2019 Onyx Woman Leadership Award Honoree, Karen Denton, Has Been Strengthened by the Obstacles that Inspired Her Transformation

Name: Karen Denton

Title: Owner Operator 

Company: KSC Enterprise, LLC

Industry: Commercial Cleaning

Years in Business: Five years in business

1. Why did you choose this profession?

I’ve always dreamed of being an entrepreneur. Utilizing my 20-plus years of experience in the fast food industry and after a near-death health experience, while recovering I spent a lot of time cleaning out of boredom. I received a sense of peace and realized I was good at it. Besides providing my clients with a clean and healthy work experience, I am now able to provide employment and offer a second chance for some people.  

2. What does receiving this award mean to you?

Receiving this award tells me that you never know who’s watching you. Throughout my career and through the business, I have led, trained, and developed many people. It is such an honor to be recognized for sharing my experiences with others and following my dream of operating my own company. 

3. What advice would you give to other women who want to go into your field?

My recommendation if a person should start a business, a cleaning business, or get involved in a cleaning franchise is to pray and do your research. When looking at a cleaning franchise, know that they take a lot of your money. It’s a good learning tool while getting paid to learn the business. Entrepreneurship entails knowing how to price your service or product, how to write proposals, knowing how to market, how to supervise a team, and more.

4. What would you tell other women about overcoming obstacles?

I believe obstacles are designed for your growth and to strengthen your faith. Obstacles are not for you, it’s your testimony to share with someone to give them hope and to demonstrate that they have to persevere and trust God.

5. What was the bravest thing you have ever done that got you where you are today?

I left my career of over 20 years in the fast food industry to work for a nonprofit organization. Nine months into the job, they lost their funding. I went from 40 hours a week, travel expenses, and health insurance to 12 hours a week with no benefits. I decided to take a leap of faith and work and grow my business full-time, determined to never be faced with losing my status or job again.