planning for long term what-ifs. It’s just not me. Two of my businesses I actually launched within a month because I dived head first and never looked back. When I get an idea, I run with it and have tunnel vision. I’m not one to wait, write it out and overthink it. If I think I have a winner, I’ll go with it. Oh, and I absolutely hate meetings, or meetings to plan meetings! Let’s just get it done and stop talking about it!

And a fun fact? I had a petting zoo in my backyard for my 30th birthday. Yep. It included llamas, chickens, rabbits, goats, a mini pig and a mini horse. It was the best idea I’ve ever had, and everyone had a blast. We live on a golf course, so we had to get it approved by the homeowner’s association. Seeing golfers drive by looking at us like, “What the heck?” was worth it all on its own!

What’s your favorite way to spend the day in Cleveland?

I really enjoy visiting local fairs and festivals during the summer and being outdoors. In the summer, I really love attending concerts all over the Cleveland and Akron area and being out with friends. On a weekend, I love to go to my favorite karaoke bar, Nitros, with friends. The company is great, and the entertainment is priceless!

Who’s your all-time favorite boss-lady mentor?

I find Barbara Corcoran from Shark Tank to be amazing. I read her life story book and was truly inspired by her drive and tenacity. I really admire someone who is self-made and, no matter what, is determined to make it happen. I’m a firm believer that motivation isn’t something you can be taught. You either have it or you don’t, and she has it.

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Thanks for spending this time with us, Becki! You can learn more about Becki on the Rebecca Adele PR & Events website and shop the staples from her Body Bark look here. Join us again soon for another chat with a boss lady who shines!

Contact Becki through any of her amazing businesses:

Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows

Rebecca Adele PR & Events

Becca Bee Photography

Bump to Bows- A Mommy Boutique Show

Little Iguana Mama

May 15, 2017 0 comment
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One Top Worn 3 Ways for a Summer Wedding

Everything seems crowded these days: our favorite restaurants, our Facebook timelines, our brains. One space that doesn’t have to be crowded, though, is the closet of a chic, stylish woman. When you have a few well-constructed basics and a few favorite signature pieces, you’ll have enough combinations to keep you dressed for any occasion.

 

This summer, let simplicity, comfort, and style win out. Start with Body Bark’s soft, eco-friendly Turtleneck Tank, and add on the following items to carry you through wedding season.

 

Look 1: The Outdoor Garden Wedding

Slip on a modern romance pencil skirt and a pair of block-heeled ankle strap sandals (along with a wrap, in case it gets cool in the evening), and you’re ready to hit the garden. The block heels on the sandals are key — nobody wants to be punching holes in the turf with every step, and you’ll be thankful for some sturdy-yet-pretty footwear. Your look will be understated enough to not steal the bride’s thunder, but you’ll still turn heads with a sweeping skirt and flattering tank silhouette.

Look 2: The Urban City Shindig

Throw on a pair of culottes, quietly declaring your confidence in the way that only androgynous French pants can. Keep up the European globe trotter theme with a pair of cutout pointy-toed pumps. A slicked-back hairstyle will have you feeling like a runway model, and if you think you’ll head out to drinks afterward, bring a jean jacket as an after-wedding accessory.

Look 3: The Black-Tie Wedding

You can’t go wrong with a full ball skirt for the dressiest of events. Shimmery fabric adds an air of elegance and a creative pattern, print, and pockets will give your look a modern feel. Velvet pumps with gold piping will dial up the look so you’ll fit in with a posh crowd. Chandelier earrings, a sparkly clutch, nude nails and a twisted updo will complete this look and pull it all together.   

 

May 10, 2017 0 comment
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#SheShines Spotlight:
Radiant Magazine’s Kelsey Chapman

Kelsey Chapman, 27, has been an entrepreneur since her lemonade-stand days. Now this Instagram influencer is the founder and CEO of Radiant Collective, which includes Radiant Magazine, The Radiant Community and The Radiant Podcast — all of which aim to provide women with a supportive, encouraging, joyful community.

Kelsey embodies what it means to be a Body Bark woman: strong, passionate and enthusiastic about supporting other women. Body Bark recently caught up with her to hear about her career, including some life-changing world travel, the launch of her new e-course InstaBreakout, and life in Colorado Springs.

What prompted you to start Radiant Magazine? Have you always had an interest in publishing?

As I allowed my personal blog to evolve, I realized I wanted a more formal space where we could more intentionally speak into the lives of women. I had a guest writer sharing each week but felt a magazine would be a more formal setting where our readers could expect to hear from someone other than me. I started thinking about all of the amazing writers I had been introduced to during my first year of blogging and ways we could come together to have a maximum impact on women across the world. And there you have it, Radiant Magazine came into existence.

But in reality, I have dreamt of working for a magazine since I was a little girl. Writing and the idea of working for a magazine is yet another of my many passions coming together in a beautiful tapestry of God allowing me to walk out all of my many dreams.

Let’s start from the beginning. What was your first job after school? (Kelsey has bachelor’s degrees in both Spanish and Global Studies from Middle Tennessee State University.) Or did you immediately dive into being an entrepreneur?

My first job after school was actually working on Young Life (a Christian youth ministry’s) staff. I worked with the ministry as a volunteer all through college and following graduation went on part time staff. I planned on segueing into full-time staff with Young Life but decided at the last minute to attend a missions school in Pemba, Mozambique, instead.

You launched your career in the digital industry as a fashion blogger — how did you get started down this path?

It was actually in Mozambique that I started realizing how my unique passions across the board could be woven together. I have always had a knack for business, from selling handmade business cards to my parents’ co-workers at 10 to neighborhood carwashes netting profits most 12-year-olds don’t think of. But seriously, entrepreneurship has always been FUN for me. On the flip side, I have always had a creative side to me as well when it comes to writing and my love of fashion. Lastly, missions have always been close to my heart.  

It was in Pemba that I realized that I wasn’t meant to solely live in one single niche, but instead bridge the business, creative, and mission fields together. I came home, started a blog that reflected everything I love, and took it step-by-step from there!

What steps did you take to prepare for your business launch, and how did you know you were ready?

Honestly, I had no idea what I was doing being an entrepreneur and launching Radiant. I don’t think that’s a bad thing because it kept me bright-eyed and open-hearted! I took each day step-by-step and utilized Google like a girlboss. Also, I have been SO thankful for women in the publishing industry to believe in me and REALLY live out the mantra of community over competition. My biggest strategy has been Instagram, because hello, that’s my thing.

You’ve had so much success on Instagram. When did you realize this was more than a hobby and could be a solid career path?

I realized it was more than a hobby when I gained my first client, launching my life as an entrepreneur. It was right before I moved to Colorado and in the middle of a job change. I took my first client hoping to be able to segue into working from home instead of having to job hunt in Denver. It turns out I did end up taking a job and commuting to Denver for about six months before I was able to build up my client portfolio to be able to work in Instagram Management full time.

You recently launched your first eCourse. Can you walk us through InstaBreakout? What was your biggest learning curve when launching? What types of business owners is this course for?

InstaBreakout has been such a blast to launch. Since I began my own blogging journey, I have utilized Instagram to leverage my brand and business. I never anticipated working with clients and helping them to manage their accounts, but slowly but surely, it began to happen. And man, it’s my favorite thing in the world to see a business be able to grow because they finally had the exposure they needed all along. Working entrepreneur to entrepreneur gives me that extra boost because I understand all their struggles.

It’s not that I love Instagram, but I love that it enables small businesses and influencers to put themselves out there! At a certain point, I realized I would be able to help more people do this by compiling everything I have learned working with clients into an eCourse. So many entrepreneurs have limited marketing dollars in the early stages of their business so they cannot afford to hire someone to solely focus on Instagram. This course allows them to learn the information and implement it themselves. With these strategies they are able to grow their accounts in the same way that I do for my own clients! In the course, I cover photography, scheduling, content curation, defining your niche, growth, engagement and so much more!

You’re clearly a master at multitasking and confidently wear a variety of hats. As an Instagram business consultant and coach, fashion blogger, publisher, and entrepreneur, what has been the most challenging part of running your own company? Any secret sauce you want to share to future lady bosses considering making their side hustle dream their full-time reality?

Mindset has absolutely been the most challenging part of being an entrepreneur! I had no idea what thought patterns would trigger from any given situation. I am so thankful for incredible mentors to help me work through questions and struggles I may have along the way. My absolute biggest piece of advice would be to find someone who can be that mentor for you. Support goes a long way, and you need it!

One thing about you that may surprise people is…

Even though I built my brand as an Instagram influencer, I rarely take photos! I have to remind myself in special moments to take pictures because I so often just want to be “in the moment.” I often batch my photo-taking so that I don’t waste my life trying to create an “Insta life.”

Favorite way to spend the day in Colorado Springs…

Loyal Coffee and a drive through Garden of the Gods!

Your all-time favorite lady boss mentor is…

Grace Lever and Marie Forleo for what they bring to the business world, but hands-down, Ellen Degeneres for the level of joy and brightness she brings to the world at large.

We absolutely love the way you styled your Body Bark piece. How would you describe your overall look and style?

I am a casual girl through and through. Most days, you can find me cozied up in my house with a cup of coffee working from home. I love to be able to dress up a casual piece but still feel like myself at the end of the day, laid back and easygoing.

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Thanks for hanging out with us, Kelsey! You can follow Kelsey on Instagram at @kelschapman and shop for her Body Bark look here. We’ll be back soon to chat with more women who inspire us. In the meantime, keep being girl bosses!

April 17, 2017 0 comment
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