Kim Martinez owns Creative Kimistry Inc., a customer service training company.
“At Creative Kimistry, we train employees — clerks, cashiers, receptionists, telemarketers and upper management — to provide great customer service,” Martinez says. “We use interactive situations, both good and bad, to teach participants good customer service; and we train one-on-one and large groups.”
Here, Martinez tells rolling out about her business.
How is your business unique and why is it needed?
Our company is different because our main focus is on minority owned businesses, from mom-and-pops to major corporations. We are helping minority-owned businesses succeed in an area where they usually fail … providing good customer service.
I was in a small boutique near my house and I was being ignored by the clerk. I asked to speak to the manager and he was just as bad as his clerk … I knew then that they both needed to be trained if the owner of the business wanted to stay open and have repeat customers. So I talked to a friend of mine with more than 20 years of human resources experience and from there I started my research.
What are your thoughts on being a powerful woman?
I knew at the age of 11 that I would be a strong black woman, [because] at that time in my life, I stopped letting others control me through fear — excluding my mother. I believe being a strong woman [mentally] is what’s missing from the young ladies in our communities today.
What are the three most important attributes to be a successful woman?
Positivity, confidence and patience.
What motivates you?
Not wanting to be seen as just another “N.”
I want the world to know that being a descendant of former slaves was just a stumbling block for us … we can do anything. As James Brown said, “I don’t want nobody to give me nothing, open the door; and I’ll get it.”
What advice do you wish to offer other women who wish to follow a similar career path?
Surround yourself with positive people who have your best interest at heart. Research and get to know the industry, ask for help and do a lot of networking.
–bryant thompson
To learn more about Creative Kimistry, Inc., visit their website: www.creativekimistry.com.
