Dennise Kowalczyk – Age 58
Entrepreneur, World Traveler, Filmmaker, Actor, Explorer, Founder of CTD Creative Consulting
About me
I moved to New England, sight unseen, in 2018 from Portland, Oregon, and I love my new home. The move was not my first adventure, but certainly the start of many big changes in my life.
I am the mother of Lila, who attends college in Scotland and inspires me in so many ways. I have enjoyed a professional career, ranging from nonprofit leadership to community radio management to now owning my own business – CTD Creative Consulting – where I help other women business owners with online and relationship marketing strategy.
As a podcaster, I once served as the host of Artclectic New England – a show I created and produced in 2018/2019 featuring local arts and culture organizations and thought leaders. I am currently in the process of rebooting another show, BroadBand the Podcast, a show featuring the wisdom of women entrepreneurs.
Because I believe in the power of collaboration, I created Amplification Allies, an intentional peer networking group for women that focuses on collaborative networking strategies for women-owned businesses.
Living the fullest life possible, I host a women’s social group called Dames Who Do RI that hikes, dines, and attends other fun events in the community. I also co-host Dames Who Dine RI, an Instagram profile that showcases many of the fabulous eateries in Rhode Island. I also like to share my experiences as The Adventure Broad, featuring my adventures as a world traveler, filmmaker, actor, and explorer.
These days, my creative side is about performance – I stepped into the world of acting where you can spot me in the ballroom scene of the final episode of Season One of The Gilded Age. I also act in commercials, student films, web series, and independent films.
What do you do and why do you do it?
What changed for you after age 50?
Confidence! Freedom to pursue my dreams! World travel!
What would you tell the 20 or 30-year-old YOU?
Keep doing the work, girl, because you are building an AMAZING life!
What do you think you’ll tell yourself in retrospect at the end of your life?
You did good. Well done, Dennise!
What impact do you think increased visibility can have on your business?
It is critical. Before anyone can buy from you, they need to know you exist! Although marketing is very much connected to sales, it is different and important to invest in it if you want to have a successful business.
Who or what inspires you and why?
All women who step out of their comfort zone to try new things.
“Freedom means I don’t have to answer to anyone but myself… It’s about being open-hearted and risk-taking, and learning how to embrace and welcome more failure in my life because that’s how we learn.”
Dennise Kowalczyk
The Brief
In this interview with host Donna, guest Dennise Kowalczyk shares insights from her multifaceted career as an entrepreneur, world traveler, filmmaker, actor, and business relationship consultant.
Dennise discusses her journey from starting CTD Creative Consulting as a side hustle to helping women solopreneurs enhance their online presence and build meaningful business relationships. She emphasizes the importance of community support, overcoming imposter syndrome, and valuing quality relationships over quantity.
Dennise also talks about her travel experiences, her identity as “the adventure broad,” and her upcoming projects including a film and a stage play focusing on adult women friendships.
