We had the good fortune of connecting with Kimberley Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kimberley, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
There are many habits that helps me succeed. I will share a few of my favorite habits and tips that got me here.
A supportive mentor is key. It’s really important to surround yourself with successful people in your life that you can look up to, that cheer you on and to keep you moving forward towards your goals. Choosing three or four people who have the lifestyle you want or conduct themselves in a manner you are inspired by, will keep you motivated. You can learn from them, see what challenges they had to overcome and how they stay motivated.
Tell somone! We all have great ideas but If we don’t tell people about them, they won’t know right? I’ve set up a plan to ensure that every single day I am telling someone what I do. I use social media, networking events and the family and friends around me. Even if it is the coffee barista, Share! Share! Share!
Don’t be afraid to try new things. Your business maybe working well for you now and sometimes there are challenges and we need to re-evaluate our buiness. We might need to come up with different ideas. I was looking for new ways to sell my art, so I made greeting cards. The great thing about being an entrepreneur is that you get the opportunity to try these new ideas. And if they don’t work, that’s ok because you can try again.
Journal your ideas, wants and desires. I took up journalling in 2016 and I have not stopped. I saw what I was journaling would came true. I loved it so much I wrote a book about it called My Life By Design – The Ultimate Transformational Journal and Workbook. Write it down, talk about it, take action… it starts to come true.
Ask for help. When was the last time you asked for support with your business? Or asked for more money and rasied your rates or heck, even asked you client for more work? Sometimes it takes courage to ask for help. This is an ongoing habit that helped me overcome some challenges.
At the end of the day, if you are waking up happy, you are living your life on purpose and if you’re not, try these ideas above. You might be surprised how much your life can change.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I inherited my creative skills and passion for the arts from both of my parents. As I grew up as a young child, I watched my father design, paint and illustrate. When I was four years old, I remember sitting at Dad’s drafting table scribbling with my paper and crayons beside him. Who knew that one day I would be following in his footsteps.
During my 20’s, I went to schoool for Graphic Desing and Advertising. I attend life drawing classes, computer courses and illustration and theory.
I enjoyed spending my time creating all kinds of creative projects and selling them online, making clothes from my sewing machine, designing flyers, logos and making websites, even making jewelry.
In January 2018, I started a company called Young at Heart Painting for seniors which offers art programming to seniors where they learn how to paint in Retirement Homes. In 2020, my goal was to help the community stay connected by bringing virtual online experiences to organizations, the community and friends and family. I hosted weekly and monthly virtual paint events for all ages. This is especially needed during this time.
While 2020 was a challenging year, I published my first book on Amazon called: My Life by Design – The Ultimate Transformational Journal and Workbook. We hosted 41 group journaling sessions that year. Wow! In 2021, we continued to used the virtual space to host online events to bring more connection and fun!
During last year I realized I really wanted to become a better artist. I joined an artist mentorship group and I am painting large commission pieces like the San Diego sunset painting I am holding.
This year, my goal is to do more commission work and keep learning so I can be a better art instructor and artist.
I really want the world to know that you can learn to paint at any age.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite thing to do in San Diego is to wake up every morning, walk along the beach in Pacific Beach and grab a coffee at Kono’s. You’ll know you’re about 10 meters away when you smell the bacon and breakfast cooking.
On my way back from Kono’s I would meet my friend with his dog on the beach and walk down to Tourmaline Surf park to watch the dogs play off leash and see the surfers heading out to ride the waves.
Later that day I would probably hit my favorite place to get salads called Our Green Affair. My friend from LA introduced me to it. It was so good, I kept going back.
My favorite thing to do is to walk the boardwalk down to Mission beach or go Roller skating and meet my girlfriend and the roller skate group every Friday at 11am (just south of World Famous). They play music and you can rent roller skates at Fritzys Roller Skate shop.
I would definitely encourage you to visit La Jolla and do an art walk through all the galleries and visit Jack at Gallery on the Cove. He’s got some great pieces of art.
My sister and I loved staying at the Bahia Resort because it was walking distance to the beach, plus it had a pool.
In the evening, I would definitely check out Palisades Park. Almost every day they have Yoga and on Friday’s, they have Acro Yoga. I got to fly like a bird, very cool stuff!
There is so much to do in San Diego, you’ll always be busy and find great people to connect with!
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
After 5 years of being an entrepreneur, there are so many people I want to thank. I wouldn’t be here without them. I appreciate them a-lot.
Firstly my immediate family: Mom, Dad and sister Lisa (and Andrew) have helped me move forward and keep going! Always giving me encouraging words and new ideas and help and support.
My Aunt Mary and Uncle John who have helped me so much and my cousin Helen who’s always there for me. And the rest of my family, you rock!
I have to thank my dear supportive friends, coaches and mentors. They are: RS, CR, DH, SS, RR, and CD.
And really big thank you to all my beautiful helpful friends and those who cheer me on social media to keep going everyday.
You are all amazing!
Website: https://www.kimberflydesign.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberflydesign/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberley-smith-04970740/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimberley.smith.5891/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyiPgQiomMmSoP_ecg-bswg/videos