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

Hi Kelly, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
A year ago, my husband and I headed west to the “Big D” for a new adventure. It has been a whirlwind year, to say the least, with many ups and downs, incredible opportunities, lessons learned, and of course, the unexpected. Through it all, I’ve learned a great deal and met so many exceptional individuals. When I was laid-off in July from the impact of COVID19, I reminded myself that I was resilient, adaptable, and hopeful for the future.

After some soul searching, I thought to myself, I am an Entrepreneur, and there is no time like the present to take another leap of faith. Since my first entrepreneurial gig 26 years ago, the world is undoubtedly different. Technology may have changed, but my entrepreneurial mindset of putting ideas into action hasn’t. I reminded myself of my entrepreneurial attributes – six characteristics that help me spark action.

First, it’s Genetics. Yes, It’s in my blood. There is inherently a genetic component to my entrepreneurial mindset. My Father is a serial entrepreneur, still reinventing himself to this day with a thriving small business.

Second, I think BIG. I’ve lived it! I’m not afraid to dream and envision success. Big goals and a strong vision ignite my passion and enthusiasm, and it shines through, making me a magnet to others to spark action.

Third, I am a self-starter. Yes, I am ambitious to start things independently without others’ help; however, I also actively seek counsel and advice from others to continue to learn and grow.

Fourth, I am a go-getter. Admittedly, my ‘think-big” mindset does not have much patience for those who lack this mentality. As a go-getter, I continually challenge myself to motivate others to set goals, maximize their talents, and succeed!

Fifth, I am creative. As a creative person, I am always questioning, and I love exploring numerous possibilities for connecting people or improving an idea or process.

Most importantly, I am disciplined. Creative ideas and a wowing charisma are not enough; I have the discipline to follow through. I suspect this is the differential that gives this “Big-Thinking, Self-Starter, Go-Getter, Creative” the stamina to persevere, withstand hardships, and press forward.

These traits define my entrepreneurial spirit, why I AM an ENTREPRENEUR, and why I started Ignite4Good Consulting Solutions.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Ignite4Good Consulting Solutions is a culmination of my entrepreneurial spirit and years of experience as a small business owner, award-winning nonprofit leader, and community volunteer. Ignite4Good, LLC, is on a mission to empower individuals, nonprofits, and small businesses to SPARK meaningful change! Within the next three years, the goal is to develop Ignite4Good into a robust nationwide consulting firm with an engaged “Change-Makers” network connecting individuals, small businesses, and nonprofits to increase collaboration and market success.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Being newer to Dallas from Northeast, Ohio, there is still much to explore! I’ve loved getting to know the city on foot and, in a short time, have logged many miles exploring, including the must-see favorite, Thanks-Giving Square. Most days, though, you can find me walking or biking the Northaven Trail and on weekends exploring one of the incredible trails in the Texas State Parks and around Lake Texoma.

Before the pandemic, I started to explore my creative side by taking Improv classes at Dallas Comedy House in Deep Ellum. There, I uncovered a community of talented individuals helping to spread laughter. Some favorite eateries I’ve uncovered include Cafe Izmir, Campuzano Mexican, Cattleack Barbeque, Gemma, Royal China, and pizza from Mangiamo Italian Restaurant.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A special shout out to my Father for passing on his entrepreneurial spirit and resiliency. To all of my friends and family for their neverending support and my new found network of inspiration in Dallas – including Terri Altmann, President & CEO of ReBirth Empowerment Education, and Johnny Tan, Founder, From My Mama’s Kitchen®. Both Terri and Johnny have proven that the right people do come into your life at the right time.

Website: https://www.ignite4goodconsultingsolutions.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ignite4good/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ignite4good
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ignite4Good
Other: https://www.ignite4goodconsultingsolutions.com/groups https://www.facebook.com/groups/americanchangemakers I encourage interested individuals to join Change-Makers, a private think-tank hosted by Ignite4Good. Change-Makers is a free platform to connect individuals, businesses, and nonprofit leaders who seek to Spark Meaningful Change to benefit the greater Community. Change-Makers welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds passionate about making a difference who want to collaborate and find peer support. Vision: A community enriched by powerful partnerships. Mission: To facilitate an online community for collaboration that enhances the quality of life in our communities.

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