Kim has absolutely no idea this post is being published. So...
Now, Kim is one of the most humble people you’ll ever meet, so she may be feeling just a little embarrassed right now. But how could we let Kim’s birthday—and Mother’s Day, besides—pass without recognizing how special and wonderful she is?
I figure that when it comes to doing this kind of thing, it’s better to repent than ask permission. (But shhhhh! You didn't hear that from me.)
Let’s get on with the celebration!
My mother often told me that there are two kinds of people in this world: those who build up and those who tear down. Kim is most assuredly a builder, starting with the way she builds the esteem of everyone she meets. She builds employees with her trust and confidence. She builds shop owners with encouragement and creative programs. And she builds every stitching enthusiast with beautiful products and experiences. There’s nothing false about Kim—she truly cares for others and wants them to succeed. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen her worry and hope and think and fret and try so, so hard to make everyone happy. Her motives and her heart are as pure as they come.
So happy birthday, Kim! Read below to see what a few employees, shop owners, and friends have to say to you today. (Note: These are in alphabetical order!) :)
“I admire Kim's ability to bring out the best in others and build them up. If someone comes up with an idea, and it's one she thought of years ago, she never says, ‘Oh I had that idea first.’ She says, ‘WOW! What a great idea! I love it—let's do it!’ Her ability to be graceful under pressure never ceases to amaze me. When the best laid plans don't end up working out, she’s never the person to be passing blame or losing her cool; she takes it all in stride so professionally. You'd never know anything was out of place or wrong. It's been incredible to observe and learn from her all these years!”
—Brielle Lowry, Certified Event Product Manager
“Kim has the best and most fun personality. She is always so outgoing and welcoming to anyone and everyone that she meets. I respect her love for the industry. She truly does care and has the shops’ best interests at heart, which comes all the way down to us employees as well. She and Ryan take such good care of all of us and show that with the Bonusly program, lunches, and other fun things they throw together. I'm happy that I get to be one of the lucky ones that work for Kimberbell!”
—Britney Rasmussen, Shipping Manager
“You couldn't ask for a better person to work for (or be friends with for that matter). Kim knows so many people but takes the time to make YOU feel important. She is genuine and dedicated in all she does, and she also has the bonus of having a really great laugh! I want to wish this terrific person in my life the very happiest of birthdays! Enjoy lots of street tacos!”
—Carmen Peapealalo, Customer Care Manager
"Kim is a beautiful person. Everywhere she goes, people gravitate toward her goodness. She is creative and cares deeply about her passion. I admire her dedication, hard-working attitude, and everything in between. :)--"
—Emily Cahoon, Human Resources Specialist (and Kim's daughter)
“I love working with Kim! She'll listen to anyone's opinion at Kimberbell, whether they're a manager or otherwise. She loves innovation and is pretty open and gutsy about trying any new technique or idea. It's always fun to be in a meeting with Kim; there are usually several outbursts of laughter. Her smile and laugh are contagious. She gives employees the benefit of the doubt and has never made me feel awful for making a mistake.”
—Erin May, Product Marketing Manager
“When I think of Kim, this quote from John Wayne comes to mind: ‘Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway.’ Kim has led this company through a lot of growth in the last few years and her courage, grace, and passion have been awe-inspiring. Kim is such a champion for our industry and that exuberance is contagious! I have loved working with and learning from Kim over the three years I’ve been at Kimberbell. She is so willing to share and teach! Happy Birthday Kim!!!”
—Ginger McLeod, Certified Events Program Manager
“Kim, I’m wishing you an absolutely fantastic birthday! You are truly a blessing to so many people and have changed lives for the absolute best! You are appreciated and loved! I hope you have another Kimberbell reunion in the future so we can all celebrate together! Thank you for all you do and have an absolutely fantastic, dynamic, calorie-rich birthday!”
—Jan Jacob, Erin Matthew Sewing
“Oh, Kim! What can I say about that golden heart of yours? From emotional support Echidnas and ugly cry songs to just checking on me when you know things aren't right, you truly bend over backwards for those you care about. The amount of love you have for your employees and your customers is inspiring. Thank you for being the humble, thoughtful, brave, and caring woman that you are. Hope you have the best birthday; you deserve it!”
—Jasmine Chaltron, Senior Graphic Designer
“I have a list of my top 10 favorite people of all time and Kim definitely holds a top spot! Why? Because she makes everyone feel loved, important, and cared for. Kim is beyond talented and is one of those rare people who are both creative and have business savvy. You won't find anyone who thinks more deeply about all angles of a situation than Kim. She truly has a gift for understanding people and the ability to meet you where you are. Kim has blessed my life in more ways than she knows and I am just so very grateful to get to spend my days with her and the wonderful people that she has chosen to be part of building the Kimberbell brand. Happy Birthday, Kim!”
—Jayme Shepherd, Creative Director
“Kim is a very genuine person. No matter who she is talking with, they are always most important in that moment. She has a real love and respect of people. She doesn't place herself above others or think she’s more important. Kim is also very real and relatable; you can be in a conversation and feel like you're besties in 10 minutes. She is also a really great teacher and is very willing to share her knowledge with others in an understandable and down-to-earth way.”
—Jeanette Kirkham, Head Digitizer
“Kim has a heart of gold. She is so down-to-earth and truly cares about those of us who work for her. Although I think she would say work ‘with’ her. It's never been about her. It's been about the brand, the customer, the shops. She truly cares about others. I personally am grateful I work for Kimberbell. I know if I ever needed to talk, vent, or give my opinion, she would listen. She has created a great environment to be a part of. I think everyone who meets her would feel the same.”
—Joanna Atwood, Production Manager
“Happy birthday, dear friend Kim! You are such an inspiration. Your creativity and sharing spirit has touched so many people. I truly am blessed to know you and call you friend. Wishing you a wonderful, fun-filled birthday!”
—Joyce Beenes, Thimbles Quilts
“Kim, I’m always awed when you say you’re not a real artist, that you just like to doodle. Because wow! Just look what your doodling has built! Lucky us, for the opportunity to work at Kimberbell and being here to celebrate your birthday in such a big way this year. I so admire your professional strengths, while at the same time not taking yourself too seriously. Your natural gift for empathy makes you the best of friends. Wishing you the happiest of days!”
—Joy Ercanbrack, Business Program Manager
“Kim, you are so talented In so many ways. I am always completely impressed with your creativity! You have such a kind heart, and deal with every situation with such grace and class and I look up to you for that. You have such a fun and contagious laugh, making everyone feel at ease. The one thing I really miss about working from home and not being in the office is hearing your voice and your fun laugh. I always enjoy our visits together.”
—Lauri Klomp, Tuesday Tips with Kimberbell
“We have known Kim for a number of years now and she is such a sweet and fun person to work with. She has a great positive energy and qualities that we admire greatly, in business and as a person. It is nice to do business with someone you can consider a friend and a friendly face! Wishing you the most joyous day on your birthday! May it be filled with family, friends, and wonderful memories.”
—Lesley, Liz, Debbie & All Your Sew-A-Lot Friends
“Kim is the heart and soul of Kimberbell. She loves our customers, industry, employees, and what we do. She's a beautiful example of grace under pressure, always pushing things forward. Kim understands and connects with people and has a magical way of making each person feel special, since she truly sees them that way. At the same time, she's a savvy business person who seems to intuitively understand what is needed to take things to each next level. Kimberbell is definitely lucky to have Kim at the helm!”
—Ryan Christopherson, Kimberbell COO (and Kim’s husband)
“My dear Kim, where to begin? There is so much that I appreciate about you: your thoughtfulness, your proactive take on business, your ‘out of the box’ business thinking, your positivity…even when business decisions are being attacked. The list goes on and on!! You are a selfless and never-ending giving person. May you have many more birthday celebrations and my prayer is that God continues to bless you, your family, and your business! HAPPY BIRTHDAY my friend!!”
—Sandi Gross, Claudson’s Sew & Soak
“Kim has many talents to be sure, but she has a superpower as well. Anyone who is lucky enough to spend time with her will agree that her superpower is making you feel that you are the most important person she could be spending time with. During that time, you are all that matters and the conversation you are having is important to her. She has a very busy schedule, with a lot of people depending on her, but in those moments YOU are the most important. For that I will always be grateful! I am so lucky to call her boss, mentor, and most importantly…friend. Happy Birthday Kim with much love!”
—Tonya Diaz, Product Development Manager
Well, Kim, it’s pretty clear that a whole lot of people love you! (And this was just the tip of the iceberg!)
The world is better because you’re in it. Happy birthday and Happy Mother’s Day!
P.S. If anyone would like to join in on the birthday wishes, please comment below! :)
