Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Schmitz.
Hi Kim, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
After 20 years in corporate, starting my own event management & marketing agency, and then stepping away from a leadership role at a small boutique event strategy agency, I found myself at a place of, “What now?” This wasn’t just about career direction. It was about reclaiming time for myself, for my family, and exploring how to channel years of marketing expertise into something more aligned, more meaningful.
During that time, I took on simple contract work, short-term, execution-focused marketing tasks for a handful of clients. It was quiet, low-pressure, and exactly what I needed to recalibrate without the weight of long-term commitments.
One client, a small business owner, was struggling with marketing execution and it was because they didn’t have a strategy. Marketing felt like a chaotic puzzle with no clear picture. Tactics were flying, but there was no plan guiding them. That conversation changed everything.
I realized I’d spent years building strategic marketing frameworks for corporations and refining complex programs into clear plans and objectives. So, I translated those same principles into something digestible, simple, and actionable. And it worked. Not just in theory, but in measurable, empowering results.
That moment marked the beginning of my fractional strategist/CMO path, partnering with mid-sized businesses to craft and lead their marketing strategy. But as I worked deeper in that space, I noticed a bigger problem. Small business owners weren’t just confused about marketing; they were overwhelmed by it. Juggling too many roles, unsure which platforms mattered, and lacking the time or budget to bring on full-time strategic help.
They needed leadership, clarity, and support, but they also needed it delivered in a way that was affordably accessible, empathetic, and sustainable. That’s the gap I’ve been dedicated to closing.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not even close to smooth. Starting from scratch rarely is, especially when you’re forging a path that doesn’t follow a traditional blueprint.
One of the biggest challenges was navigating the shift from being seen as a tactical doer to stepping into the role of a strategic leader. When you’re working with small businesses, it’s easy to get pulled into the day-to-day execution, such as social media posts, email campaigns, endless requests. But I knew my strength was in the strategy and claiming that space required both boundaries and confidence. That wasn’t always easy.
There were also moments of doubt. Walking away from a secure leadership role into uncertain terrain, even with years of experience, came with plenty of “Am I doing the right thing?” conversations; some with myself, some with my family. Financial instability, self-imposed pressure, and the messiness of building something new from scratch all made appearances along the way.
Each hard moment forced me to refine what I was building and why. It led to the creation of more intentional offers like The Brand Luminary League, a marketing membership that gives small business owners access to strategic guidance without the weight of a full-time hire. It helped me uncover a voice and message rooted in simplicity and authenticity and realize that those messy middle moments were where transformation happened.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I’m the founder of TINK Marketing & Design, a boutique marketing consultancy built on the belief that marketing can be simple and that simplicity creates momentum. I specialize in helping small to mid-size business owners and entrepreneurs cut through the noise and build marketing strategies that are clear, actionable, and aligned with their values.
Through my fractional strategist/CMO services and the Brand Luminary League, a monthly membership program that gives small businesses access to strategic marketing expertise without the price tag of a full-time hire, I offer guidance that’s rooted in clarity and connection. My work is especially focused on bridging the gap between messy execution and strategic intention. I meet my clients where they are and help them build from there.
What sets TINK Marketing apart is our emphasis on your brand feeling like a reflection of you, not a generic playbook pulled from a marketing textbook. That philosophy shows up in everything we do, from customized positioning strategies to simple downloadable resources that make marketing more accessible and less overwhelming.
I’m most proud of how we show up for business owners who feel stuck, burnt out, or lost in the weeds of digital marketing. We don’t just hand over a strategy; we empower them with tools and clarity to move forward. I want readers to know that if marketing feels heavy or complicated, you’re not alone, and there’s a simpler path forward.
How do you think about luck?
I don’t know if it’s really a good luck or bad luck thing, but for me, going to networking events have always made me a bit anxious. I love talking to people, but the idea of walking into a room where you don’t know a single person can cause great anxiety in me. As I’m driving, I’m always asking myself, “Should I even go?” But I keep driving forward and telling myself that if I meet just one person who I made a connection with, then it’s worth it.
I have been fortunate (or lucky?) to meet people at events who have made big impacts in my life and business. Whether that’s a new client, a referral, a new partner, etc., you never know what comes from connections you meet.
Pricing:
- Fractional Marketing Strategist Services – $800/week
- Fractional Marketing Advisor – $400/week
- The Brand Luminary League – $49/month
- Marketing Strategy Framework Workshop – Call for pricing
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tinkmarketing.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinkmktng/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TINKMarketing
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tink-marketing-design/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TINKMarketing
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/tinkmarketing/
Image Credits
Christopher Gower
