In Conversation with Allison Kimball of the Spiked Kombucha Podcast

Describe your business in a few words?

Authenticity, Passion, and Innovation.

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

I have always had a business mindset, so this leap didn’t scare me at all. I knew the timing was right, and I didn’t wait for things to be perfect. I just went for it.

What was your background prior to starting your own business?

I have been a model since the age of 12, but being a podcast host was definitely new for me!

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

I always knew that I had an entrepreneurial mindset, but I didn’t really start to realize the fire in my soul until I launched my first clothing line when I was just 14 years old.

Take us back to when you first launched your business, what was your marketing strategy to get the word out and did it go as planned?

My marketing strategies were quite easy, because I really just showed the world who I was, and they seemed to react very well to me showing more of myself. I also can give a huge thanks to my team for helping me with the press work for the podcast launch.

We always learn the most from our mistakes, share a time with us that you made a mistake or had a challenging time in business and what you learned from it?

One mistake I used to follow a little too often, was not staying true to myself in my pursuits. I have a clear head of exactly what I am passionate about now, but I used to be pretty confused over it. That led me in all kinds of directions, loose and unsure of what I truly enjoyed.

What is the accomplishment you are the most proud of to date?

Allowing myself to grow along my path to become the person I have always wanted to be. Enjoying my journey, and growing more and more every day. It’s in the little things.

When hiring for your team, what is your go-to interview question? Please share any hiring tips you can share from your experience?

When I want to bring someone on my team, whether it be a new agent, new agency, new publicist, or a guest on my podcast, I really just feel out if they will understand my mindset and my goals. It’s not so much about what they have to offer to me, it really is about who they are as a person and if our mindsets are able to work in a parallel way. A go-to question I ask is “What does 3 months into working with you look like?” Or for my guests, it’s usually something along the lines of “What led you to where you are today?”.

How has your business or industry been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic?

My podcast has definitely had time, and space to grow during the pandemic, thankfully. I have also had time to compile my books that will be published soon as well. The pandemic has allowed me to learn more about myself and stick to my dreams, and now make them a reality.

What's next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

I will continue to have some amazing guests featured on my podcast, as well as the publishing of my first book. I also am getting into the realm of interior design, so there will be some new work coming out in the future of me continuing to follow my natural passions.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned in 2020?

Take care of yourself! Take time to show yourself love and mindfulness.

What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were first starting your business?

Keep banging content out! Sometimes, the content you are “iffy” about turns out to resonate the most with people when you least expect it!

How have you managed to stay grounded this year?

By taking good care of myself mentally and physically. I set aside time to really be mindful of what my body needs in the moment, and what will allow me to feel the most stress-free version of myself.

Do you believe in work/life balance? What are some of your best tips?

Yes! Personally, I have made my work just feel like a big part of my “regular” life. I did that with intention and purpose, because I knew I wanted a job that felt like another fun hobby. I have allowed myself, and will continue to allow myself to live that dream every day. As for balancing the stressful factors, I keep balance in my life by going to the gym, eating clean, and setting aside time to see the people I love.

What's something our audience would be surprised to learn about you?

I used to be a competitive gymnast! Gymnastics was my entire life right before modeling. I had a true fire in my soul for gymnastics, and if I didn’t choose to stop training, I definitely would have wanted to continue to train for the Olympics.

What are your top 3 tips to stay productive each day?

Get enough sleep. I like to get around 10 hours to function ideally for my body-I love sleeping! Also, mediate and eat balanced foods.

What does being an Entreprenista mean to you?

It means having a unique mindset to pursue and follow your natural passions you had when there were no distractions. To follow that fire you had in your soul as a little kid before there were any outside sources telling you what they think is best for you. It’s the no distraction passions, and the not having influence from the media telling you what you should be doing with your life. It’s doing what you want with your life.