Meet Christe Konopitski, M.S. NPM | Founder & Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Christe Konopitski, M.S. NPM and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christe, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started Creative Konsulting Exchange (CKE) to fill a void in the market for fundraising and marketing consulting focused on sustainable growth and a long–term strategy. With a background in nonprofit management and corporate and public relations, CKE takes inspiration from both for-profit and nonprofit tactics to foster the development of brand advocates, grow community support for brand stories and missions, and establish key collaborations aligned with brand values and goals. Through consulting focused on sustainability and authentic relationships, we help brands and organizations grow their revenue and impact on the community. I wanted to bring the heart back into the work of fundraising and businesses to create that authentic personality that builds affinity and brand value.

What should our readers know about your business?
Building my consulting business has been the most rewarding experience because of the clients that I have been able to work with. From fashion designers to realtors to community nonprofits – I feel extremely grateful for the opportunity to help spotlight the great work of these brands and organizations. Creative Konsulting Exchange doesn’t provide one-size-fits-all solutions. We work with a diverse group of clients and get to know each one of them to create custom growth strategies that incorporate their specific goals. As I was developing my company, I chose to use the word “exchange” in the name instead of “consulting” because that is how I see my client relationships: as an ongoing exchange of information and ideas in pursuit of the best outcomes.

The thing that I am most excited about in building Creative Konsulting Exchange has been seeing the transformation in the businesses that I have worked with. In just one year, Lara Bly Designs has increased its following by more than 500% and established a regular fashion show schedule drawing upwards of 200 people per show. Sarne Brewster, a Lehigh Valley realtor, hosted a successful run as a ‘Woman of the Year’ candidate for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society raising more than $10k and hosting several successful events to increase support for the cause of the organization. We also established her personal brand as a realtor to fuel connections with clients and bring in new leads. With every new client of CKE, we have been able to achieve new thresholds and open up new avenues of revenue and growth.

Throughout the process of growing my business, it was the value of authenticity that kept coming up as a key factor in my growth. It isn’t enough to just do or say the right thing – you have to live it and believe it. Getting started, I was fortunate to have the support and endorsement from mentors and community members because of the trust that I had built by being transparent and authentic in my work. Community and clients know that they can rely on me and that I am as invested in the success of their organizations as they are  No matter what you decide to do in business, stay true to your values and beliefs because that authentic interest and passion in your field will be your greatest strength.

The most important thing that I want people to know about Creative Konsulting Exchange is that our priority truly is community. Growing organic and authentic support for brands and organizations not only benefits our clients, but it leaves windows of opportunity for them to make a positive impact on their local economies and neighborhoods. We love working with small shops, organizations going through transitions, and ambitious professionals looking to take their ventures to the next level. We are committed to getting to know our clients and crafting strategies for them that are tailor-made to fit their needs and goals. Our strategy is fueled by professional education, 10+ years of experience, and a genuine desire to help fuel the success of others. If you’re ready for your next steps, so are we!

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.
For a great day, I would start at Canary Coffee for a latte. The baked goods are delicious and everyone is so friendly! I would then do lunch/brunch at Postinos because I love their bruschetta boards with a nice glass of wine. Then, I would take everyone shopping at Mala Market to browse the unique brands that they offer. I love NG Jewelry and Angie’s space in the market – it is so cute! I really like popping down to Rice Village to walk the shops and enjoy that area as well. I always love happy hour at Marmo when they have live music, so that would also be a must! For dinner, I would go to Uchi sushi and let the chef decide the plates – you really can’t go wrong because absolutely everything is delicious! For a night cap, I would walk down to Anvil for a French 75 and then on the way home I would swing by VooDoo doughnuts for a maple bar.

There is so much to do around Houston! Whenever I go to Blacksmith for coffee, I always collect the postcards advertising upcoming art shows or community activities and I try to go to as many of them as possible. I love going to local night markets for shopping or catching a show at 713 Music Hall!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

I am extremely grateful for the women that I have met in the nonprofit field that have served as confidantes and mentors. Having the opportunity to challenge my beliefs, expand my understanding of the field, and bounce new concepts off of others has been the key to my ability to grow a business that blends best practices with new techniques that address the challenges of today.

I would also like to recognize my friends, family, and husband, for their support of me. There have been a lot of late nights and weekends cut short, but it has all been possible because of their encouragement and belief in me.

Website: www.creativekonsultingexchange.com

Instagram: @creativekonsultingexchange

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christekonopitski/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/creativekonsultingexchange

Image Credits
Melvin G.