In honor of National Women's Small Business Month (and because they're an awesome and inspiring company) we're featuring the woman-owned company, Kairos Properties!

Let's hear from Owner and Realtor, Rachel Rapacz.

🏡 Tell us a little about Kairos Properties!

We believe excellent service with trustworthy agents is possible. That is why our team launched as Kairos: a values-based Real Estate firm that puts people over profit. We are committed to serving our community with excellence and integrity every client, every time. And we will hold one another to these values.

🏡 What sparked the idea for Kairos Properties?

Kairos Properties was sparked by the desire to value people over profit, giving excellent service to our clients, and generously serving our community. Our firm is committed to helping end generational poverty. Owning real estate is one of the best ways to provide long-term stability that helps break the cycle of generational poverty.

🏡 In honor of National Women's Small Business Month, What challenges have you faced as a woman in leadership?

I have been told by some experienced businessmen: "Don't be emotional." And truthfully, that is some of the worst advice I've received. I have found that my "feminine" or "emotional" side lends itself to being an asset for my team. It is possible to communicate vulnerability without weakness. I can simultaneously be tender and strong. Perhaps they are not incongruous and the juxtaposition is what makes a great leader. We can admit insecurity and turn it into a team full of trust and honesty.

Failing is human nature. We drop the ball, show up late, forget important details and come across in the wrong light. That is our very nature. Hiding that fact just makes us become arrogant egotists. Being willing to engage with our weaknesses, confess our foibles, and work toward a better future together fosters a community of people that have a foundation of trust. And the unexpected outcome is, we have more energy, compassion and collaboration that makes us quite the force to be reckoned with.

🏡 What should a woman thinking about starting a business know? Any advice?

Count the cost. Before you begin, ask yourself, what is your "why?" If it's to make money, that's not deep enough. Keep digging. No one ends their life and thinks, "man, I wish I were more focused on money." The headache won't be worth it. When the going gets tough, you've heard it said that the "tough get going".... but the tough are not necessarily the most capable or talented, they are those that believe the reward is worth the cost.

If you have a strong "why," you will find the energy, the passion, and the grit to push through. For me, my why is Jesus, the suffering servant that brings flourishing to this world. That's my only calling, the "why" that keeps me in the grind when things come at a higher cost than I signed up for or when the outlook is negative or when everyone tells me I'm crazy or that I'm going to fail. He's reason enough to keep me going. What's your "why"?