Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Todd.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Since I was a little girl, I wanted to be a movie star. I danced, sang and acted in plays/musicals throughout my life. Got a bachelor’s degree from Emerson College, major was Music/Theatre/Dance. When I graduated college, I needed to find something that would pay the bills. I was not yet ready to move to NYC or Los Angeles, so I tried “making it” in Boston. No easy task! So I started temping, and one of my first jobs was at a non-profit working the reception desk. I met my mentor there – he was the VP of Development, and he kind of took me under his wing and taught me all about development/fundraising. I found that I enjoyed doing work that would benefit other people, so I never looked back. I have always worked at non-profits. I worked at BU Medical Center Hospital right before it merged with Boston City Hospital to become Boston Medical Center. I also worked development at a seminary in San Francisco, the Magic Theatre in San Francisco, and a school for children with autism. When I heard that Dress for Success Boston was looking for an Executive Director, I was excited about the opportunity! Luckily I got the job! I’ve been in this position for 10 years. Dress for Success Boston has served over 11,000 women since it started in 2001, and it is truly an honor to be a part of such a wonderful organization. I will never tire of seeing a woman look at herself in the mirror for the first time with a renewed sense of hope in her ability to succeed. It is such an amazing transformation!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Giving up my big dream of fame and fortune was not easy, but as it turns out, I am happy doing what I am doing. I still use a lot of the training I received over the years for public speaking, TV appearances, radio, etc., so I feel that the activities I did throughout my life were not a complete was of time! Being in the non-profit world, I am not making millions of dollars, but I feel fulfilled with what I am doing, and I find it to be very rewarding. Just knowing that my efforts will help other women makes it all worthwhile!
Dress for Success Boston – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The mission of Dress for Success Boston is to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. We are known for giving interview suits to women so they can put their best foot forward when trying to get a job. But what makes this organization special is the way that we do it. Our space is set up like a Newbury Street boutique. Every woman is greeted by her own personal shopper/stylist, who takes her through the boutique and dresses her from head to toe for the job interview. When the woman gets the job, she is invited back to receive several outfits to get her started on her work wardrobe. Everything is free and theirs to keep. With all of the horrible things that go on in this world today, it is so nice to be in this place where women truly support and care about each other. Dress for Success Boston brings out the best in everyone.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
So many people define success as making lots of money. Although I think it would be great to be a gazillionaire, I know many people who are financially successful, yet very unhappy with their lives. They hate their jobs, or they work too hard or too much. Even though there have been times when I have struggled financially, at least I always knew that I loved my job. I think it is important that you enjoy what you do. Life is too short to be miserable.
Contact Info:
- Address: 989 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston MA 02215
- Website: boston.dressforsuccess.org
- Phone: 617-779-2177
- Email: boston@dressforsuccess.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressforSuccessBoston
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/dfsboston
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dress-for-success-boston-boston
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/dfsboston/
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