Meet Kimmy K Powell | Author, entrepreneur, mentor, angel investor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kimmy K Powell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kimmy K, how do you think about risk?
Risk, by definition, is exposure to danger or harm, and it’s uncomfortable. I often like to share that in life, there is a “tipping point” to look out for: It is “when the pain of staying the same is scarier than the pain of change”. The truth is, the real risk in life is to never “become”. It’s easy to get comfortable and insulated and fall into the slow lane but to get where we are truly needed, wanted and valued, change is paramount. We must learn to not fear change but embrace it, seek it out and be on the lookout for our next great leap of faith. It is in the “becoming” that we feel most alive and begin to align with the calling that universe has always been carefully holding for us. Once we realize that there is no real fear other than fear itself, we can set our actions and intentions in line with our passions and find real purpose and power in our lives and careers.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am the proud owner of four Woodhouse Spa Locations. Charleston & Mt. Pleasant, SC, Franklin, TN and Savannah, GA. I jumped into the hospitality business in 2015 after re-locating from Dayton, Ohio to Charleston, SC. Although Woodhouse Spa is a franchise, opening my first location was incredibly challenging. I knew absolutely nothing about opening a spa and the myriad of logistics involved with such an endeavor were extremely daunting. I was extraordinarily blessed to meet my now General Manager, Debbie Jenner, at the very beginning of this journey. Her experience, expertise, kind heart and work ethic, allowed me to not “go it alone” and to “divide and concur”. To this day, she is by my side and I’m eternally grateful. Our spa is a luxury spa retreat in neighborhood settings and we cater to and serve our communities in many ways. Our top priority is unparalleled service and amenities; follow by, supporting the communities we serve and treating our guests and staff like family. I like to always say, “we may not always get it right, but we will always make it right”. Client satisfaction is an ongoing challenge but we are up for the task and love our guests! My hope is to have these four spas in top tier markets and continue to expand our wellness offerings and help make happy and relaxing memories for our guests for years to come.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well I live in one of the best cities in the world, so that is a pretty easy task. Charleston is best seen by water, so an evening sunset harbor cruise or lunch at Shem Creek by boat would be a top priority. I think because I am in luxury hospitality, I gravitate to our many beautiful hotels for cocktails, dinner etc. A great day downtown Charleston to me would be: coffee at Harken Cafe, breakfast at Palmetto Cafe inside The Charleston Place Hotel, afternoon tea at Hotel Bennett’s Camellia’s, cocktails at the Citrus Club inside the Dewberry, dinner at High Cotton and dancing at The Habit. (Did I mention I love hotels?). After a night like that, a spa day at one of our Woodhouse Spas would have to be on the schedule and a long walk through Hampton Park and Gospel Brunch at Hall’s Chophouse!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It certainly takes a village to achieve success at anything. I would be remiss in not first mentioning my parents. My father, an entrepreneur who owned a successful commercial construction company, was my first teacher. I learned hard work, discipline, respect, humility and gratitude, among many other attributes from him. My mother, a stay at home Mom, gave me my most valuable skills of kindness, confidence, empathy and joy. My 8th grade Computer Science teacher and Cheerleading Advisor, Michelle Dudon, changed my life in ways that I could never have anticipated. She showed me that young girls can be Computer Science Majors and Cheerleaders and that combination of algorithmic problem solving and a desire to see others succeed have become the cornerstone of my professional career. Last but not least, my husband is the natural entrepreneur in our family and encouraged me along the way to follow my dreams.

Website: kimmykpowell.com

Instagram: @kimmykpowell

Linkedin: @kimmykpowell

Twitter: @kimmykpowell

Facebook: @kimmykpowell

Image Credits
Please follow up with Grace Barnett at marketing@charleston.woodhousespas.com. It’s making me select photos but I don’t have the ones that I want here so please follow up with Grace for photos.