Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimi Johnson.
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
I have been a successful entrepreneur for over 12 years. I started my journey in the field of cosmetology with a background in business and writing. As I expanded my brand, so did my locations. I took great pride in being able to pair my education in business, love for writing, and experience in cosmetology to develop and design training programs that support new entrepreneurs.
After gaining the necessary training, I began consulting with several agencies to begin developing and designing curriculum for nonprofits, for-profits, and state and federal governments on a full-time basis. I fell in love with bringing content to life in a way that was visually appealing to the reader. This led to my publishing journey, which began in 2015. My first publication was Purpose Driven Women Magazine (PDWM). PDWM magazine was dedicated to supporting women in lifestyle, fashion, health and faith. Within the first 2 hours of release, we secured over 8k subscribers. I later published Purposefully Driven Magazine, a magazine for the woman entrepreneur.
During the pandemic in 2020, I felt God was pushing me towards publishing books, this push led to PurposePals Publishing being birthed. As the CEO of PurposePals Publishing, I pride myself in helping new authors bring their content to life, from children’s books, novels, self-help guides, training curriculums, journals, and workbooks, we do it all. Together, our services have yielded multi-million dollars of success for our clients.
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
There is a famous saying that says, “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” The hardest challenge I had to overcome was when my mom passed away suddenly in her sleep back in 2016. The lemons were there and they were sour! I was devastated. I did not know how I was going to make it. I had just started a new business in 2015, and everything in me wanted to give up. My biggest cheerleader was gone. I remember considering throwing in the towel, and my husband looked at me eyeball to eyeball and said, ” Your mother wouldn’t want this for you. You can’t give up.”
I had to learn how to make lemonade out of those sour lemons life had served me. I had to find the strength to move on.
I thought about my family and remembered that I could not settle, because they were watching me. I thought about all the support my husband had given me over the past years as we built the business from the ground up. I held tight to every encouraging word my mom had ever spoken over my life, and whispered to God, ” need you.”
I learned how to have faith in strength I did not see. I learned how to pray, that’s how I overcame. That’s how I survived.
Whenever I am faced with a challenge, I first pray, I seek God for strategy, then I execute.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
I believe in every single one of my clients. I believe in their vision. I believe in their calling. From beginning to end, I am dedicated to ensuring their works of art come to life in the manner in which they envision.
Why work for me–I will push you and encourage you even in times you are doubting yourself and your worth. I will be there to remind you of the goals you set for yourself. I will stick with you from the beginning to the end.
My clients are more than a number. They are success stories that will inspire others to come.
Not only do I see my client’s passion for their work, but I also want them to reap the financial benefits which come along with having a successful project.
As a publisher, I see books and publications as doors that lead to an untapped world of opportunities. I strive to ensure my clients see their potential as they create multiple streams of content.
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
Marc Anthony once said, “if you do what you love you will never work a day in your life.”
I would tell someone aspiring to be successful first to find their purpose. Be bold enough to commit to what you are passionate about. Create your own definition of success that aligns with your purpose and stay true to it. You have to become obsessed with it. Throw out plan B. There is no plan B. When you think of Plan A as all you have, you go after it as your life depended on it. But first, you must have a clear picture of what success looks like for you. Otherwise, you will always be chasing a moving target. Lastly, as my late mother once said, when life gets tough remember to be light-hearted and dance.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
For me, success is threefold, it encompasses my ability to achieve personal and self-goals through Godly principles. Second, nurturing my family, which is my first ministry, and lastly being able to use my talents to support clients all over the world while at the same time, making the world a better place.
As a Publisher, I absolutely love understanding the ideas and projects of my clients. I enjoy seeing their vision come to life from the pages of their text. Likewise, I enjoy being a resource for them in key moments, helping them articulate their content goals.
I am grateful God is keeping His promises of giving my family good health and providing the provision for financial capital. I am also grateful that I learned success is not only measured by finances or social status. True success is how many people are positively impacted through your good works. When we understand our purpose, through the body of Christ, we are able to remain focus to do the work that God has called us to do.
What’s next for you?
I love teaching young minds how to develop their sense of writing. I am excited that we are expanding our non-profit to include a program dedicated to the development of young authors.
I am looking forward to the release of my very own Novel series. I love seeing the world and its most precious views. I am looking forward to traveling with my family and the freedom to write my books from the balcony of high rises in some of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Lastly, I think so much of an entrepreneur’s identity is the ability to work in windows of time, set goals and accomplish goals, and continue to reach for the sky. While working this year I am looking forward to enjoying the small moments in life. Taking a moment to celebrate the wins and simply waking up and thanking the Lord Almighty for what he is currently doing in this season.
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
Website: purposepalsllc.com
Email: hello@purposepalsllc.com
Phone Number: 850-765-0461
Facebook: @purposepalspublishing
Instagram: @purposepalspublishing
Instagram: @kimijcoach