We had the good fortune of connecting with Kadena Tate and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kadena, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
One thing that small business owners wishing to scale with subscriptions often don’t realize is that belonging and connection are skills that require development. It’s not just about implementing a subscription model or focusing on revenue; it’s about cultivating a sense of belonging within the community of subscribers.

In the pursuit of growth and success, the human element can be easily overlooked. But the truth is, building a thriving subscription business goes beyond numbers and metrics. It’s about creating a genuine sense of connection with your tribe, making them feel valued, seen, and heard.

Belonging and connection aren’t just inherent traits; they are skills that can be honed and mastered. It takes empathy, active listening, and a deep understanding of your audience’s needs and desires. It’s about nurturing relationships, fostering a supportive environment, and building trust and rapport.

What should our readers know about your business?
My journey to where I am today in the business world has been quite a rollercoaster ride, but it’s been an incredible one!

It took me a good 20 years of working in the international aviation industry to gather the courage to take the leap and start my own business. At first, I stumbled a bit and had a couple of business ventures that didn’t quite take off. I followed someone else’s blueprint, and it didn’t align with who I truly was. But you know what they say, failure is the best teacher.

It was when I made the bold decision to believe in myself and invest in myself that everything started to change. I realized that I needed to trust my own instincts and create a path that was authentic to me.

Now, let me tell you, it wasn’t a walk in the park. Far from it! I faced my fair share of challenges along the way. I had to do some deep soul searching and healing to overcome my relationship with money, overgiving, people-pleasing, perfectionism, and always trying to prove myself. It was a journey of self-discovery and transformation.

Learning the language of capital and subscription business model design was no small feat either. I had to educate myself about business credit, business capital, business growth strategy, revenue strategy and how to communicate with clarity, brevity, and authority. And let’s not forget learning how to ask for what I truly desired and, more importantly, being open to receiving it. It was an exercise in vulnerability, and required shifts in mindset and skillset.

For example, negotiating and delegating were skills I had to learn and practice. I had to step out of my comfort zone and trust others to support me in my vision.

But you know what? Despite the challenges, it was all absolutely worth it. Every hurdle I faced, every lesson I learned, brought me closer to where I am today. I wouldn’t change a thing. This journey of growth and self-discovery has made me the strong and confident businesswoman I am now.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh, I’d love to be the tour guide for my best friend’s week-long adventure! Here’s the ultimate itinerary for showing them the best time ever:

Breakfast: We’d start our day with mouthwatering El Gordo Crepes at Cafe Brazil or indulge in the Bacon Lovers Breakfast at Original Pancake House for a delightful morning treat.

Brunch: On Saturday, we would treat ourselves to a leisurely brunch with the scrumptious Hangover Sandwich paired with a refreshing Bellini. Sunday, we’d enjoy the Bananas Foster Pancakes at Harpers in Deep Ellum. The perfect way to kickstart both days!

Margarita Time: Oh, the tough decision between Gloria’s Frozen House Margarita, Veracruz Café’s Frozen Mango Margarita, and the tempting Campuzano Mexican Food’s UBER Black Margarita! Maybe we’ll have to try them all to decide our favorite.

Lunch: For a delicious midday meal, we’ll head to Roti Grill on McKinney Avenue, savoring the flavors of Tipico’s NW Hwy, and exploring the creative offerings at Velvet Taco. It’s a lunchtime adventure!

Dinner: In the evenings, we’ll indulge in culinary delights at some of the best spots in town. Rosewood, Mansion on Turtle Creek with their boneless prime ribeye and red onion jam. Then there’s Roots Southern Table, serving up delectable dishes that remind me of my hometown -NOLA!. And of course, we can’t miss out on Joe T. Garcia’s for an unforgettable dining experience in Ft. Worth.

Outings: Our afternoons will be filled with exciting outings. We’ll burn some calories playing PickleBall at Chicken and Pickle, pamper ourselves at King Spa, appreciate the beauty of Dallas Silk Art, catch a captivating film at the Dallas Angelika Film Center, and immerse ourselves in art at the Dallas Museum of Art.

There you have it, a week packed with incredible food, drinks, and exciting places to explore! This city has so much to offer, and I can’t wait to share all these fun, interesting, and thrilling experiences with my best friend. It’s going to be an unforgettable adventure!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely! My shoutout goes to some incredible individuals and resources that have played a vital role in shaping my journey. First and foremost, I’d like to dedicate this to my amazing parents, Frenetta and Helen Tate, for instilling in me the values of leadership, accountability, responsibility, and service. Their unwavering support has been a guiding light.

Next, I want to express my gratitude to my entire family for surrounding me with love and encouragement throughout my endeavors. Their belief in me has been a constant source of inspiration.

I also owe a huge shoutout to Alexander Osterwalder, Tim Clark, and the entire Strategyzer family for their transformative impact on my skills as a subscription business model designer and revenue strategist. Their teachings have been a game-changer.

Last but not least, I want to acknowledge two powerful books that have deeply influenced me. “This Thing Called You” by Dr. Ernest Holmes has been a source of spiritual guidance and empowerment, while Marion Woodman’s “Coming Home to Myself” has been a source of profound introspection.

Each of these people and resources has contributed to my growth and success in unique ways, and I am forever grateful for their presence in my life.

Website: https://www.kadenatate.com

Instagram: http://instagram.com/kadenatate#

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/kadena

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/KadenaTate

Image Credits
Dee Hill Photography

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