Not anyone has the ability to bounce back from extreme trials and build an entrepreneurial empire. Yet that’s what Kimberly Cloud, the business owner and CEO of multiple successful ventures, has done. Overcoming some of the biggest upsets, she has created an array of companies for herself and employment for people even amid a global crisis.
A full-time mother and wife, she has mastered the art of balancing both work and life. On top of raising her beautiful children, she masterfully operates and scales her businesses, which include a cleaning company, an online shop, and a book publishing company. Most of her ventures, she has started from scratch.
We sat down with the serial entrepreneur to find out how she does it all. Here’s what she had to share.
Q: How did you get into entrepreneurship?
Kimberly Cloud: I started with an ecommerce business called “Genuinely Michelle Wigs.” I sell high-quality wigs online. This venture came out of a significant pain point. I love wigs, but I’ve seen many bogus sellers promise “high quality” wigs only to end up with inferior ones. So I decided to create my store and provide the best quality wigs for wig enthusiasts. I also love selling wigs to men who love to dress in drag.
Also, I experienced a significant setback. The military missed out on giving me an honorable discharge. So I got a lot of money back from the military for them, excluding me, and received my honorable discharge. I used that money to invest in a franchise in March of 2020. It’s been a blessing ever since.
Q. What is it that inspires you to keep pushing?
Kimberly Cloud: My husband and children are my biggest inspiration. I’d reach greater heights for them. I also do it for my three sisters. I want to set my family for the future, so I work harder and harder. Things are not perfect, but I bust my butt to ensure that all my ducks are in a row.
Q. What do you think makes your company stand out?
Kimberly Cloud: As the owner, you need to market all the time. I promote my businesses heavily. I always have business cards on hand. I also make everything from T-shirts and other promotional materials. I’m planning to get a website for my cleaning company, Blue Cloud Cleaning Company. I’m also thinking of developing a better web page for my book. It’s all about leveling up your marketing efforts.
Q. What would you recommend to your industry to help them thrive and not “burn out”?
Kimberly Cloud: You need to make sure that you have a “why.” Find the real reason behind what you do and stick with that. For me, it’s always been about family. They keep me driven, no matter what. It’s also important to focus on cash flow. Always try to hit six to seven figures in annual income within your first two years.
Q. Who has been your constant support through these tough times?
Kimberly Cloud: It has to be my husband. He helped me come up with names for my business. But more than that, he helps me make the vision come to life.
Q. So you’ve also written a book. What is it about?
Kimberly Cloud: The book is entitled Life of a Cloud. It’s an autobiography that narrates my ups and downs in life and business. In it, I share how I adjusted to difficult times and chose to do what was right. I also talk about how I started my businesses.
My book is under LynnMark Publishing. I rushed it, to be honest, but I’m getting it remastered. Currently, Life of a Cloud is undergoing editing in preparation for a second edition. I want to do this so that my audience can have a better perspective. I’ve had so much clarity these days on what brought me to where I am today, and I’d love to see more people experience the same level of success.
Q. You’ve accomplished a lot. How are you using your success today?
Kimberly Cloud: I empower people. It’s never just about me. For instance, my cleaning company, Blue Cloud, is my way of employing people, even in this pandemic. I make sure I have one person who likes my work, whether it’s wigs or anything we can do to help. I’m all about building solid relationships.
Q. What’s next for Kimberly Cloud?
Kimberly Cloud: I’m looking forward to launching the second edition of my book very soon! And I have more ideas for my businesses. Blue Cloud Cleaning, Genuinely Michelle, and all my other businesses — I still have some tricks up my sleeve. All this is just the beginning.
To learn more about Kimberly and her business ventures, you can visit her cleaning company Blue Cloud’s Facebook page or Genuinely Michelle’s Big Cartel website.
