Hi! I’m Kim Cota.
I think being a small business owner is both the coolest, most rewarding… and most difficult thing you can do.
As a creative entrepreneur, it’s hard to separate yourself from your business. You are a whole human with your business and your life intertwined. I’m the daughter of a lifelong entrepreneur. I have such a deep respect and empathy for small business owners. My whole life, I grew up watching my dad hustle as a small business owner. Over the years, as I watched my dad pour everything into his business, I also saw his entrepreneurial urge to “do everything” strip him of his identity. He's not alone in having blurry lines between business and personal lives. Most of my clients experience this as well.
You can read more about my lessons as a lifelong entrepreneur here.
I freaking love the heart that goes into running your own business, and I want to see your small business thrive. I want to see you do the work you love (and sometimes don’t love) while still putting you-the-human first.
*Phew* - that was deep.
Time to lighten it up a bit around here.
More about me:
🎨 I like to make things - currently mid knitting and sewing projects
🏋️♀️ I’m a powerlifter!
📖 I’m a voracious reader - I like many genres, but I for sure always have a light romance on the go, ‘cause life is hard and I need levity
🍍 + 🍕 = ❤️ (don’t hate me)
🐶 I’m a dog lover and have a rescue pup Hennessey from the Dominican Republic. He’s a weirdo - like mother, like dog 😂
🧡 I belong to the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation
🏠 I live in Toronto, ON with my husband, Chris, and stepson, Darius
My Values
I believe that your values should be woven all through your business. They are a powerful tool to help you navigate this small business world. Here are mine:
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Humanity First
We are all unique individuals with different needs, wants, and experiences. Honour & respect humanity always.
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Challenge the Status Quo
If something is not working, feel free to try something new. Explore new ideas. Test things out.
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Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.
This is true for skill, time, capacity. Not everything is for you, and that’s okay.
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Authenticity & Transparency
Be you. Be clear about who you are, your needs, and your beliefs. Your right people will find you.
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Community Matters
As a person, I am lost without community. And I believe that small businesses are what make a community.
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Trust Your Instincts
You got where you are by listening to yourself and your own needs. Keep listening to yourself.
