Kelly King Anderson was a mom of two with a new baby and a new company to get off the ground. Necessity being the mother of networking, Kelly started “a little blog” to connect like-minded, action-driven women. Start Up Princess has since grown into a royal hub for women entrepreneurs. Start Up Princess, indeed.
Kelly’s Style Statement is Cultivated Inspiration.
KELLY, WHAT’S THE MOST COMMON CHALLENGE YOU SEE OCCURRING FOR ENTREPRENEURIAL WOMEN?
Common challenge? “Big Vision, Now What?”—but hey! I’ve been there and (still am) that’s where great mentors come in. My mentors and “Fairy Godmothers” I call them (Danielle being one!) have saved me from huge errors in the early stages. Business Plans are a must, get Palo Alto Business Plan software, this helped me win 2nd place in 2005 at a national MBA Business Plan competition. I also recommend this post by Christine Kloser, How to Create a Sticky Note Business Plan and here’s a fabulous podcast by Nancy Cadjan How to Transform an Idea into a Product.
WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR ROLE-MODEL ENTREPRENEURS?
I “get” to meet the most amazing women everyday and interview them about why and how they’ve designed products, established non-profits and beyond. I’m most inspired by REAL women who are bootstrapping their dreams, pitching to investors, sweating it…because they love what they do and have a mission. I’m completely in awe and appreciation for what Carrie & Danielle have created in such a short amount of time, they are on target with their purpose, dreams and are thinking long term.
Right now I’m in “mama mode” so I’m personally inspired by those who are or have balanced startup with raising a family and are peaceful enough to grow their business in stages harmonious with their family commitments and responsibilities. I recently met Gabrielle Blair, and Co-Founder of Kirtsy.com, she has 5 young children. Love her! If you watch her very long you’ll see she doesn’t do much alone, which is wise for a busy mom. She’s got a great deal of vision and initiative and is a gifted team leader and collaborator, that’s key.
Who am I personally most proud of? Sarah Jane, Children’s Illustrator. I mentored her from the start and now she’s selling her product all over the world, including Harrods! Her success fuels me to help other women. I love my interview with her.
I’ve found that women start businesses for a variety of reasons—they have bright ideas, need extra income, want to leave a legacy, promote a cause, etc. We know that it’s the PURPOSE-the difference they wish to make in the world that will drive them through the hard times—late nights, pitching to investors, revisions, sales calls, and ultimately bring them satisfaction and joy. So, I invite them to become clear on purpose first, then comes balance, and last strategy. We put together a great video about it.
JUST BY VIRTUE OF BEING YOU, WHAT ARE YOU TEACHING?
I hope I am demonstrating how to create and fulfill life goals and dreams while sharing generously with others along the way.
WHAT’S THE ADVICE YOU’RE ALWAYS GIVING PEOPLE?
Trust yourself, Follow your heart, “Ask and Ye Shall Receive”, find a great mentor with a proven track record in your industry.
HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN YOU’RE INSPIRED?
For me it’s a “divine moment” of connection or realization that is so deep where I feel love/joy/fear all at once and there is no denying that I must go forward with the “inspiration”, I know that if I don’t I’ll be off purpose. Generally my inspiration resonates with my truest desires and brings me great happiness in execution because of personal growth and satisfaction. It is the “divine moment” that I return to over and over when the journey gets challenging and ultimately drives me on to completion.
WHAT ARE THE TOOLS OF YOUR TRADE?
Google, email, business plans, press releases, pitches, networking events, virtual assistants, blogs, podcasts, Twitter, mentors.
HOW DO YOU GET THINGS DONE?
Faith, gratitude for blessings received, asking/prayers, requests from mentors/friends, late nights/early mornings, To Do lists, my Mac, trades, connections, assistants, partners, my husband’s support, babysitters.
WHAT BOOKS, MOVIES, OR CDs HAVE BEEN MOST HELPFUL OR INSPIRING TO YOU? 
Scriptures, The Power of Intention by Wayne Dyer, Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, biographies/movies of people whom have conquered the impossible, such as Stolen Lives by Malika Oufkir, HeatherMadder’s audio presentations.
WHAT DO YOU COLLECT, OR HAVE A LOT OF?
Essential oils, career bags, vintage buttons, antique dishes, my children’s art, business cards, food storage…and diapers.
IF ANNIE LEIBOVITZ WERE TO SHOOT A PORTRAIT OF YOU, HOW YOU ART DIRECT IT?
The location would definitely in an English castle, not sure the rest of the details. However, I did art direct this photo of me and my girls at my home, I love how it turned out.
WHAT DO YOU CRAVE?
Coconut Macaroons from www.RawMelissa.com and Super Food Odwalla Juice.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE A MASTER OF?
Listening.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO REVOLUTIONIZE?
Apathy.
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Please join us for TOUCHPOINT - The Startup Princess Annual Event for Women Entrepreneurs Sept 26 in Utah, action-driven workshops, networking, inspiration, elevator pitch competition and more.
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Further inspiration:
C&D Blog: How to be PRODUCTIVELY creative
C&D Blog: Top 5 Business Books
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