“It’s amazing that if you stick with it, and even if you fall behind, you’re not really behind. You can always catch up by watching the videos… Glenna’s sessions brought everything together, and the job aids helped you apply it directly to your business.”
Kristina Kirchner, a WordPress Web Designer based in Columbus, Ohio, runs a growing business called Orange Sunburst.
After years of learning and experimenting, she was ready to get serious about building a digital presence – and found the missing pieces through the GeekPack + Verizon Digital Ready Cohort.
“I used to just post a bunch of facts about web design on social media, and I wasn’t getting clicks or interest. Once I started using storytelling and testimonials, people responded. I started getting discovery calls I hadn’t gotten before.”
Kristina officially launched Orange Sunburst in January 2024. She welcomed her first clients later that year, and her business has continued to evolve since.
When she joined the Verizon Digital Ready Cohort, her goal was to increase visibility and attract more clients.
She was exploring SEO, but knew it could take 9 to 12 months to show results – and without a physical business address, she couldn’t take advantage of local listings.
“I wanted a larger digital online presence. But because I use a virtual business address, I can’t do Google My Business local… and I don’t want everyone to know where I live.”
During the six-week program, Kristina immediately started applying what she learned – like using storytelling in her posts and creating lead funnels for email campaigns.
The results followed.
She’s not only seeing a jump in engagement, but Kristina also added email marketing to her services
This new service gave her a new entry-level service to offer clients who weren’t ready for full website builds, opening a new revenue stream and solving a key problem for her audience.
“Because of what I learned in the cohort, I was able to add email marketing to my services… and that’s been going over really well.”
She also realized she was spreading herself thin across platforms and decided to refocus on LinkedIn – where her ideal clients hang out.
“The small steps seemed really small at first… but over six weeks, they added up. At first, it didn’t feel like much, but over six weeks, the impact was huge. I started seeing engagement, leads, and client conversations that did not happen before”
One of the most powerful parts of the experience? The community.
Kristina found real connection inside the GeekPack + Verizon Digital Ready Cohort, where support came not just from their cohort facilitator, Glenna, but also from fellow entrepreneurs figuring it out together.
“I like to ask questions – even if no one else is talking – because it helps others feel comfortable. Glenna was amazing. You could tell people were nervous to ask questions at first, and she made everyone feel comfortable. And once people feel heard, they open up.”
Having a safe, encouraging space to learn was especially important for Kristina, who’s blazing a new path, being the first in her family to not go the corporate route.
“Nobody else around me is doing this. That’s why the community is so important. Without it, I wouldn’t have anyone to talk to who gets it.”
Kristina plans to continue expanding her offerings, possibly adding social media marketing to her web and email services.
She’s excited about the direction things are heading – and eventually wants to grow to the point of hiring employees.
“Not to sound cheesy, but my business is Orange Sunburst—and the future looks bright.”
And her advice for anyone thinking about trying something new?
“Just do it. Do it scared, do it afraid—whatever it takes, just start. You learn by doing.”
