Kimberly is an absolute rockstar. She and I connected through theSkimm and have been internet pals for the past several months. (We're also both Scorpios and have very similar personality types (INTP/INTJ.) Just saying.)
Just yesterday, Kimberly officially opened the doors to her indoor cycling studio, Verticity. (Nashville babes: check it out, and tell 'em we sent you!) She (somehow) also co-owns a music management company and writes for a local publication on the side. She's a total hustlin' babe, and in my opinion, she's way too humble about it. :)
The Basics:
Hometown: Meadville, PA Current city: Nashville, TN Alma mater: Belmont University Degree: BBA in Music Business Hustle: Owner and Artist Manager @ Press Management Group // Owner at Verticity Nashville
The Interests:
Babe you admire and why? Reese Witherspoon. She's a total boss and a class act. I love how she manages so many different roles in her life: her acting career, production company, retail stores, and being a wife and mother. I read in one of her interviews that she likes to organize things to relax; her husband sometimes finds her in the closet folding underwear. I'm the same way!
How do you spend your free time? Starting businesses, apparently! I also love camping and have recently started hiking, so when I need a break from work or daily life, you'll find me out in the woods, reading in my tent. I'd love to get more uncertain-of-the-outdoors people into some outdoorsy stuff. I think my next business is going to involve a place for people to go glamping!
Favorite app and/or website? AwesomeCal saves my life and theSkimm is the first thing I read every morning! Their Skimm Ahead app adds events and to-dos catered to my taste, directly to my calendar. Perfect pair!
If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? Sipping wine at a sidewalk cafe on Montmartre in Paris, or walking around Portland: Powell’s Books, Forest Park, and the art museum.
If you were on The Amazing Race, who would your [female] partner be + why? My business partner and best friend, LB. We would FOR SURE win. Actually now that you mention it, maybe I should look into this…
The Hustle:
Tell us about your hustle: As the owner of both Press Management Groupand Verticitycycling studio, I (along with my business partners) oversee both companies. As an artist manager at Press Management Group, I also oversee and assist musicians with the development of their professional careers. I also write a weekly entrepreneurial-meets-self-development column for 12th & Broad (a Gannett company.) I named it Bring Your Brave with the belief that to live your best life takes courage.
What does your typical workday look like? Lots of emails! I like to have "no-meeting Mondays" because a productive start to the week sets me up for success. The other days are often go-go-go. For example, when looking at my schedule for tomorrow: At 7am I'll get up and ready (I’m quick at that,) then hit the emails for a while at home. At 9am I have a columnist meeting at the publication I write for on the side. At 1pm I have a photo shoot for the cycling studio and my next book cover, then training my new junior manager at 3pm, and then watching our new instructors teach and greeting the riders at Verticity throughout the evening. Fueled by coffee.
Favorite part about your job(s): Creating something that becomes bigger than me; like when one of my artists plays their first big show or releases new music that deeply touches fans, or when people leave a cycling class feeling stronger.
Do you have any noteworthy (intense, funny, embarrassing, etc) work moments? I was once driving a van around a farm with Nicole Kidman in the passenger's seat - I took a wrong turn and got us lost. She was so nice about it, but I was so embarrassed!
How do you manage a work-life balance while running two businesses? If I figure it out, I’ll let you know! Just kidding. Self care has to be a priority, as is relying on efficient systems. I can’t do my work well for my team and clients if I’m exhausted or disorganized.
What helps you manage stress? Rosé, early bed times, going to the movies alone, and if things get really bad, I’ll be in the bathtub.
What's your dream job? Exactly what I’m doing, but maybe with more help!
What do you hope for your future? I want to build a house here in Nashville, and also to have properties in a couple of my favorite cities so I can be home in all my “homes.” I hope both my companies grow to great success and change lives! I also plan to release my second book next year: a self-development book and workbook. I also hope to do more speaking engagements.
Career and/or life advice for other babes? Graciousness will get you further than anything else. Learn to tell your own truth. Give your best to every day. Surround yourself with people of strong character. Say yes to adventure.