We had the good fortune of connecting with Kaci Pedersen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kaci, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting my own business stemmed from years of working full-time corporate jobs and not feeling fulfilled. I worked hard studying full time at KSU while also clocking in 40+ hours a week, sometimes juggling 2-4 jobs at a time to not only “get by,” but to also keep busy. Overtime I realized I was working harder, not smarter. After 5+ years of being full-time in the workforce, I wanted to be my own boss and define my own job description and eventually just WENT FOR IT.

What should our readers know about your business?
The who: Kaci Pedersen Public Relations The what: Public Relations, Marketing + Social Media Management The when: Started in 2017 The where: Atlanta-area, but manages clients US-wide The why: After years in the corporate workforce, I realized (no matter my job title) that I was continuously trying to add value to my job description playing publicist to the brands + people I was working for at the time regardless of my base pay rate or salary. Overtime I realized I was under-valuing my worth and what I was bringing to the table, so I took my attributes and began a journey into freelance + contract work and haven’t been self-employed full-time ever since! The how: I took the road less traveled by and believe me- it wasn’t & still isn’t easy. Starting your own business and paving your own path IS NOT EASY. Everyone around me was taking internships, corporate salary offers, and/or bartending while I was researching how to even begin a business plan of my own. Til this day, I’m still learning as I go and although it can be intimidating, it’s my favorite part of what I do!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I LOVE the city of Atlanta and it’s stunning transformation over the years! If venturing downtown for the day, I am a huge fan of Westside Provisions District and Ponce City Market- both are great for showing off views, cuisine, and shopping to all of your friends visiting from out of town. I do have to say my heart personally belongs to the suburbs of Atlanta, specifically Alpharetta, GA. I LOVE all of the local restaurants, bars, and artisan shops you can find in the downtown Alpharetta-area plus having the mulit-use developments like Avalon and Halcyon within five minutes opens up a rolodex of options to choose from for a fun day or night out!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
“I get by with a little help from my friends!” I would not be professionally nor personally where I am today without the help of my friends. It may sound cliche, but it is oh so true! My two best friends, Alishia Pittman and Taylor Snow, both of whom I met via KSU, have been by my side since day one helping me not only as “friends,” but sometimes advisors, colleagues, assistants, etc. when I need an extra set of hands or opinions and for that I am extremely grateful!

Website: www.kacipedersenpr.com
Instagram: @kacipedersenpr
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaci-pedersen/
Twitter: @kacipedersenpr
Facebook: @kacipedersenpr