Kerry Bamsey, Founder of Junkin’ Market Days
Name: Kerry Bamsey
Founder: Junkin’ Market Days
What's your elevator pitch? (Ie. In one sentence, what do you do?)
We are Junkin’ Market Days®, a curated market for small businesses. We are female-owned and operated and host weekend long events around the Midwest. Our mission is to seamlessly connect the makers with their audience, orchestrating successful events that foster enriching experiences for both makers and attendees.
What's your story? Share how you got to where you are and WHY it is you do what you do.
While attending events in larger cities, I witnessed the collaboration between local makers and the community, and I wanted to bring the experience to the Dakotas.
With startup funds of $675, I took a leap and started the business in 2021. In 2022, I started the territory ownership program. Through personalized coaching, I empower women to become entrepreneurs, create financial freedom, and use their creativity.
Today, our team of 12 female entrepreneurs organizes events in eleven areas. Our mission is simple: Women Supporting Women.
What does BEING a FoundHer mean to you?
For over two decades, I’ve worked in a corporate environment in human resources. I’ve talked with countless women who are looking for something that “lights them up”, that feeling where you jump out of bed in the morning because you can’t wait to work on your passion project.
Through personalized coaching and collaborating with women at our events, I empower women to become entrepreneurs, create financial freedom, and use their creativity.
How do you support other female founders and women in business?
I come alongside the female maker community and support their small businesses, providing a platform and visibility to share their products.
What are three podcasts you listen to that have helped you with your business?
Life Changing Money
Side Hustle Pro
Shiny New Clients
What are the first five things that you did when you were starting your business?
1. Hired a consultant
2. Researched other events
3. Held one event to see if there was a demand (customers & vendors)
4. Created social media pages & website that weren't perfect, but it were a start.
5. Went to other events to see what their event was like and decide what I would/wouldn't implement at my events.
Who is someone who has helped change or shape your business for the better and what did they do to help you?
Hiring Lindsay to help me prioritize, problem solve, and a create plan has been a game changer for me & my business! Also, joining Marketing Made Simple provides the support & connection to other female entrepreneurs.
At what point did you make your company a full time gig? How did you know the time was right?
Almost there :) I have outgrown my corporate job, and my business demands more of my time. It's tough to give up the steady paycheck, however, my goal is to run my business full time by the end of 2024.
What lesson or skill did you take with you from a prior job to help you succeed in your role today?
I hire people that are 5 steps ahead of me. I've asked members of my team to assist with aspects where I don't have the skillset. Example, an organizer with 25 years in sales is selling my partnership offerings.
Let’s talk social media—who handles it for your company (you, an internal team member, an outsourced solution?) and what is the secret to making it successful? What is the biggest challenge?
I handle it. With the skills that I have learned with Lindsay’s coaching, it's more organized and doesn't land at the bottom of my "to do" list.
How did you land your first client?
While holding events, I would interact with several customers and female makers. I was approached by women asking if I could teach them how to hold an event in their city. In 2022, I started the territory ownership program.
What is something you do differently from the industry standard?
I support local makers.
Did you raise capital? What was the process and avenue you chose to take?
I held my first event and reinvested the profits to grow the business.
Have you sold a business? If so, how did you know when it was time to sell? What were the steps you took to make it happen? What advice would you give to someone looking to sell?
Yes, I have. When I no longer had the passion or drive. I went to my network to sell. My advice is to make sure that you have an attorney review the contract.
What would you do differently if you were starting your business today?
I would create a "buzz" by posting on social media before I held my first event. I let fear hold me back. I wanted to hold the first event as proof of concept before I told the larger public about the business.
What are three strategies you use to market your business, grow brand awareness and generate bottom line growth?
1. I'm starting to share the "behind the scenes"
2. Share small businesses on the business page
3. Engage with the followers to form a community
What was an obstacle you overcame to get your business where it is today? Please share the story behind it.
I was stuck with increasing the event attendance. With my new focus on creating an engaged community, that will help grow the business and attendance.
What are three actionable tips you would give with other women who want to start a business or are just getting started?
1. Ask for help when you need it: Hire someone that is further along in the process
2. Prioritize your business community & connecting with your followers as that will grow your business
3. Find YOUR community. Surround yourself with other female entrepreneurs. It can be lonely & frustrating when you are doing it yourself :)
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