Today we’d like to introduce you to Kandy Maxim-morales
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey as an entrepreneur has been unconventional and, honestly, a little surprising even to me! My graphic design business actually started by accident. I created a personal design for fun, shared it online, and it unexpectedly went viral. The demand that followed was overwhelming, and suddenly I was running a business. I named it Peaked Perfection at first, but as my mission evolved, so did the business. Now it’s called AdoptKM.com, where I offer all my services on a “pay-what-you-can” or donation basis. Payments are accepted, but they’re not expected, so everyone has access, regardless of their situation.
Alongside the design services, I also run a blog with a focus on freelance work and personal empowerment. I’ve been on a bit of a hiatus due to some personal circumstances, but I’m excited to get back to writing. My blog has three regular themes: Freelance Friday and Motivational Monday, which explore freelancing and the nomadic life, and Wednesday Warriors, which is all about self-empowerment and resilience.
This business has become so much more than a source of extra funds for me; it’s also a way to honor my sister. After my sister passed away unexpectedly at the age of 40, I took on the responsibility of fighting for custody of my young nephew. It’s been a complex, contested process, and I’m navigating a difficult legal journey due to circumstances around his current custody arrangements. His father is incarcerated and unable to care for him, and there are challenging family dynamics that make this an especially important and urgent process.
At the heart of it all, I’m committed to ensuring he has a stable, loving home where he can thrive and be safe. All proceeds from my business go toward supporting this legal process, with every hope that I’ll be able to adopt him and provide the upbringing he deserves. Every donation and service purchase supports this mission, and it means so much to me and to him to see how many people from around the world are standing by us.
I’ve even created a unique “map project” to remind him of the global community rooting for him—every donation, whether direct or through a service, earns a place on his wall map, so he’ll always know how many people love and support him around the world.
It’s been a long, transformative road, one that’s taken me from my roots in the U.S. to eight years of volunteer work across South America, and now back again. Through every twist and turn, I’ve learned to adapt and find purpose, and my businesses have grown alongside me. The journey continues, and I’m grateful for every person who has been a part of it.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s definitely not been a smooth road, but I’ve learned so much along the way. Starting out, the business was unplanned—it all began when a single design I made went viral, and suddenly I found myself scrambling to meet demand, set up systems, and learn the basics of running a design business. I didn’t have a formal background in graphic design, so I had to learn on the go, which meant a lot of trial and error!
As the business evolved, especially with my “pay-what-you-can” model, I encountered new challenges. One of the biggest challenges has been figuring out how to charge people for my services. I would honestly rather give things away if it means making someone’s day a little brighter or helping them accomplish something meaningful. That’s part of why I adopted a “pay-what-you-can” model—so my services remain accessible to everyone, regardless of financial situation.
Balancing the desire to keep services accessible with covering costs (my time) hasn’t always been easy. I’ve also been navigating personal challenges—such as moving back to the U.S. after 8 years abroad and managing a complex legal situation around my nephew’s custody. These personal circumstances have occasionally required me to put the business on hold, like taking a break from regular blogging and slowing down on services when my focus had to shift.
At times, the road has felt overwhelming, but every challenge has strengthened my commitment. Each struggle has helped me connect more deeply with clients and supporters, who are often drawn to the business not just for its products but also because of its mission. The process has taught me resilience and adaptability, and those lessons have only made my business more purposeful.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work is grounded not only in creativity but also in my faith and personal experiences. As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, I’m able to create designs specifically for my religious community, which I’m very passionate about, but I also work with clients from different faiths and backgrounds. My designs span a wide range—from materials for spiritual events to resources tailored for mental health and substance use disorder awareness. My background in healthcare and personal experiences with ADHD, as well as having family members who struggle with mental health and substance use issues, gives me a unique perspective. I understand how impactful visual resources can be for raising awareness and offering support.
I offer a wide variety of digital services, including custom graphic design, moving announcements (video), digital funeral programs, and digital/video sympathy cards for both humans and pets, with most services provided within a 24-hour turnaround. Additionally, I provide resume writing services, which I find especially helpful for individuals who are struggling to find a job and may not have the resources to pay for professional assistance.
This blend of experience and empathy really sets me apart. I can cater to specific needs in a meaningful way with the community. My goal is to use my talents to create designs that not only look beautiful but also serve a purpose.
My “pay-what-you-can” model further reflects my belief in accessibility—anyone should be able to access quality design services, regardless of financial circumstances. This approach, combined with my personal mission, faith, and experiences, makes my work truly unique. I’m grateful to connect with people from all walks of life and use my creativity to make a meaningful difference.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Finding a mentor and building a supportive network can make all the difference, especially as an entrepreneur. My advice for finding a mentor is to seek out people whose values and work align with your goals. Look for someone who not only has experience but also a genuine desire to help others grow. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or reach out for guidance; sometimes, people are more willing to help than you might expect.
Networking can also be powerful when approached authentically. I’ve found that the best connections come from being open and sharing my story. For instance, when I share my mission to support my nephew’s adoption journey, people often respond with genuine support and even helpful contacts. I also try to stay active in online communities related to my field, where I can both give and receive advice.
Lastly, focus on building relationships rather than just making contacts. Whether it’s through social media, volunteer opportunities, or community events, forming genuine connections with people who share your values has a lasting impact and often leads to unexpected opportunities.
Pricing:
- Free
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.adoptkm.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/adoptionjourneykm
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adoptkm2018/
- Other: kandy@adoptkm.com
