Meet Katina Karl | Owner, Kefi Marketing

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katina Karl and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katina, what role has risk played in your life or career?

I believe as a business owner and in life that it is important to take risks! I have never shied away from taking risks that were going to change my life or my career. If I didn’t take the risks that I have, from living in different states to leaving the corporate world after nearly two decades, I would never have found myself in the place that I am now. I took the leap of faith to start my own business and move to a new place, which also led me to meet my fiancé and my wonderful clients. I won’t sugar coat it and say that there weren’t scary times of wondering if I would fail or if I could run a business on my own. But I will say that I have always made sure to push myself and work hard to make the life and career I’ve always wanted.

Sometimes we can hold ourselves back from trying something new, moving to a new place etc. because of the fear of failing, being alone or having to start over. Success and happiness are on the other side of fear.

What should our readers know about your business?

Hi readers! I am Katina Karl, the owner of Kefi Marketing, a woman owned, small marketing agency located in Central New York. I’ve worked with clients from a variety of industries and specialize in crafting up marketing campaigns that work best for their business, ranging from – social media platforms, media buying across digital, radio, billboard and print platforms and much more. I take pride in always working very closely with business owners and putting myself in their shoes, while treating their business as if it were my own.

I spent almost two decades in the corporate world when I decided it was finally time to spread my wings and fly on my own. I was lucky to have worked alongside some amazing leaders which ultimately lead me to the point in my career where I wanted and was able to start my own business. Was I scared to start my own business, while living in a new place? you bet! But, as I mentioned earlier, if I didn’t take the risk, I wouldn’t be where I am today. It absolutely has had its challenges, especially during COVID-19. As a marketing agency you had to pivot everything you currently had in place for your clients. I specialize in working with local businesses and they were all affected, which ultimately affected my business. But we rose to the challenge together and produced new ways to be more interactive with their customer base(s) and created brand new campaigns. One of my clients had such great success that they opened a brick-and-mortar store in the midst of the pandemic due to the virtual and online success we were able to have.

It makes me so happy to help a business become even more successful with the right campaign that reflects their business. I believe in hard work and doing everything with positivity and kindness, while giving back at the same time. I make sure with any business I work alongside; we choose a nonprofit to give back to in some way. At the end of the day, if my clients are happy with the work that is put into their campaigns and we can help those in our local communities, I know I chose the right path for myself and my career.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I moved to Upstate New York 6 years ago this fall – I don’t know where the time goes! My fiancé is from the Central New York area, so I’ve been so lucky to have him, and his family show me some of the amazing spots to frequent in our area. We have some local restaurants we love to frequent such Rosalie’s in Skaneateles – amazing Italian food. Cider Mill – which is actually where we got engaged! Their food is amazing, and they change up their menu each season. If you love donuts, Glazed N Confused is a great place to go! There are so many amazing restaurants here in Upstate New York, there are too many to name! You’ll also have to check out 4 Seasons Car Wash for a great, locally, family owned and operated car wash to wash the dirt away! Grab some candy or chocolate in the cutest vintage candy shoppe, Sweet Dream Candy Shoppe! Don’t forget to make a trip to Ecodessa for some beautiful, sustainable, eco-friendly women’s clothing! I’ll just say you’ll need a few long weekends in the Summer and Fall (which are my favorite seasons here) to try them all!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I could not have done anything and everything without my fiancé, family, friends, and mentors. I also would like to recognize my amazing mother, who passed away from cancer in 2015, she was without question my biggest fan. I always hope I’m making her proud in everything I do. Sometimes losing a someone you love can change your path, but it’s so important to stay positive and see the light in everything. It’s also very important to have a strong support system throughout life and in your career. Sometimes those people who made a big impact may not make it to your next chapter of life, but they were meant to be in your path for a reason, to help you grow into the next steps of your journey. I’m fortunate to have had many wonderful people who have entered my different chapters of life and am thankful for their mentorship and support. I am and will always be forever grateful for everything on my journey.

Website: www.kefimarketing.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/kefimarketing

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kefimarketing

Image Credits
D’Aprix Photography