Lessons Learned by Resilient Female Founders: Kelly Stokes Brown – KSB Online Marketing & Juggling Khaos
When you think about the journey of a woman business owner, it’s often filled with both challenges and triumphs. For Kelly Stokes Brown, founder of KSB Marketing Online and Juggling Khaos, her journey has been one of growth, learning, and helping other women business owners find their own path to success. As someone who has built a thriving business over the course of over 14 years, Kelly has valuable insights to share about navigating the world of entrepreneurship, particularly in the service-based industry.
Here’s a closer look at Kelly’s advice for fellow women entrepreneurs, the lessons she’s learned, and the experiences that have shaped her journey.
Advice for Women Business Owners: Surround Yourself with Success
When it comes to building a successful business, Kelly’s first piece of advice is simple but powerful: surround yourself with people who are running successful businesses. The support, guidance, and inspiration that come from connecting with other successful entrepreneurs can be life-changing.
Kelly emphasizes that, especially in the early stages of entrepreneurship, it’s crucial to be in an environment where you can learn from others who have already paved the way. Networking with those who are more experienced will help you avoid common pitfalls and give you a clearer understanding of what it takes to succeed.
“It’s all about building a strong network of people who are on the same journey, people who can help lift you up and offer advice when you need it most,” Kelly says. “This community will make all the difference.”
Sell First, Build Later: The Key to Early Success
One of the most valuable lessons Kelly has learned is that, when starting a business, it’s important to sell first, build later. Many entrepreneurs, especially women, can get bogged down in perfecting their website, logo, or marketing before ever making a sale. However, Kelly believes the key to success is validating your offer before focusing on the details.
For service-based businesses like KSB Marketing Online, Kelly recommends that women business owners start by fine-tuning their service offering. “Nothing matters more than having an irresistible service that people are willing to pay for,” she shares. “Don’t worry about the website or branding in the beginning. Focus on creating a service that resonates with your ideal client and solves their problem. Once you have that, everything else will fall into place.”
The Power of Celebrating Small Wins
Starting a business can feel overwhelming, and the road to success is rarely linear. Kelly encourages women entrepreneurs to celebrate the small wins along the way.
“Sometimes, it’s easy to get discouraged when you’re focused on the big picture,” Kelly reflects. “But taking the time to celebrate the small wins is vital. It reminds you that you’re making progress, and each step brings you closer to your goals.”
Fond Memories: The Moment Women See Their Own Potential
For Kelly, her fondest memories as a business owner is when she works with other women entrepreneurs and helps them realize their own potential. “There’s a moment when the women I work with start to see what I see in them – how incredibly intelligent, creative, dynamic, and gifted they are,” Kelly says. “It’s one of the most rewarding things to help someone recognize their own strength and realize the full potential of their business.”
How Hera Hub Has Fueled Kelly’s Growth
As a business owner who understands the importance of community, Kelly credits much of her growth to Hera Hub. “Being part of the Hera Hub community has been crucial in my business journey,” Kelly says. “Having access to an amazing network of like-minded women, as well as valuable resources and business experts, has helped me navigate challenges and continue growing.”
Final Thoughts: Keep Going, You’ve Got This
Kelly’s journey as a business owner is a testament to the power of persistence, community, and self-belief. For women entrepreneurs, Kelly’s advice is clear: build relationships with other successful entrepreneurs, focus on your service offering first, celebrate the small wins, and never underestimate the value of a supportive network. With these principles, any woman can take the leap and build a thriving business.
Follow Kelly’s System for Female Founders
If you’re reading this, you’ve probably felt the overwhelm that is so common for female founders, who often wonder if they will ever find the time to pursue goals and dreams that matter the most to them.
Over the years, Kelly developed her own system to pull herself out of this burnout and frustration. She didn’t need more to-do lists; she needed a system that aligned with how her creative mind works—-so she could break down big dreams into actionable steps and feel accomplished every week. In fact, she used this to launch multiple courses, grow her business, and build a life she loves.
Then she began helping her clients using her system, and eventually developed it into a gorgeous planner and a business called Juggling Khaos. As Kelly continues to evolve as an entrepreneur, she remains passionate about helping other women business owners achieve their dreams through both of her businesses. Her lessons is a guiding light for any women looking to build a business they love.
Click here to find out more about Kelly’s copywriting and marketing services.