Who are you, and what do you do?
My name is Kassi Strong, and I am an entrepreneur! I own Crepe Cuisine, a food stand that sells French crepes and Peak Retreats, a multi-channel network for female founders and businesswomen. I am also a digital marketer and content creator who has a passion for helping people level up their businesses. My husband, Cody, and my cute pup, Beau, are my favorite things and give me the energy to pursue my passions.
What is one habit of yours that helps you be productive?
Whenever I need to remember to do something that can’t be focused on in the moment, I write it down in my phone. Typically, I will set an alarm for later that evening when I know I will be able to attend to the thought. This helps me let the thought go and not worry about it throughout the day while still remembering to complete it later.
What is your morning routine and how does it help you get the most out of your day?
My husband and I wake up right around 6:00 A.M. and take our dog for a walk. I am much more of a night owl than I am a morning person, but I have found that even though waking up early and going on a walk feels exhausting in the moment, it helps me feel energized throughout the day. This walk also gives me the chance to spend some quality time with my husband before our busy day gets started. After the walk, I sit and cuddle my pup for a little bit and read my bible. This reading helps me settle in to my goals for the week and reminds me what’s really important. After reading, I get ready for the day, pack my lunch, and eat breakfast. My husband and I often ride to work together since our offices are right down the road from each other, which is a great way to kick off my work day.
In the last few years, what lifestyle, habit or behavior change has had the biggest positive impact on your life?
Within the past year, my husband and I have been trying to be strict with the time we go to bed. Yes, we will go out or spend time with friends and get to sleep late, but on a normal work night, it has been super helpful for us to get in bed early enough to get a solid eight hours of sleep. Not only does it make it easier for me to get up early in the morning to enjoy a walk before work, it also helps me think clearly and look at things with a more positive attitude.
When you feel unfocused, what do you do?
When I feel unfocused, I like to put a little bit of lavender oil on my wrists, write down all of my worries. Typically, when I am feeling unfocused it is because I am worrying about something that can’t be attended to at the moment. Writing everything down, typically in my phone, allows me to stop worrying.
What is one piece of software or a web service that you get immense value out of? How do you use it?
I get immense value out of the entire Google Suite. I use the calendar for every event in my life, Gmail is my favorite email system and the tool I use most for professional communication, and the document sharing feature is super helpful within my businesses and my day job.
What is the one book you recommend most often and why?
For entrepreneurs, I would most often recommend Value Proposition Design by Alan Smith, Alexander Osterwalder, Gregory Bernarda, Trish Papadakos, and Yves Pigneur because it helps the reader really think about how their product or service relates to their customers. Personally, my favorite book is The Awakening by Kate Chopin because it is about a woman who finds herself and the power she holds after losing herself to the culture and expectations around her.
What advice would you give a smart and ambitious recent college graduate? What advice should they ignore?
I would tell them to always keep an open mind and to fight for what you deserve. Find a job that you would like to try, but don’t feel stuck down. Feel free to continue to search for new opportunities and try new things as they come up. Be sure to ask for the pay you deserve and don’t be afraid to discuss your pay with other people around you. Open conversation about pay can help everyone level up. I would also say that it is important to find a mentor who can be an advocate for you and help you make connections.
As for advice to ignore, I would say not to listen to someone who says to go all-in to a single career path. I always try to encourage people to try many things, take risks, and explore new passions and interests.
What is your favorite quote, one you aim to live by?
“We are all just walking each other home” – Ram Dass
I love this quote because it helps me remember that every interaction I have is important. It reminds me that every interaction I have is important and has the potential to make a major impact on someone else’s life.
Connect
A recent graduate could send me a connection request on LinkedIn and shoot me a message there. I am super responsive on that platform. I am also able to be contacted via email.