Alumni-owned business spotlight: Kimberly Knight (B.F.A.’07)
VCU Alumni is highlighting Ram entrepreneurs listed in our alumni-owned business directory. Learn business tips from Kimberly Knight, owner of Gimme Pound Cakes.
What tools helped you the most when you started out?
I knew that in order to really stand out amongst others, I needed to be my authentic self and use the gifts that I already had. As a vocal performance/music theater student, I captured folks’ interest by creating an atmosphere of laughter and excitement while baking. I saw it as an opportunity to be different. Creating videos of encounters with clients or singing while baking helped spread the word about my business. Using my personality really paid off.
What was the biggest challenge to maintaining your business?
I would say always looking ahead and trying to figure out what’s next. As a small business owner/solo employee, you do everything — the marketing, financing, paperwork, etc. Keeping track of it all can be a challenge, but it also keeps your focus on the vision that you have for your company. I would also say making the right business decisions when it comes to collaborations and partnerships — having the ability to really make sure that certain partnerships are the right fit. It can be a challenge because what you think is a great opportunity might not be the best in the long run. It’s important to weigh your options and understand what works best for you.
What advice do you have for people considering starting a business?
Starting small allows you to work your way up and gives you the ability to grow. You don’t need to complicate things by adding too much all at once.
Research and write a plan. Educate yourself on what you’re trying to do. This opens the door to really understanding what type of service you want or products you would like to have. Create a plan for your company and all that you want to accomplish.
Take your time. You will not become a millionaire overnight! It sounds good, but you really need to understand that building a successful brand takes time, hard work and consistency.
Categories Alumni