PrintKatherine Andrews
Business: Profiles, a human resource development firm
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Revenue: $45,000
Employees: One full-time, two contract professionals
Year founded: 1990
Previous life: She worked for a wide range of employers over the past 30 years — military, pipeline-service companies, telecommunications, product services, airlines and non-profits.
Why went into business: "I have always had a knack for presenting career-minded individuals with a résumé that highlights their qualifications in a way that puts them ahead of the competition. I wanted to reach out and assist more people other than my coworkers and close friends."
Was most scared about: "Knowing that I would be responsible for generating enough income to cover business expenses and provide for my family."
Best thing about being your own boss: "The ability to call the shots, map my own journey and guide or influence the choices and options of others."
Miss about working for someone else: "I don't miss working for someone else, but that's because I continue to work for a nonprofit agency dedicated to stopping violence in our homes and families. I support the mission and goals of this agency wholeheartedly. I also support nonprofits by assisting them with grant writing."
Average day like: "My average day is very structured while being unstructured at the same time. I start my day by checking voice and email messages, and then it's on to completing contracted projects and meeting with current and prospective clients. Finally, depending on the day, I'll do my nonprofit work and try to make a difference in the lives of individuals affected by domestic violence."
Biggest daily challenge: "My biggest challenge is finding enough hours in the day to help individuals make a difference in their lives and ensure that I practice positive self-care in mine. Being a resource and an advocate for others is one of my greatest joys. It requires a lot of self-discipline; I don't want to deplete my personal reservoir of strength and health."
Best source of advice and support: "I utilize my personal network of support. This network may draw on the talents, knowledge and expertise of close friends and family, coworkers, current or past employers or supervisors, university or business mentors and leaders as well as those who share my own deep personal beliefs. I have always had a support network in my life, first family and then close friends. My stepfather guided me along the path of good old-fashioned work ethic, and he has always been a hard act to follow. My mother gave me my independent spirit and showed me how to utilize the gifts I was given."
Separate business and personal life: "First, change the setting – my home is my home, and my business is primarily conducted at a professional address. And second, set professional boundaries – I work on projects primarily at my business address or onsite and do research in my small home office. I never meet clients at my home. "
Reward to self: "I share my accomplishments with close friends and business mentors. I purchase equipment or software that will make a difference in the quality of my products, and I practice positive self-care by doing something that will enrich the current and future quality of my life."
Hopeful retirement age: "Hopefully within the next 10 to 15 years. By then I hope to have enough financial security to not have to work. Then I would like to travel around our great and wonderful country addressing issues pertaining to women and domestic violence. By continuing to make a difference in the lives of others (on a more relaxed and personal schedule) I will still be a functioning member of society and not a couch potato."
— Kim Wimpsett
