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

Hi Kelly, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
In 2016, I wanted to make my own way in the professional world. But at the time, I was knee-deep in my identity as a Teacher, as a Wife, as a Mom. And within each of those identities, I was overloaded with responsibility and guilt for not being all-present in any one role. So, when the opportunity came up to start my own business, I vowed to create a safe space for me and other women to have both career and flexibility, to have accessible levels of responsibility, and most importantly, to know they work in a place that understands womanhood and motherhood are essential to societal growth, not hindrances to it. I wanted to create a company where I, and women like me, could carve a professional space for ourselves on our OWN terms. While supporting our small business clients in the process. Five years later, I’m proud to say we’ve been able to hire six women (and my husband!) who thrive on that flexibility. Who are learning that ‘business’ doesn’t have to be a scary word, one that eliminates balance from their lives. As we grow, I aim to keep that culture thriving – doing the best for our clients, and for ourselves.

What should our readers know about your business?
EtterOps LLC is an online team of specialists who support small business owners’ administrative and creative needs. But we’re not simply checking tasks off a list. We consider ourselves a virtual business partner. We know the challenges of running a small business and work proactively to help our clients navigate potential roadblocks, ensuring all the ‘stuff’ gets done behind the scenes so they can do more of what they love. My reward comes from seeing our clients succeed. As a former educator, I know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed by the never-ending list of things to get done. I built EtterOps from the ground up, initially relying only on myself to wear all hats for my clients. As I saw their successes, and their renewed vigor for what they were doing, I found not only a career path, but a way to feed my own need to support others. But as EtterOps grew, I needed another me…or seven! With that perspective, I knew exactly what my clients were going through. It has been anything but easy to travel this road! Given that my background was in education, I had to learn a completely new language and give myself permission to go from expert in my field to complete rookie. With that humble perspective, and my constant willingness to learn my way through new terrain, I’ve made it to a point where I once again feel the part of expert. And I’m still learning!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As a San Diego native, a rarity these days, I have great pride in my city. I’m also almost 40, so my days of bar-hopping have been replaced with kids’ baseball games, art classes, and neighborhood walks with the dogs. Therefore, when it comes to my favorite spots in the city, I tend to gravitate towards the natural and serene. A week exploring the best of the beaches and mountains is my kind of itinerary. First up would be breakfast in La Jolla followed by a walk on the beach. Next, a picnic at Kate Sessions Park, overlooking beautiful Pacific Beach – a good book and hors d’oeuvres, and we’re settled in for the afternoon. Filippi’s in Little Italy rounds out the night – best lasagna in town. The rest of the week? More of the same. Good views, good food, good beer. Highlights include a leisurely bike ride around Coronado island, a hike up Cowles Mountain, and a visit to the Zoo and Balboa Park. A drive up Sunrise Highway to the beauty of Cuyamaca, then back down to Ponce’s Mexican Restaurant in Kensington. With a tall margarita and some carnitas tacos, we’ve hit the best of San Diego.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be in business without the support and encouragement of my sister. In all honesty, she had to push me kicking and screaming, away from my secure job and into the world of a risk-taking entrepreneur – and I’m so glad she did! Like many of our current clients, she is a leadership development consultant who realized she could spend more time building her business if only she had an extra set of hands. While my teaching career was coming to a natural close, she asked for my help. Then, she sent me to another few consultants who also needed support. Now, with over 25 clients and a team of eight, her initial vision for what I could accomplish continues to grow and evolve. Thank you, Erin Passons, for pushing me in a direction I didn’t even know I wanted to go in!

Website: www.etterops.com

Instagram: @etterops

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-etter-etterops

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/etterops

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