In this offshoot edition, share and intelligent story of better sales, marketing, and breaking barriers, as we present to you the Queen of startups- Kiara Thomas. She isn’t slowing down or stopping anytime soon.

CR8VSPOT: Please tell us about yourself and what you do

Kiara Thomas: I'm Kiara and I build tech startups. I own a web agency, Konnectic Energy, which I'm currently transitioning to a Start-Up Studio (you're the first to hear it). I also own a Software-as-a-Service company called CircleView.App. Additionally, I advise idea-stage startup founders regularly.

CR8VSPOT: Can you remember the moment when you made up your mind about taking this route?

KT: Of course, I do. In 2018, after dabbling in quite a bit of things, I founded my first company. It actually began as an idea to build a networking platform for entrepreneurs. But the networking idea wasn't fully developed and I wasn't satisfied with the outcome. I was disheartened but determined to figure out a better route, so I began two part-time jobs. One job was with a local tech-enabled entrepreneur networking and trade company. The other job was with a web development company. To be honest, I didn't gravitate to these jobs intentionally. They were just placed on my lap.

“I began researching again with a deep conviction that there was an opportunity in the madness.”
— Kiara Thomas

Once I realized I was in a position to learn all that I needed for the next step in my business I soaked in everything, asked a ton of questions, began my own projects while working for them, and spent most of my free time doing research. Eventually, I left both jobs and began my own web agency. I built it with a network of people that I could outsource to. (See how the networking thing came full circle.) One of those people was the web developer I had worked for and a friend of his. The others I met and began teaching me how to hone their talents. I helped them begin freelancing businesses and I outsourced to them.   I founded my second company, CircleView. App, in 2020. The year was tough for everyone, but for entrepreneurs, it was a strange time when business slowed and there was no clear path forward. I began researching again with a deep conviction that there was an opportunity in the madness.

This went on for a few weeks. Then one day I gave up. I drew an ‘X’ through all of my scratch paper and prayed something like this, "Lord, I'm done. None of these ideas are going to work. I trust you." I got up from my desk having truly abandoned my search. A few moments later, I was washing my hands in the bathroom and I heard a voice say, "Build a project management app for manufacturers." No joke. A whole Noah's Ark moment (haha). I heard that and I ran back to my desk and wrote it down. Nothing that I researched would have led me in this direction. I didn't know much about manufacturing. It scared me. Despite my fear, I chose to not only listen to that voice but to fully invest in that one idea. I paid for SaaS coaching and began having conversations with manufacturing managers. When the managers began telling me their problems, I knew I had made the right decision. Most importantly, I knew I could solve their problems. I drew some wireframes, recruited a co-founder from the manufacturing space, and the rest is history.

CR8VSPOT: What is Circleview App?

KT: CircleView.App helps manufacturing managers effectively lead teams by increasing employee commitment to daily activities and sharing feedback. It's a simple Software-as-a-Service platform with four main benefits: Employee Goal Alignment, Key Performance Indicator (KPI) Ownership, Goal/Task Alignment, and Creating A Healthy Feedback Loop.

“I never regret these moments. Each time their creativity and knowledge prove they are the best fit for our team.”
— Kiara Thomas

CircleView.App essentially helps company managers communicate goals in a way that makes employee involvement clear. 90% of employees are currently unaware or do not understand company strategy. Then managers are able to grant ownership of key metrics that move goals forward to specific employees. This gives companies a better handle on obstacles that prevent goal achievement while creating a collaborative environment where employees can find fulfillment in the workplace.

All projects and tasks are directly tied to goals and KPIs. Now every action is rooted in moving the goal forward, employees understand the significance of all of their daily tasks, and employees can be rewarded properly for contributions. And my favorite part is that Circle View gives employees a voice. Their comments are directly tied to a goal, KPI, project, or task. Managers are able to review comments and quickly make them actionable. They can then show employees gratitude and employees can see how their perspective and opinion are shaping their place of work.

CR8VSPOT: What is your role as a co-founder?

KT: My team and I have great dynamics. I lead the company, build sales and marketing strategies, and collaborate on product direction. My co-founder leads product development while our team’s developer handles technical development. I try to foster a collaborative environment where we all feel respected and heard. This means sometimes individuals on my team take the show and develop their ideas with my full support, even if I don't agree. I trust their perspective and often they see things differently than I do. I never regret these moments. Each time their creativity and knowledge prove they are the best fit for our team. Other times I put a clear plan in place and have to veto ideas for the sake of progress. I don't regret these moments either. Each time we reach new milestones together in a time frame none of us expected and we celebrate big victories from a small team.

“Now every action is rooted in moving the goal forward, employees understand the significance of all of their daily tasks, and employees can be rewarded properly for contributions.”
— Kiara Thomas

CR8VSPOT: In your own words, what inspires creativity in you?

KT: I admire Albert Einstein. His life was amazing and his perspective puts me to shame every time. I love his thoughts on curiosity, "The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing."  

I don't believe we ever have a pointless idea. I believe occasionally you have an idea that is fully developed and requires immediate action. Other times, I believe you have an idea that will build on top of another until those ideas combined form an idea you can run with. Additionally, I believe ideas are a personal invitation from God. It's his way of saying, "Hey, let's do this together." Along with that belief comes confidence that God partners with all of my pursuits. I'm honored because he believes in me and trusts me to take action, so I do and I listen to him to guide each step.  I believe the same thing for everyone I encounter with undeveloped potential.

This is why I enjoy creating things that help unheard employees discover their significance. It's also why I enjoy advising and partnering with idea-stage startups.   In summary, I'm inspired by getting to be a part of the beginning of something great.

“Most of all, my inspiration comes from a deep conviction that my dreams and ideas will unlock doors for the generation that follows me.”
— Kiara Thomas

CR8VSPOT: From startups to business frontlines, you're always on the move. What motivates you?

KT: This quote haunts me: "The wealthiest place on earth is the cemetery" by Myles Munroe, and re-quoted by Les Brown. It swims around in the back of my head and pops up when I'm exhausted and ready to hang my hat at one of those hope-crushing-9 to 5's.   Most of all my inspiration comes from a deep conviction that my dreams and ideas will unlock doors for the generation that follows me. I don't have kids, but I think about how I want their life to be often. I think about what I'll teach them and the fact that I need to learn it now. I think about them never experiencing financial stress in the way I have. Also, I think about how they and the generations after them will be free to be even more creative and tenacious than I am because they won't face the same obstacles I do after I have laid a better foundation.

CR8VSPOT: In your spare time, what do you do to unwind?

KT: Oh, I party...just kidding...not really. Most of my time is spent creating strategies that can be draining, therefore, free time has to be free from thinking or as close to it as a person like me can get. I love binging shows that pull me in and capture all of my attention. Occasionally, going out with friends to have a good time with great music is a must. Outdoor activities are also an escape for me; whether it's yard work, jogging, hiking or playing a game of basketball. The beach is definitely my happy place. I love traveling when time and finances allow. Seeing new places is always eye-opening and refreshing.

CR8VSPOT: In addition to the work you are currently doing, what have you done in other creative fields?

KT: I'm also a writer which I'm sure makes sense because I'm super introspective. I write all of my marketing materials and I also write articles and ebooks. I write poetry as well.   Recently, I got into NFTs and Web 3.0 and surprisingly began developing a blockchain video game. It's a completely new lane and so much fun. It's going to be a long project. It's a 3 part game series. But I'm recruiting a team around the idea and I'm pumped about all of the things I've learned so far. I have high expectations for it and I'm hoping to drop the first installment of the game next year.

“But when I face them head-on, I discover I had the answer all along.”
— Kiara Thomas

CR8VSPOT: Which part of your job do you enjoy most? What is the most challenging part of your job and how do you overcome obstacles?

KT: Discovering new things about myself. I'm always being stretched by varying obstacles. It just depends on the day. But when I face them head-on, I discover I had the answer all along.  The most challenging part is leading through my insecurities. I always sound confident while wrestling with my own doubts. The truth is every day I have to choose to prove myself wrong. It's a fight that I sometimes lose. I just pick myself up and get back in the fight the next day.

CR8VSPOT: Big dream. What is your dream project or collaboration?

KT: Konnectic Energy becoming a reputable Startup Studio is my dream project. In the near future, it will have an amazing team, attract brilliant people with incredible ideas, and successfully build and fund hundreds of startups. I've begun the transition steps and I'm testing the business model now. It should be rolling in a few months.

Kiara’s Extras

Favorite Design Software: Old faithful. Wordpress.org

Favorite Food: I can never pick a favorite. But your girl likes to eat.

Favorite City: Miami, FL

Hobbies: Anything that means I don't have to think.

Source of Inspiration: The Next Generation

Turn Off: Unmotivated people