Today we’d like to introduce you to Bruce Waller.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
As a young black man, I was considered a special needs student who needed additional assistance comprehending information. I was considered a failure in the academic school system, and my future was not bright. I barely made it, but I graduated high school with a 2.0 GPA. In 2007 I enrolled in Medical careers college in Richmond, VA, to obtain my degree in Applied Science. Even then, I felt out of place and somewhat discouraged. Because of my inability to succeed in the school system, many people, including myself, counted me out. As a result, I still needed to finish college in search of something more exciting. My mother, a single parent of 3, provided us with a home filled with unforgettable memories. Life at home wasn’t always the best for my siblings and me because our neighborhood wasn’t the safest. As a child, I struggled with fitting in and accepting my uniqueness. I was targeted, and at the time, I couldn’t understand why—not knowing how to articulate what I was experiencing made it hard to find someone who understood me. At 18, my life took a more promising turn; I met my mentor J Hackett, my business partner today. He was different, authentic, and somewhat out of place. He had big dreams and resembled what I saw in myself. He took me under his wing, and I became more invested in what he offered me as our relationship developed. Entrepreneurship was his way of life; he would generate great ideas, write out the execution plan, seek out money to help support the project and do it. I witnessed his successes but also how he handled failure. Hackett lived on the edge, and because of his faith, I was sold.
It took years after I committed to success at the age of 18. There were many mental barriers while learning how to overcome them. I slowly became more aware of my potential and ability to succeed. Thinking back on the journey, I never allowed myself to throw in the towel, even if circumstances permitted me to. I honor my resources and mentorship with J Hackett. I will not discredit those who were wise counsel to me along the way. I am the Bruce you see today because of the people who poured life into me. I remember times when I couldn’t rub two nickels together—no reliable transportation, food, or home to ensure my needs were met.
In 2017, I married my wife, Naomi, even though it was one of the happiest days of my life. I felt a level of responsibility to ensure that I could provide for my two beautiful daughters and phenomenal wife. Producing a life of freedom is all that I could think about. It drives me to wake up and search for more of it. Just two and half years ago, I decided to do it; I left the ideal 9-5 job, the mindset, and the culture to embark on the life of an entrepreneur. The opportunity presented to me it was now or never. I have always known I was born for this; The challenges and failures I encountered led me to this moment. Since the pivot, I have been the operator of two 6 figure businesses within the first year of the launch date, along with some amazing partners. I can now provide for my family with all their needs without any lack. I can do meaningful work in my community and impact thousands of businesses through service. I am financially free to go where I want, buy what I want, and make life-changing decisions to alter others on their journey to success. I will always acknowledge my past. It made me. I wasn’t the brightest nor considered the smartest, but with the right mindset, anything is possible.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has sometimes been challenging! Having successful businesses made me face every area of my life I didn’t want to see. The biggest thing I had to overcome was “Imposter Syndrome.” Feeling like I wasn’t worthy and didn’t have enough to accomplish the work before me. I always worried about what I didn’t have and never paid attention to what I had already learned. Every high-performing entrepreneur goes through this in the journey of becoming, and it only improves them. I have learned more by taking this route than any form of schooling could ever give me. I have not only become a better business owner but a better person overall.
Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your business.
We are a BIPOC-led digital marketing agency that utilizes an equity lens at all stages of engagement. Whether or not it is named in any specific part of the work, we do not discriminate but rather celebrate diversity not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, religion, culture, and intersectionality. Bruce Waller founded Kairos Carolina Digital with five years of business operation and over 20 years of entrepreneurial and marketing experience. We provide marketing solutions that cover every aspect of your digital marketing needs. We are diverse, with a strong belief in bold and authentic strategies. At Kairos, we operate like a well-oiled machine that provides top-notch marketing strategies and cutting-edge solutions to leverage business growth to skyrocket your organization. Over the years, we’ve worked extensively with public and private schools, social enterprises, small-to-medium businesses, and regional non-profit organizations to reach their target goal. Our work is guided by research analysis and strategic campaign planning. We leverage digital channels such as Social Media Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Pay Per Click, Web Design, Lead Generation Content Marketing, and Community Development. Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that if you want to grow a business, Digital marketing is the armor to do it the right way.
We have helped create a national movement with several brands, but we want to highlight the workaround Grind AVL and Black Wall Street AVL, two local efforts with national recognition. We have made it the fastest-growing business in Asheville and one of the most resourceful non-profits for BIPOC small business owners. We focus on the mission and drive all traffic to buy into the story.
Before we go, can you talk to us about how people can work, collaborate, or support you?
The best way is to check and see what we need. I am connected across the United States; I do have a digital marketing agency that is highly focused on equitable community development, but I also help spearhead Black Wall Street AVL, which allows me to directly work with 130+ BIPOC businesses and connect them directly to resources that will help them see their first or second $150,000. The best way to collaborate or support me is to connect! We always seek others to join the family and become partners or sponsors to stabilize the work. We have so many exceptional programs to choose from. We got something for the old and the young to participate in and meet their business needs. Also, if anyone wants to build a movement like this, I can show you how with a step-by-step sequence with your organization or cause. Let’s sit down and talk via zoom or stop by Asheville and see how we lead in the entrepreneurial community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kairoscarolinadigital.com/
- Instagram: brucewaller_official
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brucewallerjr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-l-waller-jr/
