Kay Brittany Frinks

I would definitely say the way I was raised. My mom always taught me to leave things better than you found them, treat the CEO like you treat the janitor, and put God first. Growing up, I didn't really realize why I needed to be in church every single Wednesday and Sunday with my mom, but now I understand the foundation that gave me. I think having that foundation of doing right by people and just being a good person has been crucial. I've seen my mom, even to this day as a retired educator, pour into the community in such a meaningful way. If she doesn't have something, she'll find a way to get it for you. Seeing other women around me be so positive and serve as pillars in their community has really influenced me to show up for myself and show up for others. Having a good vision for my life and a heart of service has been essential to my success.

I would say do what feels right, even if it isn't going to be right forever. Living a life you love is so important, even if you pivot. When I first became an educator, I thought I was going to be a principal or work for a school district, and my family was excited about that path, but that isn't really what I wanted for my life. I think figuring out what you want and really standing on that is crucial, and even if it has to change, that's okay. I speak at Palmetto Girls State, and I had so many girls say they need to go to school to do this specific thing, and I tell them, well, I went to school for this and then started doing that, and I also did this simultaneously. You don't have to choose just one path. I think we are ingrained, and I'm probably the last generation to have this mindset of you have to go to school to be a teacher, lawyer, doctor, or nurse. You don't really have to choose. You can be this and that. When I was in high school getting accepted to colleges, there was so much pressure about who was going to law school or becoming a doctor, and I remember thinking, I don't want to do that. Yes, they may make money, but are they happy? I genuinely live a life where I enjoy my day-to-day. Creating a life that makes sense for you is important, not just doing it because it looks good on paper or your family can brag about it.

I honestly think working in the tech field is very challenging right now, especially with how things are with AI. I actually worked for a non-profit back in 2022, or 2023 to 2025, and they decided to go for-profit. Working for big tech companies, the layoff situations and the restructuring of organizations is definitely a challenge and a concern career-wise. I got laid off in 2025, and that experience made me realize I need to have something as a backup. Although I've always done freelance work, I was like, I need to have something no matter what, something to fall back on. I also wanted something that I can grow and scale that I can say I did on my own.

I would definitely say faith is a major area and anchor in my life. I love a good morning routine, like spending time with God first thing in the morning and having a spiritual practice. I also think living intentionally is crucial, not just being successful financially, but having a life that feels aligned in all areas. Having impact is really important to me too. I believe we were all put here for a reason, and if you weren't doing something for the greater good of people outside of yourself, then it's not really meaningful. You want to pour into yourself so you can pour into others, so the world can evolve and improve. I think I embody that through being a former educator, still kind of working in education, my relationships with people, and working with my clients with my agency.