8thirtyfour

We're excited to introduce you to Rachael Kaminski, our latest cohort spotlight for the Small Business Association of Michigan's Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship.

After her own experience with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma back in 2017, she realized there was a need for accessible information about hair loss. Out of that, came Confidence Beyond Hair Studio, which offers compassionate, personalized care for people experiencing hair loss for a number of reasons, including cancer treatment, alopecia, and more.

Listen to the full episode: https://sbamwef.org/cohort-spotlight-rachael-kaminski/

Apply for the 2026-27 cohort: https://sbamwef.org/apply/

Hiring, training, and retention are taking more time and money than ever, and for many business owners, the skills crisis is only making things harder. Kim was recently featured in a Fast Company article exploring whether the economy is meeting expectations, where she talked about what she's hearing from other founders.

It's exactly why we launched the Skills Survival School, which takes an integrated approach to workforce readiness because anything less won't cut it.

Learn more about the school: https://8thirtyfour.com/courses/skills/

Read the article: https://www.fastcompany.com/91541185/16-leaders-on-whether-the-economy-is-meeting-expectations

As we near the end of another incredible year with the Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship, we're grateful to look back at the connections made and the hard work each business owner poured in.

This is the program for what comes after. The growth, the hiring, the hardship. The part where alone doesn't feel so alone anymore.

Our most recent blog reflects on the impact this year has made and what comes next. Read it here: https://8thirtyfour.com/2026/06/when-women-build-companies-they-deserve-more-than-a-starter-kit/

Applications are open for the next cohort. Apply now: https://sbamwef.org/apply/

Saying you want honesty and creating a culture where it actually happens are two very different things.

Grace Gavin of Know Honesty joined the Happy Hour Hustle podcast to talk about why "being open" and "being honest" aren't the same skill, even though we treat them like they are.

Listen to the full episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1SQ1nW9xCMZ1mVoLHS8NzY

Closing the skills gap isn't about lowering standards, it's about raising them.

Kim breaks down what that actually takes: real mentorship, clear frameworks, honest feedback, and job descriptions that mean something. The next generation isn't asking for less, they're asking for better.

Read the full blog: https://bodespeaks.com/2026/05/20/adaptation-doesnt-mean-lowering-the-bar/

The brands showing up in AI search results? They never stopped doing the basics.

Kim was recently quoted in Inc. Magazine alongside other business leaders on generative engine optimization. Her take: new terminology, new tools, same foundation that's always worked.

Full article: https://www.inc.com/inc-leadership-forum/is-your-company-focusing-on-generative-engine-optimization/91326006

How do you think you're showing up? Is it how you want to be?

Those were the questions Kim challenged these women founders with at the SheLeads Society monthly meeting in Kalamazoo last week.

Finding what makes you unique, owning it entirely, and showing up consistently and authentically is what Big Deal Energy is all about. It's why we had them think about how they want to be showing up - and put it on a bracelet as a reminder.

We're hosting Big Deal Energy workshops that show you how to get there (plus, they're fun).

Join one here: https://8thirtyfour.com/courses/big-deal-workshops/

This month, the Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship got together to talk about the 'why' of starting a business.

Thank you to Erick Stewart for sharing your time, your story, and your passion.

Grateful for another incredible session with these women.

Applications are open now for the next cohort, launching in October. Apply now: https://sbamwef.org/apply/

When skills like critical thinking and communication are missing, the cost shows up in your operations... and eventually, your outcomes.

Kim was at the Michigan Defense Expo last week presenting on the real cost when these skills are mising, and the framework to fix it.

We designed an assessment for Manufacturing, Aerospace & Defense teams to give you a clear picture of where your training and development actually stands.

Take the Next Level Assessment: https://bit.ly/4dFiqSB