Katrina McKay: Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur

Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur has already launched two successful businesses, an international marketing consultancy and a sexy retail store called Ohhh Canada. Her inspiration was to help others achieve their dreams by becoming the business coach that she had tried to find for herself when she first started…

Elevator Pitch: Describe your business in a nutshell.
I have multiple businesses! With regards to coaching, I meet with entrepreneurs where they are at and help them grow their businesses. Everything I do is customized – it’s not a cookie-cutter one-size-fits-all program. I help my coachees get real results like increased profit and greater mindshare.

Why did you start your business, what was the inspiration?
I’ve always been an entrepreneur – even as a kid I remember always selling SOMETHING or organizing something. I love taking an idea and making it a reality, and now I get to help others do the same. In my 9-to-5 several years ago I did quite a bit of coaching within the organization I worked for. And when I struck out on my own and starting both consulting and coaching entrepreneurs, I quickly saw that often the differentiating factor between the businesses that thrive and those that fail to survive comes down to the ability to make strategic decisions. So I help my coachees do just that: make smart, strategic decisions.

What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
I love being a small part of my coachees’ success stories. Of course, I also love seeing my own businesses grow. The most challenging part is keeping up with my hectic schedule. I am often jetsetting from one part of the world to another – I wouldn’t have it any other way, but sometimes it’s draining. This is what comes from being a serial entrepreneur; I’m always in motion. I’ve learned the hard way that I have to take the time to just “be” and refuel.

Where do you see your business going in five years?
Big time expansion! In all of my businesses, we’re seeing a lot of organic growth, and I’m looking forward to really pushing the envelope over the next five years. More stores, more coachees, a training program for aspiring business coaches… and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

What does success look like to you?
Success for me is a moving target, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve been asked at speaking gigs when I felt like “I had made it,” and my answer is always the same: the day I paid all of my bills and my mortgage out of the salary I drew from my own companies. That’s when I felt like, “Okay, I can do this.” But I don’t ever want to stop striving for more because there’s always more to accomplish in business and in life.

What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Having an article published about me and a workshop I ran on the cover of Elle Canada Magazine (written by Rosemary Counter).

Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Most people have very good intentions when they give you advice about your business, but not a lot of knowledge. Absorb the stuff that rings true with you and your vision of your business, and discard the rest. You are the expert on your business. Always keep that in mind. And if you feel like you need another perspective, work with someone who has been there before.

Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I’m a big supporter of Kiva. I love helping entrepreneurs all over the world get access to the funding they need to get their businesses off the ground. I believe entrepreneurs will change the world.

What is Notable to you?
People who are truly kind and not just “nice.” Niceness is superficial… kindness comes from the heart. It’s important to be kind.

Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
Telepathy. (Okay, okay, I also have an iPhone.)

How do you keep active, energetic, and vibrant? 
Loose leaf green tea, dark chocolate, and boxing workouts with my amazing trainer, Maia Meier.

#NOTABLE

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