Kirsten Zeigler

Hi there! Tell us about you!

Hi! I'm Kirsten! I live in West Orange with my husband, dog, and 2 cats.

We made the typical Jersey City, to Brooklyn, to West Orange pilgrimage 11 years ago at this point, and love spending time in our neighboring towns!

Things I love: hiking, nature, crafts, hanging out with friends and making new ones, concerts, vegan/ gf desserts, and doing anything with my dog! Things I don't love: the sound of leaf blowers, banana flavored candy, and narcissists.

Tell us about your business…

I work with small business owners across the country who are ready to get the people side of their business in order! I help two types of businesses: ones that are building their HR foundation from scratch (think: first hires, handbooks, getting compliant, and creating systems that actually work) and established businesses that are ready to get more out of the team they already have through CliftonStrengths assessments, Leadership Development, and team workshops. Basically if you have people working for you and it feels chaotic, stressful, or like you're just winging it, that's exactly where I come in. I love what I do because I genuinely believe that when your team works well, everything else in your business gets easier, and a big part of that is making sure YOU feel confident and equipped to lead them!

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Brooklyn and moved to Ringwood, NJ when I was 7. I loved living in Ringwood as a kid, and knew from a young age that I needed a quieter more natural living environment.

What inspired you to start your own business?

I had spent 10 years working for a few different companies in a variety of different industries, and kept running into situations where the leaders of these companies didn't have the best interests of their employees. I was desperate to work for someone who treated people fairly, and actually like people. I stood up to a leader and gave my professional opinion on why they shouldn't fire an employee they wanted to...... so they fired me instead. I immediately started my business fueled by spite, rage, and the need to create fair and equitable work places and haven't looked back!

How did you find yourself doing this work?

I've always been a people person but had no clue you could start a career from that. I had graduated school with a degree in Art and had no clue what I was doing. I stumbled my way through various jobs, and when working at a Production Company found myself creating internship programs, hiring employees, and doing payroll. Someone pointed out that was an actual career, and that started this journey!

What have you learned about yourself since becoming an entrepreneur?

So much! I was worried I wouldn't able to be self motivated, but I found I had the opposite problem and needed to learn to be gentler with myself. The corporate to business owner transition is a tough one. We're conditioned so deeply to be and work a certain way, and when those parameters are gone and you just have yourself, you get to explore how you like to work, when you like to work, and that can be terrifying, but it's also incredible.

What are 3 things that contribute to a successful work day?

Coffee, connecting with my clients, meeting someone new

What's the weirdest thing on your desk right now?

I don't think it's weird but some may find the altar I created for my business strange. It's full of crystals and greenery!

Who's your all time hero?

Conan O'Brien. He's my hero who is also simultaneously my biggest crush. He's such an amazing host, and obviously hysterical, but he's also so smart. Some of his best work has been at the end of his late night shows, or when accepting awards or giving speeches. He's so thoughtful and inspiring in the way he speaks, and is so good with people.

What's your go-to celebration meal when you hit a milestone?

It's either tacos or sushi, every damn time!

What was the last gift you gave someone?

A rubber bag in the shape of a chicken, obviously

What’s your favorite ’90s jam?

Just one?! This is criminal.... My favorite one to sing in my car is "If it Makes You Happy" Sheryl Crow, but every 90's jam is my favorite to be honest.

Favorite songs to listen to when working?

I usually put on a binaural beats focus playlist but also love Goth Babe- similarly allows me to focus.

Do you have a favorite local store or business that you wish more people knew about?

Kanibal + Co in Summit is my go to!