Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Morring.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My story all started from a phone call I received from sister (Sabrina) the night before her grand opening of her second salon (Revamped Beauty Society in Philly). The person that she had hosting for her event backed out and she needed someone to fill in. That’s when she called me.
My only experience prior to that day was hosting my brother’s baby shower. She had nothing together prior to the event. So not only was I the Host but I became the Event Planner for the event. What an experience it was…and I killed it. The next day, her phone could not stop ringing. She told me that everyone was amazed and started to ask of my services. I was shocked. I’m a brain injury rehab nurse by day so this was definitely something that I did not expect.
Not to long after the event, my sister started requesting things for her business that she did not have time to entertain. So, I became her “connector”…the start of my entrepreneur journey. I figured things out for her and if I couldn’t, I found someone who did. I attended classes, went to so many conferences and events, and started some major networking. I thought to myself what I’m doing for my sister I could definitely do for others especially since I have a passion for helping people.
I started Fortified Promotional Marketing in 2016. Now known as Fortified Connections, I assist small business entrepreneurs with business development. My clients include hair stylists, photographers, makeup artists, construction companies, etc.
After receiving feedback from so many of my peers including my mentor & Pastor, Cameron Washington, I decided to start pushing myself as a personal brand. I’m well known for my “people skills” and personality. So today, you can find everything about me and my company all in one place…KarenMorring.com.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
This journey has not been easy. I stumbled on this so I had to not only want it for myself but be willing to learn. As I stated, I’m a Nurse. Entrepreneurship was not something that I had in mind. But when I tell you, I love it.
It requires a lot of patience. If you’re looking to make big money fast, it’s not for you. The clients did not come for me right away. I went off “word of mouth”. I thank God for the referrals.
If you’re not willing to work hard, it’s not for you. I had to really put myself out there (even if I didn’t really know what I was doing).
If you’re not willing to sacrifice, it’s not for you. I had spent a lot of time networking to build relationships. There were many nights after working a 12hr shift that I would come home, greet my kids, maybe eat, and then log right on to the computer to work on Fortified Connections/Karen Morring.
I’m still not where I’d like to be, but I love where I am now. I have grown in so many ways and I wouldn’t change my struggles along the way.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Fortified Connections story. Tell us more about the business.
Fortified Connections is a company assisting small business entrepreneurs with business development. Our services include: LLC registration, brand development, network building, creative direction, hosting, event planning, etc. As Karen Morring the personal brand, you get an author of two books (Prioritize Your Life Planner & Prioritize Your Life Journal), blogger, brand strategist, and creative director.
I am truly grateful to share myself to everyone including my business Fortified Connections. I believe people gravitate to me because of my bubbly personality. What sets me apart from others is simple…I give it to you straight. I’m transparent, very organized and professional. I bring out the best in people. I’m also your biggest cheerleader.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I do not believe in luck. I believe that God blesses me and everything happens for a reason and in due season. If you put good energy out, great things happen. If you put bad energy out, bad things happen. I have always had to work extremely hard for everything that I’ve accomplished. Hard work definitely pays off and it definitely shows in my life and business. I am so grateful and so humble for everything.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.karenmorring.com
- Phone: 2158396241
- Instagram: karen.morring
- Facebook: Karen Morring
- Twitter: Karen Morring
Image Credit:
Sherine Tate (Tate Digital)
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