Kim Pickett: Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur

Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is one of Canada’s leading female business minds, having established her award-winning design agency in 2001. We caught up with Kim Pickett to find out what inspires her work and what advice she would share with other young professionals…

WORK

Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
I am the Principal and Creative Director of KIMBO Design Inc., an award-winning creative, branding, and design agency established in 2001.

What was the inspiration for your career route?
I was lucky enough to have my dad as a role model; Peter G. Pickett inspired me. Having him as a mentor in my life motivated me to make him proud. He is the reason I do what I do today, and why I don’t give up when times are tough. Entrepreneurship has its ups and downs, and with every obstacle I encounter in life, I ask myself what my dad would say if he were still here. I remember him saying, “Kimbee, never give up, keep fighting and stand up for what you believe in. If you fail, practice, and you will eventually get better.”

What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
Since 2006, I had my eye on being profiled on the PROFIT/Chatelaine W100 List for Canada’s Top Female Entrepreneurs. After yearly submissions and constant improvement in KIMBO Design’s growth, I was ranked no. 86 in 2015.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
I want to spend the next 5 to 10 years increasing the size of my agency, growing it to be as large as possible. After that I plan on an early semi-retirement in a tropical paradise. I plan to be creating as long as I live! I can’t think 20 years down the road… too scary.

Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
My advice for young professionals is to pursue your dreams and never settle. I quickly realized that I didn’t want to work for somebody, so I became my own boss. At the time it was a scary decision, but looking back, it was the best decision I ever made.

Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
I recently made a large contribution to The LivingRoom Community Art Studio in Oshawa, Ontario. I grew up in Oshawa and I found my creative self there. I like to give back to my roots in any way I can. My high school art teacher, Steve Longauer, helps runs this studio and was a great inspiration in my choice to attend art school. He actively invites me to participate in various art events in Oshawa.

I have also supported numerous non-profit and community causes by providing in-kind support work and discounted fees. Every year, KIMBO Design donates $20,000 in pro-bono creative services to support deserving causes that are under the radar.

For the last three years, KIMBO has donated creative and strategic services to Cystic Fibrosis Canada in Western Canada. We are involved with branding Cystic Fibrosis Canada in Western Canada’s signature event, the 65 Roses Gala. Since its inception in 2001, the 65 Roses Gala has raised more than $3 million for cystic fibrosis research and clinical care, including $400,000 at last year’s event.

What is one major challenge that youve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge I had to overcome in my career was building my business and establishing myself in a new city. At 25, I moved from Oshawa to Vancouver with only $3,000 to my name. 

What does the word notable mean to you?
To me, notable means memorable; it’s something that sticks with you long after you’ve been exposed to it. I always strive to make our work memorable, and I attribute KIMBO Design’s success to this attitude.

KimPickett_9117w

PLAY

Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
I enjoy escaping to local artsy cafes and restaurants such as hidden gems on Main Street and Commercial Drive that only the locals know about. A few of my favourite spots are 33 Acres, The Charlatan, and Libra Room. You’ll have to check them out for yourself! 

Whats the most visited website on your Internet browser? The most played song on your phone?
Being a designer, I have a tremendous appreciation for creativity and imagination. My most visited website is Adweek.com, which features the best and worst advertising and branding campaigns. It’s interesting reading about award-winning campaigns and designs, and it also ensures that I’m aware of all the latest work in my industry.

My most played song on my phone is “Work” by Rihanna. I connect with Rihanna because she is half Guyanese, like me.

Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
Kim Kardashian. She is a great example of how to use social media to your advantage. She knows how to play the media and develop trends. I follow her to stay current. People might think she is a joke, but she sure has a lot of influence. Using influencers in social media marketing is a great tactic for engaging your audience.

Whats your favourite country to visit and why? And whats the next one you plan on travelling to?
The most incredible country I have ever visited would have to be Italy, because of its beautiful, picturesque landscape and artistic lifestyle. I’m always eager to visit new places and experience new cultures to observe the way different people around the world live, so travelling is definitely of great importance to me. Personally, there is truly nothing more educational than a worldly adventure! 

What gives you the greatest FOMO?
I’ve learned that the anxiety of missing out on an exciting event is simply a fact of life; so, I’ve decided to no longer be a victim of this fear! I used to always get bummed out when I saw my friends going on snowboard trips that I’d so badly want to join in on, but could not because of my work. I had built a company and that comes with an obligation to clients, which will inevitably lead to missing out on some social events. Advertising is competitive and you always have you move one step faster than your opponent.

Whats your guiltiest pleasure?
My guiltiest pleasure would have to be Netflix binging; watching a TV series non-stop on the weekend in my PJs. There is nothing quite like cozying up with a blanket on a nice big couch and relaxing for a few hours on the weekend. 

Whats something you wish you didnt spend so much money on? Whats something you wish you spent more on?
I don’t have any regrets on money spent. If I did, I would be poor. Spending money is a part of learning how to make money, and when you lose the fear of spending money, you will notice that you usually make more of it! I don’t have anything that I wish I spent more on.

And finally, what does success look like to you? Work, play, or otherwise…
For me to define success is impossible, but if I think about success in the context of my business, I would say having the chance to help a client achieve their goals is as close as it gets. It is also rewarding to be recognized through winning awards, and being thanked by a client. If we can do good, inspire others, and contribute to the greater good of our society, that would be my ultimate success.

[ad_bb1]