Media Mavens: In conversation with Kirsten
Kirsten Schmidtke has paved her own way throughout her career, and now helps others do the same in her work coaching professionals. Going from owning a dance studio, to being a stylist, working on her mom’s jewelry business, and getting into technology sales, she’s learned a lot on the way and has chosen to spend her days sharing these experiences with others.
Kirsten sat down with Cleo to share some of what she’s learned, including getting to the core of what makes content successful and finding your own way to authenticity.
Cleo: How did you end up starting your own business as a professional coach? Tell us about your journey!
Kirsten: I always knew I wanted to create something of my own. I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs and had my first business at age 16: teaching swimming lessons in our backyard pool. At 21, I co-founded a dance studio while in university. After graduating, I stepped into corporate in technology sales, and while the industry served me well for over 12 years, I knew there was something more. During this time, I experimented with different ideas including blogging, fashion styling, and eventually partnered with my mom on her jewelry company, Klas Squared.
Coaching was a natural evolution; in my search to feel better in my work, balanced in my life, and whole in how I was showing up in the world, I found coaching to be transformational. I learned that by feeling integrated in all parts of who I am, I am unstoppable. My coach is one of the few people in my life who acknowledged my ambition and motivation as strengths; who challenged me to go after the big life I wanted for myself. I saw an opportunity to help others create that for themselves. Wanting to live a big life is not something to be ashamed of, it’s something to celebrate. Coaching offered an opportunity for me to expand on my ability to build trusted relationships and to connect more deeply with clients to create impact in their lives. My toolkit is broad and deep and allows me to take an integrative approach to support clients on their goals in life, business, career, wealth, and wellness.
Cleo: You’ve had a unique career and still manage more than one business. On top of your coaching business, you also manage the marketing for your mom’s business Klas Squared. Throughout all of these experiences, what did you find was the most important lesson you learned about the type of content that resonates with audiences?
Kirsten: I am a good communicator who is curious and loves to learn, and social media is a wonderful way to pass on my knowledge, experience, and skills to others so that they can grow and expand in their lives, their work, and in the case of Klas squared, their style! In the beginning, I put a lot of pressure on creating content that was professional and perfect - I spent too much time looking at other brands and had this idea that if we didn’t look like them, it wasn’t worth it. But I was ignoring the one thing that they didn’t have. I was missing the magic: Us. Whether it’s photos, stories, newsletters, or blog posts, we focus on our relationship, the mother-daughter dynamic, and the process of designing and creating our jewelry. People connect with people. People want to learn more about who you are, what you believe in, and what inspires you. This is also reflected in my coaching business. When it comes to my coaching, I show up on social and create content with one goal in mind: radical generosity. In other words, how can I be of service to my followers, community, and clients?
Cleo: What would you tell someone who is starting their own brand but isn’t sure where to start?
Kirsten: Know your why. Simple in theory, but it takes time and attention to be able to articulate it clearly. When you know your why, everything else falls into place. Your intentions are clear, your goals are in alignment, and your brand is authentic.
Cleo: How do you manage your own social media feeds? Where do you find inspiration and what do you find resonates with your audiences?
Kirsten: My number one source for inspiration is customers and clients. Whether for the jewelry brand or coaching business, I’m always listening: listening for where others need help, where they’re struggling, what they want more of in their lives. From there, I work to create inspirational and shareable posts with this reminder: someone out there needs to hear what you have to say.
Cleo: What advice would you give to someone who is wondering if they should make the leap and go out on their own?
Kirsten: Take the leap of faith, but make sure you have something to land on. In other words, whether or not your idea, passion, or project has generated revenue, have a firm foundation created before you take the leap. Be clear in what you’re up to, what you want, and the steps you’re going to take to move forward. Although this foundation may mould into a different shape over time, it is critical to your wellbeing and the wellbeing of your business. When you’re met with challenges and resistance, this foundation will serve you to keep going.
Cleo: And a fun one to finish off, what’s your favourite way to take a break from work?!
Kirsten: A jump in the lake! Of course, this is limited to summer since I live in Canada, but getting outdoors is always rejuvenating and restoring for me. I also love reading, writing, running, yoga, knitting, and cooking … to name a few!