Jessica Fox [Live Link]
Published on 11, May 2023
'Disruptive Branding Expert’ Kimjera Whittington Shares Why North Carolina is Better than California to Run Your Small Business
In 2022, Kimjera Whittington made the huge decision to move her business from her native California to the unknown but promising state of North Carolina.
Kimjera is the founder and CEO of Evolve Global Marketing, a brand strategy digital marketing agency. She and her team focus on emerging and creative marketing techniques such as storytelling, disruptive branding, and differentiation strategies to give their clients a competitive advantage and help them stand out in a league of their own.
“Moving was such a massive change,” she recalls. “I started my business in the early summer of 2018 and quickly realized that California simply was not friendly to small businesses. Fortunately for me, my company was digital - I can work from anywhere, and I could be based anywhere. So I started looking for a new home.”
Starting a small business is a dream for many entrepreneurs, but the reality of starting a business can be different in different parts of the country. Some states, like Kimjera’s native California, have a reputation for being challenging for small businesses due to high costs and strict regulations.
“We found that North Carolina has become a popular destination for small businesses and entrepreneurs due to its business-friendly environment and lower cost of living,” Kimjera states. “Having been born and raised in Southern California, the high cost of living was hardly a surprise to me. But it became more relevant when I was trying to run a business.”
Indeed, California is one of the most expensive states in the country, with high housing costs, taxes, and other living expenses. It's no wonder the minimum wage is at an all-time high of $15.50 per hour. This can make it difficult for small business owners to hire and retain employees at an affordable rate, which is essential for growth and expansion.
“A large hurdle was the strict employee regulations that small businesses have to abide by," Kimjera says.
California has some of the toughest employee regulations in the country, which can make it difficult for businesses to operate. On the other side of the country, North Carolina has a lower cost of living, fewer regulations, and affordable talent. North Carolina is known for its pro-business policies, which make it easier for entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses with lower overhead and increased profits.
She also points out that small businesses looking for storefronts or office space struggle much more in California than in other states, like North Carolina. “Real estate is significantly more affordable in North Carolina,” Kimjera explains. “In California, real estate prices are extremely high, which can make it difficult for small businesses to find an affordable office or commercial space. In North Carolina, however, real estate prices are more in alignment with what an entrepreneur needs to scale their business with exceptional team members.
Kimjera shares that many small businesses are moving to North Carolina due to access to talent. North Carolina is home to a number of top universities and colleges, which produce a large number of highly-skilled graduates each year. This provides small businesses with access to a pool of talented workers who are ready to join the workforce.
“Another significant reason for me moving my business was the fact that I saw all the universities there,” Kimjera says. “We like to hire and support local talent by offering six-month internships that can ultimately result in paid full-time positions. We believe our incredible emerging talent can learn so much more with hands-on educational opportunities that improve skills and professional acumen.”
She adds that since two of her three children are currently attending college overseas, her living on the east coast of the US makes it easier for visits. “I’ve been married for 23 years and my family is everything to me,” she says. “Two of my kids being in Europe is challenging, but the school was the best choice for them - and at least now their flights home don’t take as long!”
This isn’t the only personal reason why Kimjera loves her new home in Charlotte. “Finally having four seasons is incredible,” she admits. “Since moving to North Carolina, I’ve become a huge lake girl. My family loves to spend the day out on a boat and in the water wake surfing, tubbing, and hanging out.”
She concludes by sharing that the move wasn’t easy, but given the chance, she’d do it again. “I consider myself a wanderlust traveler and a bit of a digital nomad,” she says. “I travel constantly anyway because my clients are all over the world and I love experiencing new cultures. Being able to work from anywhere with an online digital business is vital to my life. I definitely encourage others to consider moving out of California to a place they enjoy. There is freedom and a new feeling of excitement for life and my business that nothing else compares to.”
Learn more: https://www.evolveglobalmarketing.com
