We had the good fortune of connecting with Kirstin Brenders and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kirstin, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
I always wanted a creative, corporate job. I thought it was the only way to succeed, earn a reliable income, and get places in life. Or so I thought.

But after years of scaling the corporate ladder, I paused and thought, Why? I didn’t want to hustle away my life and work overtime nonstop.

My job lost its luster after I became a mom and entered my 40s. So, after planning, I made the difficult decision to pause my career to deal with burnout and put my family and well-being first.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
When I decided to take a break from the corporate world, I never planned to start a business. However, I discovered a new realm of online opportunities that inspired me to pivot my management and team-building skills into an entrepreneurial venture.

In 2022, I launched my online management business with a goal to create a fulfilling career that allowed me flexibility and time with my son. This decision transformed my life, and I am grateful for the journey.

As an Online Business Manager (OBM) and mentor, I support other entrepreneurs in Houston and beyond. With the help of coaches and mentors, I found freelancing and starting an online business to be more accessible than I had imagined.

My experience has taught me the value of investing in oneself and maintaining a growth mindset. Success is not just about titles; it’s about embracing new learning opportunities.

Now, three years into this journey, I am proud to see my business and those of my incredible partners flourishing. This year, I have expanded my services to mentor and support women interested in freelancing and launching their online businesses. In 2025, I am opening up more one-to-one mentoring opportunities to women dreaming of starting a consulting business, embarking on a freelance journey, or a stay-at-home mom seeking ways to earn extra income.

I created the “Your Freelance Future” mentorship program because it provides the guidance I wish I had. It is a space to explore your existing talents and gifts, create offers, find clients, and get online without a big investment or signing up for a lengthy program.

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.
I call The Heights my home, so many of my favorite spots are located there. I start the weekend by grabbing coffee at Tenfold and shopping along 19th Street and at Heights Mercantile. I recommend enjoying pizza and pasta in Coltivare’s outdoor garden for dinner. A visit would not be complete without a tour of the Menil Collection and a picnic on their lawn.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to Yvette Valdenegro and Geovanna Burgess White of YGC Relationship Coaching. They are the women I turned to when I was ready to redesign my relationship with myself, my time, and my career. And the ones who introduced me to Shoutout Houston

Website: https://www.kirstinbrenders.com/

Instagram: @kirstinbrenders.co

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

Image Credits
Victoria Garcia Studios

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