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Introduce yourself! Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Kris Kiehn, the Founder and Chief Brand Officer of Simply K2 Marketing. I’m a brand and marketing consultant who helps consumer facing businesses, entrepreneurs and CPG brands with 1-3 years in business. I offer brand exploration and message development, marketing and brand strategy, and help launch new products/business. Let me help you navigate the sea of marketing opportunities to create marketing and messaging that connects with your prospective customers vs. talking at them.
What made you want to start your own business?
I’ve loved branding and marketing even back as far as my college days (I won’t share how many years ago that was). I started my company to be able to not only choose who I got to work with, B2C firms, but especially the small business owners.
Small businesses are the fabric of our local communities. They touch and enrich all of our lives on a daily basis — much more than a big box store. I’ve made it my mission to help these businesses to succeed and thrive. When you shop local, you’re truly making someone happy that they followed their dream, and in turn this creates, I believe, happier and kinder communities that work together to give back and help others succeed.
What do you love the most about owning a business in Massachusetts?
I live on the island of Martha’s Vineyard, which means that I’ve adapted to conduct my business both in-person and virtually. But it also means I’ve met some of the heartiest owners – who have to hustle during the tourist season, or find ways to expand their business off-island.
Massachusetts is a state that really encourages small-business success. There are always classes/programs, grants and even our S.C.O.R.E programs to help small businesses to grow and thrive.
What are your favorite small businesses to support in Massachusetts?
I’m a big fan of the makers and artisans. I love going to the Island’s flea, Farmer’s Market, and our artisan shows. There are so many talented people creating things and products with their hands. I’m truly in awe.
I’m also a fan of my fellow brand managers, marketers and designers. Our field is always evolving and I love learning new things from those who do things similar to what I do.
Check out my Instagram account. I often do small business features on those I admire if you need some inspiration.
What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned throughout your career?
There are actually two.
The first is progress over perfection. There seems to be a feeling of, “I should be doing X or be better at Y.” As someone who really tries to do it right every time, I’ve been stepping back to appreciate all of the small steps I can take to get better, or get it out there vs. waiting until it’s perfect. It serves no purpose to wait – especially with how fast-paced the world is now.
The second is that it’s OK to ask for help – even when it may be something you feel like you should know, or that you do for others. As small business owners, there is a feeling that we have to do it alone. This is not true. I have reached out for help – even marketing help on a service I’ve provided to others. Sometimes it’s hard to see what you may need to do for your own business that is easy to see for someone else’s. Asking for help always gives a new perspective, and there is always someone willing to help if you just ask.
If you weren’t in your current position, what would your next dream job be?
I often dream of creating a product to sell vs. services. I’m not sure what the said product would be, but… it’s something I’m often heard telling others.
When you’re not working, what activities do you enjoy?
I love to read (mystery, suspense and books with cooking themes/recipes (not cookbooks))! I spend as much time at the beach as possible in the summer (reading of course) and the Vineyard has so many trails that I like to walk in the spring and fall.
Thank you for sharing more about yourself! Tell us how we can get in touch with you or find you online.
You can learn more about me via my website, Instagram, and LinkedIn.