Today we’d like to introduce you to Kai Heath.
Hi Kai, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Thank you for this opportunity. What a great mission and platform you all have here.
My degree is in Written Communications: Professional Writing, with a minor in Journalism. I’ve always had a passion for storytelling, but I wasn’t sure how that would take shape. I landed my first real job at an advertising agency and that helped lay the groundwork. Even then, I kept a side hustle—writing resumes, ghostwriting, and copywriting. Over time, my work naturally expanded into design, adding visual polish to the content created for my clients.
Life shifted gears after I got married and we were expecting our first child. I knew I needed better balance, so I left the ad world and joined a local contract placement agency as a Resource Strategist. It was the perfect blend—flexible hours, a creative community of writers and designers, and the chance to work with some great clients like Epic Games, Red Hat, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Cisco. My side business continued to grow, gaining momentum in the background.
After eight years—and a second baby on the way—I was ready to take the leap (so I thought). The plan was to return from maternity leave part-time and slowly transition into running my business full time. But 2020 had other ideas. The pandemic hit, both my husband and I were laid off, our daughter was learning virtually, and we were home with a newborn wondering what in the heck just happened.
In the chaos came clarity. I landed a contract with Wake Tech’s Small Business Center, helping entrepreneurs improve their online presence. Meanwhile, my husband rebuilt his career and is now CEO of J&J Tent and Party Rentals. I of course manage their website and marketing😉.
What started as a side hustle is now a thriving business. I specialize in branding, websites, content creation, and more—essentially a one-stop shop for small businesses and organizations. Nearly all of my clients come through referrals, and I’ve had the privilege of working with some incredible people across the Triangle and beyond.
God’s timing was (and is always) perfect, and I haven’t looked back since.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all—it’s been winding, uphill, dry, rainy, and smooth… sometimes all in the same week! Entrepreneurship is anything but predictable. There have been tough seasons—slow months, missed opportunities, and projects that didn’t turn out as expected. But taking a chance on yourself is always worth it. The challenges pale in comparison to the freedom of making your own schedule, being present with family, and celebrating the wins that come from pushing through adversity.
As you know, we’re big fans of Penned by Kai. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Penned by Kai (PbK) is a boutique writing and branding consultancy that helps small businesses, entrepreneurs, and organizations bring their vision to life through authentic storytelling, strategic branding, and inspired design.
What sets PbK apart is our people-first approach. Before we design a logo or write a single word, we focus on building a genuine connection with the person behind the brand. That relationship is the foundation for everything we create—ensuring each brand we touch is rooted in purpose, aligned with vision, and deeply personal.
We offer a wide range of services, including Small Business Starter Boxes, custom creative content packages, and à la carte options like website refreshes, presentation design, and introductory marketing plans.
Whether you’re launching from scratch or looking to elevate your existing presence, we meet you where you are and help you grow from there.
At our core, we’re about Articulating Passion—turning ideas into impact and helping brands tell their story in a way that truly resonates.
Check us out at www.pennedbykai.com.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that what’s meant for you truly is for you. It may sound cliché, but it’s been proven to me time and time again. Not every opportunity is the right one—and that’s okay. There’s value in the setbacks, and each one has carried a lesson that ultimately prepared me for something greater. Trusting the timing and the process has been key to staying grounded and moving forward with purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pennedbykai.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennedbykai/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PennedbyKai/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaiheath/
