Meet Kimberly Parkman | Owner & Principal Designer

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

Hi Kimberly, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The one non-negotiable in my business is providing amazing customer service with a personal touch. I feel that good customer service is lacking today and for me, that’s what keeps me loyal to a brand. Before I even put a product to market, I test it myself to make sure a piece of jewelry doesn’t tarnish, an article of clothing wears nicely, a tumbler performs to standards, etc. I personally interact with my customers on social media and answer all of my DMs on my own. I also provide custom order services to help my customers create the perfect item for personal use/wear or for a gift. Being an online retailer, I know that you have options but I want you to continue to come back to Belle & Ten over and over again based on your experience with us from the very first interaction with the brand.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My career started on the corporate side of retail/wholesale. As I progressed in my career, I found that my duties were less creative and the itch to own my own business got stronger and stronger. In 2011, I had the opportunity to buy into a tote bag manufacturing company and took the very scary leap to leave my stable corporate job. While that experience didn’t work out in the end, it gave me the courage and knowledge that I needed to start my current business- I call it my “masters degree.” It taught me about sourcing and the global supply chain and I also learned that it’s important for me to have full creative control over my products. I love designing, be it a new print/pattern or a new piece of jewelry and it’s been important for me to use that creativity as an outlet to decompress from the day-to-day duties of being a mom and business owner.

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 am a near-native Atlantan and there are so many amazing spots in this city! A long weekend here is perfect and I think we’d start off with brunch at an Atlanta staple- The Flying Biscuit Cafe in Midtown. After that, we’d spend the day in Piedmont Park and cap it off with happy hour cocktails in the garden at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. After that, we’d head back to our hotel, The Georgian Terrace, to change and get ready for a show at the Fabulous Fox Theatre. The next day, we’d head out to the Georgia Aquarium (I know it’s cheesy but it’s truly one of my favorite spots in the city!) and then on to Ponce City Market for some amazing food, craft cocktails and games on the rooftop!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Being a mom and a small business owner is no easy feat- you are always working and there are no quiet hours. I absolutely give credit to my “Board of Directors-” a group of other small business owners who are also mothers- for keeping me sane. Among other things, this group of women has been there for the joyous moments before and after a product launch; they’ve been a sounding board for when my creativity has lagged or I’m feeling imposter syndrome; and they’re also there to help promote and market my business. We can go to each other for anything, be it business- or parenting-related, and know that we have each other’s unconditional support and love.

Website: www.belleandten.com

Instagram: @belleandten

Facebook: facebook.com/belleandten

Other: Pinterest: pinterest.com/belleandten

Image Credits
Kimberly Parkman