Her Story
About Kimberly
Kimberly Evans is the founder of a startup executive club in the hospitality and private clubs industry, which she launched in 2022 in Houston, Texas. With over eight years of experience in hospitality, she holds a doctoral candidacy in educational leadership with a higher education concentration, a Master's of Education in Physical Education and athletics, and a Bachelor of Science in Special Education and Leisure. She maintains teaching certifications in Texas and Nevada. Evans is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho sorority and the Houston Urban League, and a past member of the Small Business Exchange. She has been recognized as a final candidate in the Lyft small business competition and reached the final three in the Houston Urban League small business exchange competition. Her volunteer work includes the Swim 1922 program encouraging swimming for children in urban areas and reading with the Houston Texans at elementary schools. Evans attributes her success to connections and meeting people, emphasizing that she is a people person who values communication and sharing her story to connect individuals who may not always be seen in certain spaces.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kimberly
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to connections and meeting people. I'm a people person. Communication and meeting different people, and really sharing your story. People have been in different places where they felt small or uncomfortable, so as I share what I'm building, they understand that because we all have been someplace where we felt uncomfortable. I want to connect people who are not always seen in these spaces together so we can work as a community.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
My mentors have an agenda every meeting, but just really be honest and transparent with people. You don't have to be mean to be honest or transparent, but just let people know what's going on from the get-go. Don't sugarcoat or try to shield things. It goes longer and longer and ends up being a bigger thing, but be mindful of the conversation, tell people the truth when you know it.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
It gets challenging navigating small business and seeking capital, and not everybody wants you invading their spaces. Don't stay status quo at all. If you have an idea, just go with it. There's no glass ceiling at all, and we don't have to stay in status quo. There's places we can create within these places that may not highlight women and others as well.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The private social club field and hospitality is small. It is male-driven. Some of the challenges are the tag of elitism, and that's not what I'm trying to create at all. We're taking some of those barriers down. It's a community of like-minded people to come together and have a good time. It's not about your status. There is some income because it is a private club, but I'm not at the price point of some of these clubs. I want it to be a third space where they can come and have a good time but you are among people who have some of the same interests.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, transparency, and follow-through. If you're gonna tell me you're gonna do something, that's what I expect. Be honest to what you're actually bringing to the table. We're not about the fluff. And being humble.
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