Meet Kimberly Schmitz

 

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kimberly Schmitz. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kimberly below.

Hi Kimberly, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.

I believe it started with resiliency, shaped by my childhood realities. Growing up as the only child of a single mother meant watching strength unfold in real time. It wasn’t just about surviving; it was about adapting, about making room for possibilities that weren’t handed to me but carved out with sheer will. I knew I wanted better.
There were moments, years of working full-time and going to college at the same time, knowing I was the first in my family to ever step into that world. Maybe in the early years of motherhood, balancing career ambitions with the needs of my twins, learning to be fully present while still chasing the future. Optimism wasn’t a given; it was a choice. It was understanding that setbacks weren’t roadblocks but recalibrations, that each challenge carried a lesson worth holding onto. And although the road was rough at times, I knew that it was worth it.
And then there was love, the kind that grounds and lifts at the same time. My husband, the incredible father to our twins, and his unwavering support. He believes in me because he truly sees me and always gives me a boost when I need it.
My optimism is a lived experience. It’s my life. It’s tested, refined, built upon years of navigating uncertainty and choosing, always choosing, to press forward. It’s knowing that every path I’ve walked has prepared me not just to lead, but to illuminate the way for others.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

After leaving a leadership role at a small business, I found myself in a rare moment of pause—an opportunity to reflect, recalibrate, and truly ask myself what was next. It wasn’t just about my career; it was about balance, about reclaiming time for myself and my family while figuring out how to apply my years of expertise in a way that felt meaningful.

In that space of transition, I took on simple contract work—executing marketing tasks for a couple of clients. It was straightforward, transactional, and, honestly, exactly what I needed to regroup without the weight of long-term commitment. But then, something happened that shifted everything.

I connected with a small business owner who was struggling—not with execution, but with the foundational strategy. He was in that all-too-common place where marketing felt like a chaotic puzzle, with no clear sense of direction. He needed a plan, a strategy before he could even think about running tactical activities. And that’s when it clicked.

I had spent years developing strategic marketing frameworks for large corporations. I knew how to turn complexity into clarity. So, I distilled those principles down to something simple and actionable for him. And it worked. Not just in theory, but in real, tangible results.

That experience set me on the path of fractional CMO work, supporting mid-sized businesses with their marketing strategies. But over time, I noticed a deeper problem—a gap in the market that wasn’t being solved. Small business owners weren’t just struggling with marketing; they were drowning in it. Juggling multiple roles, lacking formal marketing knowledge, and unsure of what was actually working. They needed strategic guidance, yet a full-time hire was out of reach financially.

That was my lightbulb moment.

What if I could take my proven strategy methodology and package it in a way that was accessible, affordable, and, most importantly, empowering? So I created TINK Marketing’s The Brand Luminary—a monthly membership designed specifically for small business owners.

It isn’t just a collection of marketing resources; it’s a structured, supportive system—one that gives owners a clear roadmap to build their own simple marketing strategy and plan, provides ongoing content to make marketing easier, fosters a community of like-minded entrepreneurs, and gives them direct access to me for coaching. Essentially, it puts an experienced fractional CMO in their pocket, at a fraction of the cost.

No one else was solving this problem in quite this way. Marketing memberships existed, but they either focused too much on templates without strategic clarity, lacked the hands-on coaching component small business owners desperately needed, or were pricey for small business owners. The Brand Luminary isn’t just another marketing tool—it’s an entirely new approach, built on the foundation of strategy, simplicity, and sustainability.

And the best part? Seeing business owners go from overwhelmed to confident, from stuck to thriving. That’s how I knew it was a worthwhile endeavor—because it’s working.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, strategic thinking, and authentic communication. Each have shaped not only my success but also how I uplift others. Here’s how each played a role and the advice I’d offer to those just beginning their own path:
1. Resilience: Bouncing Back with Purpose
Growing up in a household where you had to carve your own path, resilience was never just about enduring difficulty, it was about actively creating opportunities where none seemed to exist. Whether it was becoming the first in my family to graduate from college, raising twins while building a career, or navigating the uncertainties of entrepreneurship, every challenge reinforced my ability to adapt and press forward.
Advice: Resilience is built through action. Face setbacks with curiosity instead of fear, ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” Surround yourself with people who remind you of your strength, and when things feel overwhelming, break them into smaller steps. Every time you push through, you reinforce the belief that you can.
2. Strategic Thinking: Seeing the Bigger Picture
From simplifying complex marketing plans to empowering small business owners, my ability to make sense of chaos has always been a defining skill. Instead of getting lost in the noise, I focus on what actually moves the needle—whether it’s refining messaging, identifying sustainable solutions, or guiding entrepreneurs toward clarity.
Advice: Develop this skill by asking why before jumping into how. Train yourself to step back and assess patterns before making decisions. And most importantly, practice synthesizing information into actionable steps. The best strategists don’t just gather knowledge; they use it efficiently.
3. Authentic Communication: Building Connection Through Truth
At the heart of my work, whether with TINK Marketing, Brand Luminary, or the community of moms I have wholeheartedly embraced, is the belief that real connection happens through honesty and clarity. I don’t sugarcoat; I simplify. I empathize and empower. My storytelling approach isn’t just about marketing—it’s about making people feel seen.
Advice: To develop authentic communication, start by understanding your voice. What matters to you? How do you naturally express ideas? The best communicators don’t try to sound like everyone else, they refine their unique perspective. Whether through writing, speaking, or social media, practice clarity. Make it easy for people to understand and trust you by saying what you mean and meaning what you say.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

Mel Robbins’ The Let Them Theory has resonated deeply with me, shaping how I approach relationships, leadership, and personal growth. The book’s core message, letting go of the need to control others and focusing on what you can influence, aligns beautifully with my philosophy of empowerment and authenticity.
1. Let Them Be Who They Are
Instead of exhausting myself trying to change people or situations beyond your control, Robbins encourages embracing the reality that others will make their own choices. This shift frees up mental and emotional energy, allowing me to focus on what truly matters, my own actions and responses.
2. Let Me Focus on My Own Growth
The book emphasizes that personal power comes from directing energy inward rather than outward. By focusing on my goals, mindset, and reactions, I cultivate resilience and confidence, rather than frustration over things I can’t change.
3. The Power of Releasing Control
One of the most liberating lessons is that trying to manage others often leads to resistance and resentment. Instead, Robbins advocates for trusting the process, allowing people to make their own decisions while maintaining my own boundaries.
4. Freedom Through Acceptance
When you stop trying to control outcomes, you gain clarity and peace. This principle is especially relevant in leadership and entrepreneurship, where adaptability and trust in others are essential.
For me, The Let Them Theory reinforces the values I already embody, simplifying complexity, empowering others, and leading with authenticity. It’s a philosophy that not only shapes my approach to business but also strengthens my ability to build meaningful connections.

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