We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelly Wilbanks and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kelly, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
After having kids I decided I needed something that helped provide for our family, but didn’t take me outside my home. Except to our local coffeeshop to get my work done on the occasion. I started an internship three years ago which allowed me to explore the inner workings of a company and receive feedback on where my skills and talents lie.
I was encouraged by several of the leaders on the team to focus on preparing newsletters as a business. So, I began taking on clients I’m learning as I go.
I have always had a bit of an entrepreneurial spirit and now it’s paired with my unique skill-set.
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 am a writer at heart. I have been since my first grasp of the English language–I even have journal entries from the first grade to prove it. I want to write all. the. books. But, what’s given me the most success is writing blog posts, articles, and newsletters. I think of it is as getting on first base– I can handle a quick run to first. Someday, I hope to have enough oomph for a double, a triple, or maybe even a homer. But, getting on first base is great and it can help pay the bills.
I worked for a company in my twenties that produced a bi-monthly magazine for Makeup Artists. Alongside the magazine the company hosted trade shows domestically and internationally that many on staff helped host. I was hired right before the 2008 recession and the magazine, like many during that time, nearly folded. But, I held onto my job because I wasn’t a staff writer –those were all let go. I was an untrained bookkeeper –and I kept that job for five years. I hated the work, but my husband had lost his job and we couldn’t both be unemployed. And, getting to travel to Los Angeles, New York, England, Vancouver BC, Australia, and Toronto seemed like an even exchange at the time.
When I had my daughter I resigned from the company. I knew I was hiding behind bookkeeping and I couldn’t keep doing it if I didn’t get to travel anymore. I was afraid to write or really I was afraid to fail at writing. If I kept doing other things I could keep the dream alive of being a writer without actually having to test it. It wasn’t until I had my second daughter that I put myself into the writing world. I submitted my writing to a contest being held at on a baby growth website called Baby Center. It’s internationally known and kind of a big deal so I was so excited when I was listed as a finalist for my entry: “Sh*t my Boss said to Me when I was Pregnant.”
I didn’t win the contest, but I’d gotten to know some of the editors so I offered to submit a story I’d been thinking about. After they received it they asked if I could come on board as one of their regular contributors. I learned a lot while being paid and getting some amazing and free baby gear out of the experience. This taught me how to write-tight, create links, place images, and offer reviews and recommendations on a large platform. I learned to meet deadlines. I learned how long it takes me to write an article. I learned it takes me much longer to find stock images to post with my article. I developed my voice and I grew a lot.
When that job came to a close I began thinking about what I want to write and be known for. I found Kathi’s internship and began putting in the time as her intern. I was assigned her newsletter, which she’d almost decided to end because she couldn’t find the right flow for it. But, once I took it over it became a great source of connection between Kathi and her readers. She began getting replies from people who were touched by her messages.
And this is what I do now: I strive to create authentic connection between author’s and their audiences. You don’t have to be a professional author in this instance — it’s all about create a message that reaches across the page. I’ve learned that it takes a good system to keep up with a weekly newsletter. It’s more than just writing, but curating your content, images, and managing the various assets that make up a newsletter.
This brand has heart. I love connecting with authors, speakers, and fellow entrepreneurs to break down the simple, but varied components that make up a newsletter. I like encouraging and brainstorming. I love seeing the light go on when inspiration strikes and the relief when it all starts feeling manageable.
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?
Well, if you were coming to visit Yakima, Washington I’d be remiss if I didn’t take you to a local brewery (like the one five minutes from us) or a winery. We grow 90% of the world’s Hops in the valley so I’d show you the fields and what a bud looks like on the vine. I enjoy spending time with my favorite people, having a pint, and exploring.
Sunday: Farmer’s market — We have a local farmer’s market in front of the Capitol Theater. It’s nice to get there early before it gets too warm. You can get local honey, cheese, artisan breads, and delicious home grown fruit.
Monday: This would be a great day for a 45 minute drive to Mt. Rainier and take one of several hiking trails.
Tuesday: A trip to see Cinderella: A Live Ballet performance at the Capitol Theater
Wednesday: Wine-down Wednesday — The Wilridge Winery hosts a band and usually has a food vender come. Kids run around and chase chickens while the adults relax with their wine on picnic blankets. It’s always a little cooler up there on hot summer days.
Thursday: Ummaline Spa and Retreat — this spa is all about rejuvenation and rest.
Friday: Yoga at Bron Yr Air — For $20 you can enjoy a relaxing yoga session and a drink at the bar. This company serves wood fire pizza –so delicious. Kids run around a grassy lawn and it’s a great place to wind away an evening.
Saturday: I’d take you to a local bar so we could listen to cover bands, dance, or watch everyone else dance.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Kathi Lipp and Tonya Kubo deserve all the credit. Kathi’s internship program gives writers and speakers to see how an organization is run once it has some wind in its sales. This allowed me to learn how to create campaigns, design newsletters, and manage a larger email list when I didn’t have one of my own yet.
One of Kathi’s superpowers is calling out your superpower, which is so powerful when you’re just starting out and you’re trying to figure out where to start.
Tonya Kubo helped me see how my skills set me apart from other people in my industry and pursue that niche in the market.
Both of them continue to be incredible friends, mentors, and encouragers as my business grows. Kathi has a program called Business Builder’s Mastermind and that has given me the coaching, accountability, and sometimes the kick in the rear I’ve needed to keep going.
Also, a shoutout to my husband, who’s always supported me, encouraged my growth, and made sacrifices so I can pursue my dreams.
Website: www.kellywilbanks.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellyewilbanks/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-wilbanks-b7a7b54/
Twitter: @Kwilbanks
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KellyEWilbanks/
Youtube: @KellyWilbanks
Image Credits
All images are courtesy of Kelly Wilbanks