Ever wondered what it takes to ditch the cubicle and become a full-time girl boss? Our Student Spotlight Series interviews our students who have made the transition from 9-5 to remote CEOs!
From what inspired them to start their own business, their favorite podcasts, go-to morning routine, advice to aspiring girl bosses, and so much more!
Today, we’re sitting down with our student Kimiko Cacioppo, Founder of Kimiko Creative! Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Kimiko gives us a glimpse into her girl boss journey…
Q: What type of online business do you own and what services do you offer?
I’m the Founder of Kimiko Creative, a digital marketing agency focused on helping female entrepreneurs build authentic brands that attract their ideal clients. We offer branding, web design, graphic design, and social media marketing.
Q: What inspired you to enroll in the Bucketlist Bombshells course?
I was inspired to enroll in The Work Online and Travel The World Course when I saw how Cassie and Shay lived a life full of travel while doing what they loved!
Q: How has the course helped you to become an online business owner?
The Work Online and Travel The World Course helped me create a client process and set me up for success.
“I would have never known how to run a business without having taken the course!”
Q: What type of job were you working in prior to running your own online business?
Prior to running Kimiko Creative, I was a graphic designer.
Q: How long did it take you to ditch your 9-5, and how much time did you dedicate in order to make it happen?
For a year, I spent three to five hours every day building up my business.
Q: How long was it until you landed your first client online?
It took me about eight months to find a client that I was willing to work with.
Q: What has been your biggest setback, and how did you overcome it?
My biggest setback was landing sales calls. Now, I’ve gotten so good at it and it’s so easy!
“I don’t even need to get on the phone to land a sale anymore!”
Q: What was the final push in your story to get you to ditch that 9-5 job?
My 9-5 was so toxic and I wasn’t able to live the life I wanted.
“I knew it was a sign to leave and continue my business venture on my own!”
Q: Tell us what a “day in the life” looks like for you now that you’re running your own online business!
I wake up at 9am, get ready, start work at 10am, and work until 12:30pm. Then, I eat lunch, run errands, and have fun until 2pm. I often work until 5:30pm and have the rest of the evening free to relax!
Q: What’s the most challenging part about running your online business?
The most challenging part about running my own business has been finding team members who have the skills to help me manage everything. My process works, I just need someone who is trained and passionate!
Q: How do you stay inspired and motivated to run your online business?
I set my intentions for the week and I’m grateful for everything. Even if a client pays me $5, I’m grateful for it. This keeps me going as it reminds me that it’s not the life I was living while at my 9-5!
Q: What is your process for finding and landing clients online?
I find and land clients by staying consistent and posting on social media, launching limited offers, giving tons of value, and showing up online!
Q: What do you love most about the work you do and the clients you work with?
My clients are dream clients, and I get to choose exactly who I want to work with.
“I love being able to be creative and decide how I want to run my business!”
Q: What’s the best part about being your own boss?
I’m living the dream I’ve always wanted and I get to scale my business. It feels amazing being able to decide what’s best and who I want to work with.
“I get to build my own empire and legacy!”
Q: What is your favorite destination to work remotely from?
I love working from Florida or Hawaii!
Q: What is one travel item you can’t live without when you’re working and traveling?
I can’t live without my Apple Airpods. I can’t focus on my work without them!
Q: What’s your go-to favorite podcast that you’d recommend to other girl bosses?
I love The Angie Lee Show and the Guava Girl Podcast by Isabella Silverio!
Q: What is your number one piece of advice for aspiring Bucketlist Bombshells?
Don’t quit! Landing your first client is the hardest part in your business. You’ll land your first client and it will become so easy after that.
