We had the good fortune of connecting with Karen Carr-Crawford and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karen, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The first thought was to provide sustainable income. I had been laid off and needed to replace lost income. Fast forward 20 years and I have grown professionally and personally in ways that I would have never imagined. I started targeting small individual business owners like myself. I then moved into delivering services to larger small businesses recognizing the need for strategy and systems that were not being utilized to generate growth.

I have been able to craft new skills and enhance a business mindset in order to continually deliver services and grow a customer base.

What should our readers know about your business?
First that I provide guidance to small to mid-sized businesses ($1M-$50M) that are taking their organization to the next level of growth. From small to emerging and established companies, I  work directly with entrepreneurs and businesses that are poised for growth. For those in the nascent or early stages, I offer a “Small Business Jumpstart” package that focuses on Year 1 Goals and design of well defined launch strategies.

Note that I am an entrepreneurial driven professional with 20+ years in economic development and small business program delivery. I work with entrepreneurs in the area of strategic planning, branding strategy, marketing plan development, and marketing campaign implementation and execution. Services are packaged and are delivered with consulting and hands on work .

One MAJOR brand pillar is developing the Entrepreneur Mindset – this is critical to creating and sustaining any type of business, especially now during COVID -19.

Was it easy – NO – In the early start I didn’t have mentor or family who had worked like this.  There was alot of the “you should get a job” comments came from “friends”. There was much personal sacrifice, however I kept looking forward with this pursuit even when it would have been easier to opt for something else at times. What sets my business apart is that its’ grown out of understanding small business needs having experienced both growth and challenges myself.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The museums first off – I love art viewing – MOCA, The Broad, LACMA, CAAM The beach is my most favorite spot to walk, hang out, sit, think etc. There are so many eating options here in LA – first day for lunch – Tender Greens or Sweetgreen; dinner – Something Mexican with a big margarita – probably El Cholo! If Disneyland were open that would be my stop too, but not so right now. But would be right up there!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My son Daniel has always been my inspiration and source of true support!

Website: https://www.karencarrcrawford.com/
Instagram: kccbizbuild
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karencarrcrawford/
Twitter: bizbuild
Other: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7XSrQS6xKQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FC-I1lFeFo

Image Credits
karencc

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.