Today we’d like to introduce you to Athena Kavis.
Athena, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My entrepreneurial journey all began when I turned eighteen. I started applying for dozens of entry-level marketing positions nearby my university, even though I was not qualified. All I had was minimal social media marketing experience from high school internships and the desire to learn and work hard for minimum wage.
I ended up getting three interviews, two were marketing related and one was for an administrative assistant position. I ended taking the offer for the administrative assistant position with the goal to eventually work my way into their marketing department. It turned out very quickly in month three I was burnt out. I thought to myself, how the hell do people work boring from 9-5 jobs their whole life because of the stability? I began Googling ways to start an online business came across e-commerce. I discovered how inexpensive and low the risk was to start an Aliexpress store. I opened my first online store, Swim Szn is October 2016. I branded Aliexpress swimsuits as high quality, trendy and affordable. At first, I was certain it was just a hobby and would take years to make any money. Very quickly momentum and sales picked up from influencer and social media marketing. By month five, I hit $25,000 in sales and quit my administrative assistant position. Fast forward to today, I am a x4 founder, and founded Kavis Management Group, Meraki CBD & Skincare, and co-founded Cammelly. I sold Swim Szn and also founded the podcast, Kavis Radio. My main focus is consulting and management for startups and small businesses through Kavis Management Group. Additionally, Meraki CBD & Skincare is in 45+ retailers and sold on our website.
I’ve gotten where I’m at today thanks to my experience with the 9-5 lifestyle in the same office everyday. It inspired me to utilize my full capabilities rather than doing simple daily tasks like data entry, checking the mail and sending emails. I knew I was made to become a leader and needed to create the company culture I always dreamed of. Additionally, I’ve gotten where I am thanks to my friend/business partner/mentor Veronica Rodriguez. She has provided so much knowledge from standing up for myself to marketing, to basics in being a great leader with amazing communication skills. If it wasn’t for her, Kavis Management Group wouldn’t be where it is today. I now know the importance of having a business bestie to help you network, grow, and stand strong.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Absolutely not. With starting my first business it was the hardest because I was not known as a CEO and a business owner. I was eighteen years old with no experience. I was doubted and told by friends and family I shouldn’t give it a shot as it’s risky and I need to focus on school first. It was hard to grow as fast as I wanted because I had low funds. The money I used to fund my business was from my own personal paychecks. I’ve never had investors or business loans.
I’ve struggled because of my young age, my gender and not having a college degree. I’ve had false disputes on orders and invoices, my services have been turned away, I’ve been told my pricing was too high. I’ve even had a friend (no longer my friend) refuse to pay off the balance of an invoice.
Kavis Management Group – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
KMG (Kavis Management Group) was founded due to a need for affordable yet effective marketing solutions. I began my first business with no prior business experience and took on all the roles myself simply because I couldn’t find affordable business and marketing services. This self-taught experience leads me to understand the struggle many small business owners face, a desire to scale with a small budget.
At KMG, we are an ROI growth agency specializing in: e-commerce development, web design, social media marketing, chatbot development, content creation, and SEO.
Why KMG? Our female-run business has the most badass team of all ages from some of the most notable companies in the world. KMG does not have long, scary binding contracts. We offer all of our services on a month to month basis.
KMG has had the honor of working with startups and businesses of all sizes. Let KMG curate a custom quote specific for your needs, industry, target audience and budget. With our help, your company will find it’s direction and see green in no time.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me is achieving happiness and freedom. My criteria markers are having the ability to work on my own terms wherever I’d like. I do not take on projects that require me to be restricted to an area for a long time. I like knowing at any time I can take a road trip to my favorite national park as long as I’m caught up on my to-do list. I like knowing I can go to Southeast Asia for two months and still keep my clients happy.
Happiness to me is achieved by having the freedom to do the things I love everyday. I have the freedom to walk my dog, go to the gym, dance, do yoga, go on a hike, read a book, and watch my favorite Netflix show thanks to Kavis Management Group and my incredible team.
Happiness to me is having strong, meaningful relationships in life with my significant other, friends and family. I love knowing those I surround myself with support me, love me, and always have my back. It’s so important to have positive energy around myself at all times.
Another marker for success to me is getting to help others and inspire others. I get to do so through my social media platforms, blog, and podcast. Getting to help others is a huge marker for success to me because I truly believe this is my purpose in life. I’m so grateful to live in a time where I can easily broadcast my wisdom to the world.
Pricing:
- Custom Websites – Starting at $1,000
- Social Media Management – Starting at $300 a month
- FB Advertising – Starting at $1,000 a month
- ChatBot Development – Starting at $1,000 for setup, $350 a month to manage
- SEO – Starting at $1,000
- E-commerce Development- Starting at $1,500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.athenakavis.com/, https://www.kavismg.com/
- Phone: (323) 902-7706
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athenakavis/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/athenakavis
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/AthenaKavis
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