Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Smith.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve always had a thing for technology, but I ran away from my purpose long before I was ready to walk into it.
I thought about switching my major while in undergrad at Hampton University but I went the “safe” route (at least, so I thought).
I had jobs in the criminal justice field but I never really felt like it represented who I truly was.
In 2010, I got hired by one of the most famous tech companies in the world – Apple. It changed everything in my life. I was able to see so many sides of technology that I realized I could do this for a living and I was passionate about it. I took that passion to another level by joining a state government agency in 2013.
When starting my MBA program at Georgia Tech, I realized that the things I was learning in class I could definitely apply them to my own agency. At the end of 2013, I told my mother I was going to pursue this full-time and I would just make it happen. Fast forward 4 years later, I’m grateful for walking out on faith with that decision.
I’ve grown personally and professionally. I also realize it’s time for me as a woman of color in tech to promote my platform even more. I’ve come a long way since my Apple days but grateful for the journey ahead.
Has it been a smooth road?
I remember when I started out pursuing entrepreneurship full-time many people couldn’t understand my daily struggles. My grind and mindset were totally different. I wasn’t depending on a consistent income anymore. I was definitely very focused on daily results.
In entrepreneurship and business, you’re gonna have some (keyword: some) who won’t support your business and you have to be okay with that. This could be family, friends, etc. Over the last 4 years, my circle has changed drastically. I do have some friends who still have a 9-5 but I have more entrepreneurs and business owners around me now than I did in the beginning because they can understand.
My main advice to women who are starting this journey is to be mindful of the people they have around them. You have to really know who’s gonna be for you or who’s secretly wishing you fail. At the beginning of entrepreneurship, there will be some dark days and you will be frustrated – trust me, it happens. Having the right people in your corner will mean everything to you during those times. Additionally, take care of yourself. Self-care is so important in entrepreneurship. I’m still working on it 4 years later but if I could have done better sooner I would have. Finally, make sure you have some spiritual grounding. Whether you are spiritual or religious, you will need a relationship with your maker to keep you on solid. Entrepreneurship can be beautiful and a battlefield sometimes. Just be prepared.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with “TheBizTechpreneuer™” – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I help business owners and entrepreneurs strategize, automate and scale with tech solutions to help them grow or scale their business. The tech solutions that I provide are email marketing, email funnels, and business systems. I provide the strategy, setup, and maintenance of those for clients I work with.
I’m most proud of my brand and business being noticeable – on or offline. I wear these quirky yellow frames and I’ve been doing it for almost 4 years. Why did I do it? It’s quirky, it’s unique, it’s techie. It’s sooooo me! Lol!
What sets me apart from others in my industry is my delivery for content and speaking engagements and that I am a knowledgeable woman of color in tech. When it comes to email marketing, email funnels, and systems, that’s my lane. I made sure to focus my zone of genius in things I was good at, know and can provide a great wealth of insight about. Besides apple stuff and sports, technology is truly my world.
Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
There should definitely be an increase of women in leadership because most of these companies on the market simply won’t thrive without us. Like seriously, women are everything! But in a realistic sense, women are not given the opportunity to allow their talents and gifts to shine just because of their gender.
You do have amazing companies on the market that promote women to leadership positions daily and you see them thrive. There are also other women on the market who are not that fortunate because they are not even given a chance. They are automatically passed over just because they are female. It’s 2018 and it’s still happening.
When it comes to the technology space, instead of some women being leaders in companies they are creating their own and I am SO here for that. It was a major part of the reason I decided to go into business for myself. There were a few positions where I honestly wondered if I would ever be offered the opportunity for leadership. When I looked at my colleagues and the women around me in the tech industry, the answer was quick no. I applaud the women in tech and the women of color in tech who are in leadership at great companies. I just knew for my journey it wouldn’t be an option, so I’m glad I created my own.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thebiztechpreneur.com
- Email: hello@thebiztechpreneur.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/biztechpreneur
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/biztechpreneur
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/biztechpreneur
Image Credit:
Sheree R. Swann: Odvaungh + Swann Creative Group, Tierra Burrell
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
