Janet Williams Kemp
Janet Williams Kemp is a multi-industry professional whose career spans education, psychology, translation, and entrepreneurship. Beginning her career as a teacher at age 22, she earned a graduate degree in school psychology and worked in educational and mental health settings. Her diverse professional foundation enabled her to navigate multiple industries with adaptability and insight, applying her skills across both southeastern and northeastern cultures in the United States.
After relocating to Connecticut, Janet established her own translation agency, building on international experience gained while working with the French-based Ron Plank Basic Chemicals Company. She translated technical, legal, and scientific materials from French into English for global distribution. Later, she combined her entrepreneurial vision with her passion for creativity by opening Janet Kemp’s Fine Yarns and Needlework, a retail shop that gained international clientele and hosted the world’s first Renaissance knitting fair. Her innovative approach and commitment to community earned her Small Business of the Year recognition in 2006.
Now retired from full-time professional work, Janet has relocated to South Africa to pursue her next venture: a listening company for people living with epilepsy. Drawing on her own experiences with the condition, she envisions creating supportive spaces such as listening lounges and a future lodge where individuals can share their stories in a safe, restorative environment. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Janet takes pride in her family, including her children who have achieved success in law and psychology, reflecting her lifelong dedication to mentorship, community, and meaningful impact.
• University of Tennessee, Knoxville - MS
• Small Business of the Year Award 2006
• The Knitting Guild Association
• Epilepsy Foundation of Southeast Tennessee
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to keep evolving. Throughout my career, I have embraced opportunities to learn, step into new industries, and build something meaningful from each experience.
I also believe preparation plays a key role in success. Asking the right questions, planning thoughtfully, and seeking expert advice when needed have helped me make informed decisions and continue growing both personally and professionally.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received came from a retired General Electric executive when I was starting my business. He told me that if you run a business without a plan, you’ll always be putting out fires—but with a business plan, you won’t.
That advice shaped how I approach business. Before starting anything, I believe in getting good counsel, creating a solid plan, and having two key advisors in place: a good business attorney and a trusted accountant.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to start with a solid business plan and seek guidance from organizations like SCORE. Their mentorship can help you navigate challenges and think through important aspects of starting a business.
Do thorough research, understand your finances, and treat your venture as a true business—not just a hobby. It’s also important to include an exit strategy and a contingency plan in case unexpected challenges arise.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in entrepreneurship is not planning for difficult seasons. I experienced this during the Great Recession, when banks tightened access to working capital and I struggled to keep my business running. I realized the importance of having an exit strategy and contingency plan—tools I didn’t include in my original business plan—which could have made a difference.
At the same time, I see great opportunities in creating businesses that meet real emotional and practical needs. For example, my current work with a listening company for people with epilepsy addresses a gap in support—providing a space where people can be truly heard and understood about experiences that are often overlooked.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value staying mentally active, independent, and engaged in meaningful work. That’s why I moved to South Africa—to keep learning, growing, and embracing new challenges.
Creating spaces where people feel heard, like my listening company for people with epilepsy, reflects my commitment to purposeful work. I also cherish creativity and adventure, whether through unique projects or personal exploration.
At this stage of life, I see every opportunity as a chance to keep growing, staying curious, and building thoughtfully.
Locations
Private Company
Chattanooga, TN 37416