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

Hi Kimberly, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Over the course of my career, my perspective on work-life balance has evolved significantly, reflecting a shift in priorities and self-perception. In the early stages of my professional journey, I was driven by a strong desire to establish myself in the field. This ambition was evident in my eagerness to accept speaking engagements and attend various events around the globe, believing that such visibility and engagement were crucial for career advancement. This phase was marked by a relentless pursuit of professional opportunities, often at the expense of personal time and family commitments.

However, with time and experience, my approach to balancing work and personal life has undergone a considerable transformation. I have reached a stage in my career where the need to constantly prove myself has diminished. This change in mindset has led to a more selective approach towards professional commitments. I no longer feel compelled to say yes to every speaking opportunity or apply for various professional engagements. Instead, I now exercise discretion in choosing events and projects, prioritizing those that align with my personal and professional goals.
This shift is not just about being selective in professional endeavors; it’s also about redefining what success means to me. My family has become the central focus of my life. Recognizing that one of the key purposes of my work is to provide for my family, I have adjusted my work practices accordingly. I have significantly reduced my travel frequency, going from two or three trips per month to just two or three a year. This reduction in travel is not merely a logistical change but a conscious decision to enhance my presence in my family’s life.

By concentrating on opportunities that I can pursue from the office, I can dedicate more time to being physically and emotionally present for my family. This includes attending my sons’ football practices, being there for basketball games, volunteering at their school, and being present for holidays and other significant family moments. This new approach to work-life balance reflects a deeper understanding that professional success is not just about career achievements but also about the quality of life and relationships outside of work. It’s a testament to the evolving nature of priorities as one navigates through different stages of their career and life.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Kimberly Lawson Consulting stands as a distinguished boutique agency, expertly tailored to meet the unique needs of a diverse clientele that includes small business owners, educational institutions, government entities, and nonprofit organizations. Our specialization spans a comprehensive range of services, including marketing, branding, professional training, interactive workshops, and personalized coaching or consulting.

At the heart of our operations, we find our primary clientele consists of solopreneurs – ambitious individuals who run their business single-handedly – and various government agencies. These clients, each with their distinct challenges and goals, benefit from our tailored approach that recognizes and addresses their specific requirements.

For solopreneurs, we understand the challenges of managing a business independently. Our services are designed to equip these entrepreneurs with the tools and strategies needed for branding, marketing, and overall business growth, enabling them to expand their reach and effectively compete in their respective markets.

Government agencies, on the other hand, require a different approach. Our expertise in this sector allows us to offer specialized training and workshops that align with their unique operational frameworks and objectives. We help these agencies enhance their internal capabilities, improve public engagement strategies, and achieve their mission-critical goals with greater efficiency and impact.

Moreover, we extend our services to schools and nonprofit organizations, understanding that these entities often operate under different constraints and objectives compared to for-profit businesses. Our tailored strategies in marketing and branding help these organizations increase their visibility and impact, while our training and coaching services are designed to build capacity and enhance effectiveness in achieving their noble objectives.

In summary, Kimberly Lawson Consulting is not just a provider of services; we are a partner in growth and success for a wide range of clients. Our commitment to understanding and meeting the unique needs of each client sets us apart, ensuring that whether it’s a solo entrepreneur or a large government agency, they receive the highest level of expertise and personalized attention to propel them towards their goals.

In reflecting on my professional journey, the aspect that fills me with the most pride is the unwavering commitment of Kimberly Lawson Consulting to prioritize client success above all else. This client-centric approach is not just a business strategy, but a fundamental ethos that drives every aspect of our operations. At the core of our mission, we are dedicated to being a beacon of solutions for business owners, addressing their unique challenges and aiding in their pursuit of success.

Our firm is not merely content with providing standard consulting services. Instead, we actively seek to understand the intricate and evolving needs of each client, tailoring our solutions to fit their specific contexts. Whether it’s navigating market dynamics, crafting effective marketing strategies, or enhancing operational efficiencies, our focus is always on how these services translate into real, tangible successes for our clients.

Moreover, Kimberly Lawson Consulting takes pride in its proactive approach. We don’t wait for challenges to become obstacles for our clients; we anticipate potential issues and strategize solutions ahead of time. This forward-thinking mindset ensures that our clients are always a step ahead, equipped with the tools and insights needed to thrive in their respective industries.

Our dedication to client success extends beyond individual projects. We strive to build lasting relationships with our clients, offering ongoing support and advice as they grow and evolve. This commitment to long-term client success sets us apart and underlines our role not just as consultants, but as trusted advisors and partners in our clients’ business journeys.

Ultimately, the greatest measure of our success is seen in the achievements of our clients. Each milestone they reach, each goal they accomplish, reinforces the value of our client-first philosophy. It’s this focus on making a meaningful difference in the lives and ventures of our clients that stands as the most gratifying and proud aspect of my work with Kimberly Lawson Consulting.

Embarking on my entrepreneurial journey as a solopreneur was an experience marked by significant stress and challenges. Navigating the complexities of starting and managing a business single-handedly required immense resilience and dedication. However, this initial phase of my journey was a critical foundation for my growth and learning.

In the third year of my business, then known as Lawson Learning Academy, a significant milestone was reached: I expanded my team by hiring my first employee. This step marked a pivotal transition from being a solo entrepreneur to managing a team. The responsibility of training a new employee was substantial, requiring not just the impartation of skills and knowledge but also adapting to the dynamics of a growing team. Ensuring timely payment of wages added another layer of responsibility, underscoring the financial and managerial aspects of my role.

Hiring a young woman of color and being able to contribute positively to her life has been an incredibly humbling and gratifying experience. Knowing that my business plays a direct role in supporting her livelihood, enabling her to pay bills, and even enjoy the pleasures of vacations, brings a profound sense of fulfillment. It’s a constant reminder of the broader impact of my entrepreneurial efforts, extending beyond business success to making a meaningful difference in someone’s life.

This responsibility and the joy derived from it serve as powerful motivators. They drive me to persevere through difficult times, continually seeking new opportunities and ways to grow the business. This growth is not just for the sake of the business itself, but also for the people it supports, both directly and indirectly.

The journey from a solopreneur to an employer has been transformative. It has expanded my perspective on what it means to be an entrepreneur. It’s not just about personal success or overcoming individual challenges; it’s also about creating opportunities for others, contributing to their growth and well-being, and building a business that positively impacts the community. This evolution in my entrepreneurial journey is a source of immense pride and an ongoing inspiration to keep pushing forward, no matter the challenges that lie ahead.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Introducing a friend to my city would be an exciting journey through a collection of my cherished local spots and eateries, each with its own unique charm and flavor. Our day would be a delightful blend of culinary experiences and retail exploration, showcasing the vibrant and diverse character of the city.

We would kick off our day with a hearty breakfast at Bomb Biscuits on Highland Avenue, a place renowned for its delightful food and exemplary service. As a fan of chicken and waffles, I wouldn’t miss the chance to indulge in this classic comfort dish. The warm, welcoming ambiance and the flavorsome cuisine make it the perfect spot to start our adventure.

Following breakfast, we’d venture to Ponce City Market, a hub of activity and culture. Here, Village Market Retail stands out as one of my favorite shops, offering an array of unique items and local crafts. Another highlight of our visit would be Modern Mystic, where we’d explore an intriguing selection of crystals, perfect for those interested in spirituality and wellness.

For lunch, we’d head to daVidos, a fantastic black-owned pizza shop known for its delicious slices and vibrant atmosphere. This spot is not just about great food; it represents the diversity and entrepreneurial spirit of the city.
Post-lunch, we’d dive into the city’s fashion scene with visits to Wish and Walter’s, checking out the latest sneaker trends. Then, for a touch of creativity, we’d create our own custom sneakers at Sneaker Doodle, a unique experience that combines artistry and fashion.

Dinner would be a flavorful affair at Egg Roll Boyz, followed by a late movie at Studio Movie Grill in Alpharetta. This isn’t just any movie experience – SMG enhances the cinematic journey with a fantastic selection of drinks, appetizers, and entrees, all served right at your seat, adding a luxurious touch to our movie night.

To cap off our adventure, a stop at the Marietta Diner for dessert and coffee is a must. This diner is not just about the food; it’s an institution, a place that encapsulates the essence of the city’s culinary landscape. Their dessert selection is the perfect sweet ending to our day-long exploration.

This journey is more than just a tour; it’s a celebration of the city’s unique spots – from culinary delights to retail gems. It’s about sharing the places that hold special meaning to me, and in doing so, offering my friend a taste of the city’s heart and soul.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
In my Shoutout Interview, I would like to pay tribute to my late grandfather, Joseph N. Morgan, Sr., whose profound influence has shaped many aspects of my life, particularly in the realms of life lessons, business acumen, and the importance of education. My grandfather was a staunch believer in the power of education, viewing it as a critical pathway to freedom and progress. His conviction that knowledge and learning could elevate one’s life has left an indelible mark on my own values and aspirations.

Joseph N. Morgan, Sr. was not only an advocate for education but also a trailblazer in our family as the first to venture into entrepreneurship. He owned a photography studio in my hometown, a venture that not only showcased his artistic talent but also his entrepreneurial spirit. I have fond memories of assisting him during significant family events, such as my uncle’s wedding, where his skills in capturing moments were in full display. His studio was more than a business; it was a place where memories were preserved and cherished.

Moreover, my grandfather’s entrepreneurial journey extended beyond photography. I recall how people in our town would visit his house to purchase identification cards from him. These IDs were more than just pieces of plastic; they were tools that enabled individuals to secure employment and provide for their families. This aspect of his business underscored his deep understanding of the community’s needs and his commitment to addressing them.

His dual role as a business owner and an educator made him a respected and influential figure in the community. Through his various endeavors, he demonstrated how a business could be both a source of livelihood and a means of serving the community. The services he offered, whether it was creating IDs or capturing moments through photography, were not only valuable but also accessible. He understood the significance of making such services affordable, especially in a time when technology like cellphones, which we take for granted today, was non-existent.

From my grandfather, I learned the importance of developing a business that is not only profitable but also meaningful and responsive to the needs of the community. His example taught me that success in business is measured not just in financial terms but also in the positive impact it has on people’s lives. His legacy continues to inspire me to strive for excellence, be innovative, and maintain a deep sense of community responsibility in my professional endeavors.

Website: https://www.kimberlylawson.net/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/klawsonconsulting/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/klawsonconsulting

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KimberlyLawson1

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.