Local StoriesMay 22, 2023

Meet Kathleen Ribeiro

Local Stories

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Kathleen Ribeiro. Kathleen was introduced to us by the brilliant and talented Gina DeFord.

Hi Kathleen, we’re so thrilled to have you sharing your story with us today. Maybe we can kick things off by having you introduce yourself to our readers? We’d love to have you go into your story and how you got to where you are today.
When I first started, I was struggling mentally at my current 9-5 job and couldn’t seem to find the right fit elsewhere. However, after stumbling upon a Facebook post that suggested reaching out to local businesses and offering administrative help as a side hustle, I found myself exploring the vast world of online business. Despite having spent a decade in the auto body industry, I began working as a virtual assistant for female business owners and within just four months, I was able to leave my 9-5 job behind.

I quickly realized that I had a passion for business systems and project management, and over the course of a year, I transitioned from a general virtual assistant to a skilled project manager and business systems specialist. Through my company, KMService, I now work with a variety of clients, both long-term and project-based, to develop and optimize their business systems, ultimately helping them to succeed and grow.

Please tell us more about your brand, KM Service
KMService specializes in building and optimizing business systems to help our clients achieve their goals. Our areas of expertise include project management tools, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, Google Workspace, email marketing, and scheduling. We can also help with any other tech and automations that our clients may need. What sets KMService apart from other business system builders is our personalized approach and focus on empowering non tech-savvy female business owners. We understand that many business owners may feel overwhelmed by technology, which is why we take the time to explain everything in a clear and understandable way. We work closely with our clients to ensure that their systems are tailored to their specific needs, and we are committed to providing ongoing support and guidance to help them succeed. One of the things that makes me most proud of my business is the joy it brings me. I wake up every day excited to help other amazing women achieve their goals and reach their full potential. At the core of my business is a deep passion for empowering women and helping them succeed. Whether I’m building and optimizing business systems, providing training and support, or simply lending an ear and offering advice, I take great pride in the work that I do and the impact it has on my clients’ lives.

Gina DeFord and Babe Crafted have been great to us and I know you’ve got a great relationship with them as well. Maybe you can tell our audience a bit about Gina DeFord and Babe Crafted and your experience with them.
I jumped into the online business world with zero knowledge about community or networking. It was overwhelming and quite a shock. After endlessly scrolling through Instagram, I stumbled upon the Babe Crafted page. The vibrant colors and positive energy drew me in, and I knew I had to stay connected. However, they were based in sunny Tampa, while I was stuck in cold and dreary Boston.

That’s when Gina, the founder, sent me a warm voice note welcoming me to the page. I spent some time stalking their page and made a mental note to attend one of their events someday. Eventually, I reached out to ask if non-members could attend events, as I was going to be in town. To my surprise, Gina told me about their virtual membership option, and I couldn’t believe I had wasted so much time not signing up earlier.

I joined immediately, and I have never looked back since. Gina and her team organize at least two virtual events a month, if not more, and consistently find ways to promote their members through blog posts, reels, and other social media posts. Gina personally comments on posts and takes the time to answer any questions or provide advice whenever needed.

In addition to the events and promotions, being a part of the Babe Crafted community has also helped me make valuable connections. Through the member directory, I have connected with not only fellow members but also individuals who have discovered me through the directory. These connections have turned into clients, collaborations, accountability groups, and even friendships.

Being a part of this community has not only helped me grow my business but has also provided me with a network of like-minded individuals who understand the struggles and triumphs of entrepreneurship. I am grateful for the support, encouragement, and connections that I have gained from being a member of Babe Crafted.

Thanks to Gina’s efforts, she has created a community of female business owners that is not only supportive but also genuine. I have never felt invisible or brushed aside, and I couldn’t be happier to be a part of this community.