Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Bowman.
Hi Kim, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in West Virginia and earned a journalism degree from Ohio University. I’ve always been a writer/reporter at heart with a knack for “interviewing.” It’s a skill that serves me today as I help businesses build and refresh their brands. My first job out of college was as an associate editor at a small women’s magazine in Columbia, Ohio. After that, I worked as a writer for AT&T and became an in-house writer and editor for a software company in Columbia, SC. The next chapter led me to the exciting experience of launching a lifestyle magazine – “Lake Murray Magazine” – with the State Newspaper. From there, I became the head of marketing and development for EdVenture Children’s Museum, made my way to the University of South Carolina to work for the ultra-talented dean of the J School, and eventually became the CEO of the SC Governor’s School for Science and Math Foundation. I was fortunate to oversee everything from branding and business development to recruitment and innovation in that role. In 2017, I launched K. Hope Creative to do what I do best: develop successful brands and leaders.
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?
There are always highs and lows! I think learning to be a good leader takes time and a sort of selflessness that forces you to focus on the true potential of another person so that you do everything you can to equip and inspire them to achieve their personal goals. You have to stumble a lot before you get it right! Nine out of 10 times, I’d say professional struggles are related to other people and knowing when and how to react to them in certain situations or simply when to care. Most of us spend too much time “thinking.” As I’ve matured, I’m a lot better at knowing when to let go and move on. Building K. Hope Creative is challenging because I dedicate most of my time to supporting a collection of incredibly impressive clients, which means critical tasks and goals I’ve set for KHC tend to stay on the backburner. It’s a hard nut to crack, no matter how many calendars, lists, and plans I create; however, it’s something I’m committed to improving.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about K. Hope Creative?
KHC is a boutique creative agency specializing in brand development, marketing, and storytelling. We work with start-ups, small to mid-sized businesses, female founders, schools, government entities, and non-profits. We build long-term relationships, and nearly 100 percent of our clients have returned to us for additional work. We go “all-in,” and I can’t imagine doing it any other way. My daughter came to work with me a few years ago, and that has been one of the happiest experiences of my life. She lives in Kilkenny, Ireland, and we opened a KHC office there. She’s doing an outstanding job developing new business for us. Because of Covid, I haven’t been able to visit yet, but I plan to go in September and can’t wait to meet our Irish clients in person. Nick Kask, our creative director, and I have worked together since 2006. He’s a remarkable talent, and the three of us make a formidable team. Lately, we’ve been branching out and hiring freelancers to help with photography and design, and I anticipate we’ll be growing our team in other ways soon. I love the creative work we do, and I’m proud of the strategic and genuine ways we help our clients.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m focused on continuing to refine our processes, increasing our marketing, growing our team, and establishing a better balance between work-life, home-life, and creative inspiration. I want to give myself more time to explore and refresh my mindset on a regular basis to provide our clients with the highest level of service, attention, and creativity possible. Loyalty goes a long way, and I am always loyal.
Contact Info:
- Email: kim@khopecreative.com
- Website: www.khopecreative.com
- Instagram: @khopecreative
- Facebook: @khopecreative
- Other: www.linkedin.com/in/kimbowman
Image Credits
Wright Media
