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

Hi Gina, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
It really began with a personal need. A need to find a place where I could express myself creatively. To fulfill that part of me that my 9-5 job was not accomplishing. It made sense to tap into areas where I knew I already had talents and pair it with something new. I had been a marketer, a copywriter, a web designer, a content strategist, a photographer, a speaker, and the list goes on. The unknown was the “what”. What was the product. It quickly became apparent that it was “me” or more specifically “my style”. My original plan was to have a website/blog and have a social presence. However, the blog was too heavy of a lift while working full time, so I continued with the social account. It honestly felt more like a hobby at the start, not a business even though I had written a mission statement, objective and tactics. I was kinda going with the flow – but over the next almost-6 years, I would solidify my vision, my direction and play an active role in its success. Driving toward what I now know I can accomplish.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I wanted to be in fashion and was obsessed with fashion magazines growing up, and I actually have a degree in Fashion Merchandising and Retailing but fate gave me what would be a 30-year career in high-tech marketing/advertising. If my job didn’t include a form of creative expression, I would supplement it with hobbies where I could create – like becoming a semi-professional photographer while working full-time as a product brand manager. At one point, I gave up working at my dream job as an Account Director at an advertising agency, to focus on building a blended family. It paid off, literally, with a well-paying position at a global company which allowed me to save for my kid’s college.
I always joke that I get an itch every 5 or so years to look for something new in my life – be it a hobby ( to stretch the creative wings) or a job. I wouldn’t say I had an “easy” career but I always balanced it with other interests and in the end those interests, professional demeanor and creativity would manifest as my personal brand…it only took 55 years when I finally have an opportunity to link all my passions and experience.
I am most proud of repeatedly being asked to share my style, opinion, insights and journey on podcasts or YouTube episodes or contribute to a style blog or newsletter. I am not just a voiceless image on a screen. My energetic, positive energy comes thru and I can show my personality and my style – which are hugely linked. It’s an honor every time.
One of the big lessons I learned, and I had to hire a career coach to figure this out (which I highly recommend) is that our career is like a boat on a river, if you let the river take you where it wants to go, you may end up in a place that is not rewarding or fulfilling, it’s just a job. The good news is that it is never too late to start steering again and get back on track. Lastly, your network is your greatest asset. Never be too proud or too scared to reach out to others for advice. I am trying to decide what my next course will be with my brand and others have been very open to providing feedback and insights, even people who I only have met virtually. I am really excited about 2025 and looking at extending my brand from what feels 2-D into 3-D opportunities like speaking opportunities, maybe even YouTube. A second coffee table book is an option but a 2.0 version with a slightly different format. I am not ruling out anything yet. New Year’s is just around the corner and a great time to look back and plan ahead.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There is always lots to do in Boston. The week would definitely include the following:
– Breakfast at The Friendly Toast. They have flights of champagne, and breakfast all day.
– Shopping at Copley Place and the Prudential Center with a visit to The View for a 360 degree view of the city and a drink at Stratus
– A visit to the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum
– Lunch on the terrace at Bistro du Midi followed by a stroll thru the Public Gardens
– Take a harbor cruise at night to see the city from the water
– Pop into the Speakeasy in the Raffles Hotel for a late day drink and watch the city lights come up.
– Dinner at the bar at Abe & Louis
– Walk and shop around the Seaport district with dinner at Woods Hill Pier 4
– Walk a bit of the Freedom Trail to see where Paul Revere signaled the Union Army and go onboard the USS Constitution and learn about the Boston Tea Party.
– Hop on a Blue Bike and take a ride along the Charles River

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to my husband. He has always encouraged me to pursue my passions and has been a sounding board for many an idea. His belief in me gets me over-the-hump whenever I question myself. A big shout out to my followers. Their continued support and comments keep me smiling and energized to continue on those days it feels a bit mundane.

Website: https://www.ginamkstyle.com

Instagram: @ginamkstyle

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gkieslich/

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