“I feel like Asheville chose me long before I got here,” Waller says. “Being here for almost ten years, I can honestly say the “land of the sky” made me the man I am today.”
Today, Waller has established himself not only as an entrepreneur but a community leader.
Check out our full Q&A with Waller below…
Tell us about your business and the role you play in it.
I am Bruce Waller, Founder & CEO of Kairos Carolina Digital, LLC. We provide digital marketing solutions that cover every aspect of your online needs. We’re black-owned and diverse, with a strong belief in bold and authentic strategies. We are a well-oiled machine committed to providing clients with top-notch marketing strategies and cutting-edge solutions to leverage business growth. Our work is guided by research analysis and strategic campaign planning. We utilize different digital platforms such as Social Media Marketing/SMM, Search Engine Optimization/SEO, Pay Per Click/PPC, Web Design, Lead Generation, and Content Marketing (Blogging, Video, Podcasting). Our mission is simple: “Help other businesses succeed and thrive with digital results on time every time.”
Where did your vision begin? How has it grown?
Kairos started back in 2016 just as a thought, and occasionally, I would envision what I could do with it. Not until the end of 2019 did I start doing profound studies around digital marketing to understand better how it all worked. Then COVID hit, and I saw a window of opportunity to start my business officially, so I incorporated it in March 2020. It was perfect timing; I just felt the need to launch, and COVID gave me time to bring my dreams to life. Since March 2020, Kairos has landed several clients, allowing me to leave my full-time job. People are on their computers more than ever, and this is where my business thrives. When I reflect, it has all been a beautiful journey of BECOMING the entrepreneur I have always envisioned.
What made you choose the Asheville area?
I have always called Asheville a destiny move. I never knew anything about it until J Hackett, my mentor of 17 years, told me all about this beautiful place. I feel like Asheville chose me long before I got here. I was in the Army at the time, and my station was a couple of hours away from this wonderful community. I didn’t have family anywhere else, so coming here just made sense. Being here for almost ten years, I can honestly say the “land of the sky” made me the man I am today.
What has been your greatest challenge? Your greatest victory?
My greatest challenge has always been myself. The imposter syndrome is a real thing, and I have fallen victim to it so many times in life. I felt like I didn’t qualify in certain spaces; it has held me back from moving on opportunities in times past. My most significant victory is believing in myself and not allowing any limitation to hold me back. I have always been the type of person who puts my mind to achieving everything I put my hands to. Challenges and victories are a part of the narrative. It is what defines me today.
What is a little-known fact about your organization?
Most people may not know, but I am one of the few digital marketing agencies of color. We have some fantastic talent, but only a few official businesses in Asheville that represent this industry covers Buncombe County.
If you had to give one piece of advice to someone just starting out in their entrepreneurial journey, what would it be?
The most significant piece of advice I can give any new entrepreneur starting on their journey. Don’t be afraid to ASK for HELP; so many new business owners may feel like they should have it all together. Believing in this myth could be the very thing that cripples your dreams. Some of the most outstanding entrepreneurs I have ever met in my lifetime always share that they didn’t know much but weren’t afraid to ask for help. I live by this philosophy and often share it with up-and-coming business owners.
What does the word “community” mean to you?
Community means reflection. When I look at another individual, I can see myself. No matter where I go in this city, I feel safe and belong to my environment. We may have different opinions and views, but we respect the difference and celebrate the diversity that paints our county.