Rising Stars: Meet Karriema Calhoun

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karriema Calhoun.

Hi Karriema, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m an ambitious millennial, servant leader and professional “career pivoter.” In May 2008, I found myself with a degree that I worked very hard for, but I didn’t see a realistic path to what I thought was my dream job at the time. I graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism & Mass Communications. While in college, I had an internship as an Advertising Sales Representative for a newspaper, but I ended up exploring other career options after graduation. In August 2008, I moved to Charleston, SC to start my career in project management as an analyst. And this started the journey of many more career pivots to come. From 2008 to today, I’ve pivoted from project management to cyber security compliance to information technology to facilities management to now working in supply chain. I’ve had to rebrand myself many times to position for my next desired career move. With rebranding over the years, my resume needed a shift as well, particularly to call out transferable skills that I can apply to any position. As I began experiencing more success with rebranding my resume and began advancing in my career, other people started noticing it too. My family and friends were asking me to revamp their resumes, and they were landing interviews, job offers and even promotions. Helping them achieve their goals sparked my increased focus and newfound passion for resume writing. Ten years later, my 9-to-5 is being a Supply Chain Manager, and I spend my nights and weekends writing resumes and coaching professionals to success in career advancement. KC Consulting and Resume Bae were established in 2020 in the midst of the pandemic. With more time at home, I was able to transition my passion and hobby into a small business. Since then, I have helped clients to see a $1.2 million increase in their salaries.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has been a beautiful rollercoaster, sometimes exciting, yet other times loopy and spiraling. It took way too long to kick off my business. I’ve wanted to start my writing business for years, and fortunately, I was able to make it happen in 2020. Imposter syndrome, undervaluing my time and talents and misgauging my target audience were some struggles that I’ve experienced since becoming an entrepreneur. I had to pause and take time to get clarity for my brand, what I wanted to offer and who I needed to target. Brand clarity and a business coach helped tremendously!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a copywriter and resume writer. I have a 9-to-5, as well as two businesses (KC Consulting and Resume Bae). KC Consulting offers copywriting, editing, and resume writing services to complement and enhance personal and professional brands. Resume Bae is newly rebranded with a focus on resume writing and career coaching for millennials to secure the bag, and it’s also a blog.

I specialize in resume writing, rebranding resumes to position professionals for higher salaries and career advancement.

I’m most proud that I’ve helped my clients to see a combined total of over $1.2 million in salary increases, salary negotiations, bonuses, etc. AND I’m also very proud that the majority of my business leads are referrals from family, friends and past clients.

The thing that sets me apart from others is servant leadership. I’m very people-focused and service-driven. My goal is to help my clients achieve their goals; their success motivates me to expand my reach to help others.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I’m born and raised in South Carolina. I grew up in the upstate (Calhoun Falls, SC). I went to college in the midlands, and I’ve settled in Lowcountry, which has been my new home since 2008. I graduated high school when I was 16, and I was the valedictorian. I was a 16-year-old college freshman who went from a hometown of 2,000 people to a university with 20,000 people. I’m a small-town, country girl at heart with huge, ambitious goals and dreams. I’ve always been extremely goal-oriented, and this is something that is still in me. I’m very determined to continue climbing the ladder in my full-time career while also growing my business and helping my clients to advance in their careers.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Denise Benson Photography
Aneris Photography