Photo courtesy of Chance Skauge.
Hi! I'm Kali Readwin Skauge, Founder and CEO (aka One-Woman-Show) at Frontstep Communications. Thanks for dropping by!
<---- That's me!
Since I believe in getting to know one another, here's my story.Yes, I could post my resume here to show you what I've accomplished in the working world, but everyone has one of those. Don't you think there is more to all of us than our job titles?
Since we're people, let's make business more personable. My professional resume and my portfolio samples are really just an email away if you would like, so how about we spend this time, you and I, to get to know one another?
A MIND FOR WORDS
The love of language came early for me. After writing my first word in the sand as a toddler, I was hooked. I wrote short stories before going to grade school. I was notoriously convinced that if I didn't write stories, the library would run out of books for children to read. I was the kid reading a book at lunch break. I was the one reading every sign that passed the car, just because I loved to read. I still do. I recently tripped across a short story I wrote when I was around the age of 7. To my own amusement, I had used the word, "vast". Correctly.
Words are so powerful. Our consumer world revolves around messaging.
A LITTLE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT
I started my interest in entrepreneurship at the age of 12. I preferred to buy my lunch at the school cafeteria, so I decided to start up a business. I started offering walking, training and grooming services to dog owners in my neighbourhood. I liked being outside, I loved animals, I enjoyed writing my mailbox ads and even negotiating my fees with people. Mostly, I loved having my own money and doing something I liked. By the end of my two year career as a dog-walking tycoon in my inner-city Calgary neighbourhood, I made a profit of around $300 per month and I had hired an employee. Not too bad for a kid who wanted some lunch, right?
A HUMANITARIAN HEART
After spending some time on the inside, climbing the corporate ladder, I was still not seeing where I wanted to be in my career. Then, on a whim, I spent 6 weeks backpacking and volun-touring in South America. I gained some personal perspective and found that there were terms for my passions. I am fascinated by intercultural communications, community development and real, person-to-person, positive work. Suddenly, I knew I could be doing something I loved AND be doing something valuable for community at the same time.
I made a change in my career by the end of 2008. I now work full time in the non-profit sector and I'm an active volunteer in Calgary (as well as the business, but that comes next...).
A COMMUNITY SMALL BUSINESS VISION
Still, something was missing. I wanted to share what I'd learned. I wanted to do something more and be more hands-on. I wanted to start a business and grow it myself, as I always imagined I would.
The idea for Frontstep Communications occurred to me in a car, while I critiqued the grammar on the signs of businesses I passed. I have writing skill and an annoying perfectionist streak. I have some basic design skill. I devour marketing campaigns like some people watch sitcoms. I'm a data geek. I'm good at translating corporate-speak. I have a passion for intercultural experiences. I know what Calgary wants. I know how important small business is to the Canadian economy. So, why not enjoy using my skills to the benefit of Calgary businesses?
This is where you come in. What will be YOUR next step?