Celebrating Women’s Small Business Month: a journey from VA to business owner
In light of Women’s Small Business Month, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on my journey as a small business owner and share some of the experiences, lessons, and joys that have shaped KJP Creative into what it is today.
Humble beginnings
My entrepreneurial path officially started in 2016, but behind the scenes, the journey began years earlier in 2011. At the time, I was working online as a Virtual Assistant (VA), a role I loved because of its variety. I enjoyed helping business owners achieve their marketing goals, all through the power of online channels. The thrill of working with global clients across a range of industries kept every day fresh and exciting – no two days were ever the same.
Before officially launching KJP Creative, I had a *normal* employed job alongside my VA work. However, when I was made redundant, it turned out to be just the spark I needed. I realised it was time to give my business 100% of my focus, and that’s when KJP Creative was truly born.
Discovering my passion
What drew me to this journey was the realisation that I could combine my passions; writing, graphic design/creativity, and marketing – into one business that aligned perfectly with my personal goals. Not only could I direct my focus to what I loved, but I could also choose the clients I wanted to work with. This allowed me to offer value and expertise in industries ranging from small local businesses to large charities, each providing unique opportunities to learn and grow.
One of the greatest joys has been learning about different sectors and being able to support small businesses, while always feeling that I was making a difference. Knowing I could offer something valuable to business owners and help them thrive online was incredibly rewarding.
The flexibility of entrepreneurship
Beyond the work itself, one of the biggest advantages of starting my business was the flexibility it provided. At the time, my children were young, and being present for school pick-ups, appointments, and milestone moments was incredibly important to me. Being my own boss meant I didn’t have to miss out on any of that. I could be involved in their lives and still focus on building the business.
Additionally, as a family, we’ve always been actively involved in our local church. The freedom to manage my own schedule meant I could balance business with meaningful commitments to our community. This flexibility was, and still is, a huge deciding factor in my decision to work for myself.
The ups and downs of growing a business
Of course, the road hasn’t always been smooth.
Finding clients in the beginning was tough, as it is for many entrepreneurs. But I’ve found that word of mouth has been a powerful tool. By maintaining strong relationships with clients, many of whom have stayed with me for years, I’ve been fortunate to receive countless recommendations that have kept the business thriving.
Another challenge that every small business faces is pricing.
When starting out, you want to remain affordable while ensuring that your business costs are covered and that you’re paying yourself fairly. There’s so much competition in the marketing industry, but I’ve learned that there are enough clients for everyone. It’s about finding the right fit, not competing with others. I’m now at a point where I love to support fellow business owners rather than viewing them as competitors.
One of the biggest leaps in growing KJP Creative was deciding to bring on a team.
Letting go of certain tasks can be difficult, especially when you’ve built something from the ground up. But finding the right team members who share your vision is essential. It allows you to delegate while still ensuring that the heart of your business remains intact.
The joy of running my own business
Even with the occasional thought of whether a 9-5 job would be easier or less stressful (everyone goes through this, right!), the benefits of running KJP Creative far outweigh any doubts. The freedom to steer my company in the direction I’m passionate about and to help clients in meaningful ways is something I wouldn’t trade.
I love being my own boss, and I love the flexibility and empowerment that come with it. Most importantly, I love the work I do every day – helping businesses of all shapes and sizes raise their online profile and create a positive and recognisable reputation.
Helping businesses succeed
My ultimate goal with KJP Creative is to help business owners develop a strong online presence.
I work closely with each client to create a marketing strategy that’s aligned with their vision and goals. By taking actionable steps, we aim to achieve positive, measurable results that not only grow their business but help them become a trusted name in their industry.
As we celebrate Women’s Small Business Month, I’m proud of what KJP Creative has accomplished, and I’m excited about what’s to come. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, I believe that with the right strategy and support, your business can flourish.
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If you’re ready to take your marketing efforts to the next level, I’d love to help you along the way. Get in touch to see how we can work together to make your online presence something to be proud of.
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You can also check out My Church PA, which is part of the KJP Creative family
