Right out of high school, Kim Schimizzi went to work in a business office. Shortly after that, she started her first business.

“I was always thinking of things to make, do, and create,” she says. “I decided a cloth diaper service would be an excellent service in our area.”

After many successful years, Kim sold her diaper business. She had a growing family to focus on. Yet, after “adjusting to our new family dynamics,” Kim found herself missing the business she’d created. She took her entrepreneurial energy into her community, ministering to the needs of women and children in low-income housing. She also found a creative outlet, taking photographs and designing scrapbooks. 

"My business grew from a few sales on eBay to what it is today. Today, I import and export art supplies all over the world.”

“Scrapbooking was just beginning to become an art and develop into more than just putting your photos into an album,” she says. “I soon realized there was a considerable demand for arts and crafts supplies from other resources than a craft store.” 

It didn’t take long before Kim was back in business.

““I began to research manufacturers and creators in this new and continuously evolving industry,” she says. ”That was 18 years ago. My business grew from a few sales on eBay to what it is today. Today, I import and export art supplies all over the world.”

While Kim had creative talent and experience running a business, she wanted to add to her management skills.

“Business owners have to wear multiple hats,” she says. “Their giftings, however, may not be in all the areas needed to maintain that business. I've always had to hand over the financial dealings - from day to day dealings to tax preparation - to other people. When I saw that Seton Hill offered accounting courses online, I knew this was something I could begin with. I promised myself, even if it's one class at a time, I will continue to learn and grow.”

Kim also wants to be a role model for her children.

“I have a daughter graduating from college this year and a son heading to college,” she says. “I also have a 12-year-old at home. I want to demonstrate to them; you never quit learning.”