Meet Lakeshia Kimes of Associated Consulting Professional Services LLC or ACPS Consulting

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lakeshia Kimes.

Hi Lakeshia , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
After spending seven years with a top staffing agency, I made the decision to branch out on my own and launch a boutique consulting firm specializing in healthcare recruitment. My journey into entrepreneurship wasn’t just about career growth, it was about creating a life that worked for me and my family.

As a single mom of two, I’ve always carried the dual responsibility of building a career while being fully present for my kids. That balance became my motivation. I wanted to design a business where I could deliver high-quality recruitment services, support healthcare organizations in finding the right talent, and also show my children what it looks like to chase a dream with courage and perseverance.

Along the way, I also earned my real estate license, another step toward expanding my skills and creating new opportunities for my family’s future. Real estate allows me to connect with people in a different but equally meaningful way: helping families and individuals find the right place to call home. Between healthcare recruitment and real estate, I’ve built a career rooted in service, connection, and creating possibilities for others.

The road hasn’t been easy, but every challenge has pushed me to grow stronger as a business owner, a professional, and a mother. My kids are my biggest “why,” and everything I’ve built is proof to them that with faith, focus, and determination, it’s possible to turn obstacles into opportunities.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
When I decided to start my own boutique consulting firm in healthcare recruitment, I knew it wouldn’t be easy but I also knew I didn’t have a choice. After several years of building a career with a top staffing agency, I felt a pull to do something bigger, something on my own terms. The truth is, my biggest motivation wasn’t just professional, it was personal. As a mom, and every decision I made has always been about building a stable and meaningful future for my family.

But starting a business as the sole provider came with its share of obstacles. I had to make real sacrifices, financially and personally. There were months when budgets were tighter than I would have liked, and I had to trust that taking a pay cut in the short term would lead to long-term gain. There were nights when I’d finish tucking my kids into bed, only to sit back down at my desk and work until midnight. The balance between motherhood and entrepreneurship has never been simple. I’ve missed social events, sacrificed sleep, and had to learn how to stretch both my time and my dollars in ways I never imagined.

At the same time, I also pursued my real estate license, a decision that opened new doors and gave me another way to serve people while creating an additional path of security for my family. Real estate became more than just transactions; it became another way to connect, to help families find homes, and to remind myself that growth happens when you’re willing to step outside your comfort zone.

Looking back, the obstacles have been just as important as the wins. The financial sacrifices, the late nights, the constant juggling act all pushed me to grow. They forced me to dig deeper into my “why.” And that “why” has always been clear: my children. They’re the reason I fight through the challenges, and they’re the reason I stand proud in the career I’ve built.

Entrepreneurship hasn’t just changed my career; it’s changed me. It’s taught me that even in the face of sacrifice, faith and perseverance can turn dreams into reality.

We’ve been impressed with Associated Consulting Professional Services LLC or ACPS Consulting , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At my core, I’m a connector. After spending seven years with a top staffing agency, I founded my own boutique consulting firm specializing in healthcare recruitment. I work with healthcare organizations to identify the right talent and with professionals to help them find the right opportunities. Alongside that, I also hold my real estate license, giving me another avenue to serve people by helping them find not just jobs, but homes.

What do I do, and what am I known for? I’m known for bringing a people-first approach to recruitment. I don’t just look at résumés—I listen, I understand, and I focus on matching skills, passion, and purpose. My clients know me for my ability to fill roles that others may struggle with, and candidates know me for treating them as individuals, not just applications. In real estate, that same philosophy applies: it’s not about transactions, it’s about creating meaningful experiences and lasting connections.

What sets me apart from others? It’s the “why” behind what I do. As a single mom of two, I built my business with sacrifice, resilience, and heart. Every late night, every financial risk, every challenge has shaped the way I serve others. I know what it means to fight for stability and opportunity, and that gives me a unique perspective in helping both professionals and organizations succeed.

What am I most proud of brand-wise? I’m proud that my firm has become known for its integrity, its personal touch, and its results. I built my brand on relationships and trust, and that’s something money can’t buy. Watching my business grow while showing my children that it’s possible to create your own path has been my proudest accomplishment.

What do I want readers to know about my brand, offerings, and services? I want people to know that my consulting firm isn’t just another recruiting service; t’s a boutique partner committed to helping healthcare organizations find the right people and helping professionals step into roles where they can thrive. On the real estate side, I’m equally committed to helping clients navigate one of the most important decisions of their lives with care and confidence. Whether it’s filling a critical position in a hospital or handing someone the keys to their new home, my mission is simple: to create meaningful connections that change lives.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The qualities that have been most important to my success are resilience, determination, and empathy. As a mompreneur, resilience keeps me moving forward when challenges arise, determination drives me to put in the extra hours, and empathy allows me to truly connect with people; whether it’s matching healthcare professionals to the right role or helping a family find their home. At the heart of it all, staying grounded in my ‘why’ has given me the vision and purpose to keep building no matter the obstacles.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.acpshire.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ACPSHire/

Image Credits

Kenneth Lamor Signature Photography