It all started very organically with a simple act of service:
Reviewing a neighbor’s resume. What seemed like a small gesture, eventually unearthed a calling that would blossom into Artistic Resumes and Cover Letters. Tabor 100 Consultant Katrina Simmons, a visionary with a vested interest in helping others navigate their careers and launch their businesses, planted the seeds of her company from a deep place of purpose and faith.

Katrina’s first clients were military service members and their families stationed at Joint Base LewisMcChord, transitioning into civilian life. Coming from a long line of entrepreneurs, Katrina draws her motivation from the GodHead: Father, Son (the Lord Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit.

“This was something placed in my heart by the Lord,” Katrina said. “It was the leading of the Holy Spirit to start my own business.”

Yet, like many great journeys, hers began with a sense of vagueness. She didn’t know the exact steps to take, but was sure of one thing, her community needed support, and she had the capacity to provide it.

“The business just somewhat grew from there,” she said.

So, Katrina got to work. Her first step was developing a business plan, followed by securing her business license in 2022. The early days were filled with much groundwork, as attending events, generating ideas, building relationships, and actively gaining knowledge through each experience.

“I was in the public all the time,” Katrina recalled. “I was going here, going there, learning and developing.”

Throughout this journey, Katrina encountered people and organizations that shifted her perspective and helped her move forward, such as The Tacoma Urban League, which provided vital resources and consistent support through their weekly business drop-in sessions; A grant-writing workshop in December 2023, led by Linda D. and Athena H., became a pivotal moment by opening her eyes to a new world of accessibility and opportunity.

“That opened my eyes and doors to a new world of accessibility and opportunities,” she said.

This momentum led her to Tabor 100, where she applied and was selected as a consultant which was a tremendous milestone and a major breakthrough.

“I’m so grateful for that,” she shared. “It was a really big deal for me.”

Since joining the consultant program, Katrina’s business has flourished. Through referrals from Tabor 100, she forged meaningful connections with entrepreneurs and organizations, forming a fusion of businesses and ideas grounded in community impact. Her work not only strengthens business infrastructure, yet fosters conversations around growth, resilience, and vision.

“I love the fact that I am able to pour into my clients like I do,” she said. “I have a range of entrepreneurs under my belt that I am encouraging, motivating, and consulting.”

What began as resume and cover letter support has since expanded into business plan creation, capability statements, and operational consulting, complete with policy development, NDAs, and HIPAA-compliant procedures.

Katrina’s lived experiences give her unique insight into her clients’ paths.

“I know exactly what it’s like,” she said. “I’ve been there; I’ve walked where they’re going.”

Each client brings something new, as a new layer, new a revelation or shift in perspective.

“It’s not just a learning curve for them, but it’s a learning curve for me too,” Katrina reflected. “There is always some impact or ‘Aha!’ moment they bring to the table for me.”

Through it all, Katrina leads with integrity, empathy, and clarity, thus merging empathy with strategic accountability to support lasting growth.

“It’s always good to show empathy and kindness, because many times people are already having a hard time!” she said. “However, there are boundaries. This is their business. Sometimes, you have to bring them back into reality and remind them of that.”

Importantly, Katrina honors the unwavering encouragement of her family and close friends, whose prayers, patience, and presence have sustained her through every stage of her journey. Their support has been both grounding and motivating, reinforcing her resilience and vision when she needed it most.

Anchored by individuals who have generously shared their time, expertise, and belief in her potential. Among them are: Jermaine Ogden, Founder & Principal Consultant of Elevate Plus, whose leadership, insight and wisdom have helped sharpen her consulting approach; Jenda Kong-Bellus of Asia Pacific Cultural Center who assists with coaching, resources, workshops and incredible kindness, Michael and Emilio with Revby their strategic guidance continues to expand her business acumen; and Kirsten Kreis, a dedicated champion of small business success has been an invaluable source of guidance, encouragement, and consistently offering practical advice, resources, and unwavering support throughout my journey.

In addition to the aforementioned, Katrina acknowledges a community of countless others who have invested in her journey. Organizations such as, The Tacoma Urban League, Tabor 100, the Tacoma Pierce County Chamber of Commerce, Chase Bank, and several entrepreneurs who have remained steadfast partners by providing the access, resources, and collaborative spaces necessary to nurture her entrepreneurial path.

To fellow visionaries, Katrina offers this wisdom:
“Keep the Lord first, surround yourself with people who have a vested interest in your growth via mentors, collaborators, and community builders who want to see you succeed. And when the going gets tough, don’t forget to celebrate the wins.”

“Celebrate those watershed moments you have in your business,” Katrina said.

“DON’T GIVE UP.”