We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Karah Ruczynski a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Karah , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

When I learned I was being laid off, it felt like an uncertain and vulnerable moment in my career. However, it also presented an opportunity—a chance to take a risk on myself. Working with startup companies has always been my passion and expertise. I thrive in environments where I can build people-focused cultures, create processes from scratch, and contribute to the foundational success of businesses. So, instead of searching for another role, I decided to lean into my strengths and launch my own fractional HR business, JKC Solutions.

The idea wasn’t just about filling a gap; it was about creating something meaningful. I had built a strong network over the years, connecting with founders and teams who often needed HR guidance but couldn’t afford a full-time hire. I knew there was a need, but stepping out on my own still felt like a leap into the unknown. I wondered if clients would take a chance on me and if I could truly turn my vision into a sustainable business.

I took that leap. Within three weeks of launching, I gained my first client—a remote first wellness startup—and the momentum hasn’t stopped. I already have more clients lined up, which is an incredible validation of both my skills and the relationships I’ve nurtured over the years.

This journey has taught me that risks are less daunting when they align with your strengths and values. By betting on myself, I’ve been able to create opportunities not only for my clients but also for my own personal and professional growth. Starting JKC Solutions has turned out to be one of the most rewarding risks I’ve ever taken. It’s a reminder that with the right mix of passion, preparation, and courage, taking a leap of faith can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Karah Ruczynski, and I’m the founder of JKC Solutions, a fractional HR consulting firm specializing in helping startup companies and small businesses build strong people-focused cultures and sustainable operations. My passion for HR and working with startups began almost a decade ago, where I discovered my knack for navigating the unique challenges of early-stage companies. Over the years, I’ve worked with organizations at the seed and Series A stages, leading HR initiatives that focus on employee engagement, talent development, and building policies and processes that grow alongside the business.

How I Got Started
My journey into the HR field began with a desire to support and empower others in their professional lives. Early in my career, I realized I had a unique ability to connect with people, understand their needs, and align those needs with business goals. I quickly found my home in the startup world, where I thrived in building HR departments from scratch, crafting onboarding programs, and creating frameworks that set teams up for success. After nearly 10 years of working in HR for various startups, I decided to take a risk and channel that experience into launching JKC Solutions after learning I was being laid off.

What We Provide
At JKC Solutions, we offer fractional HR services tailored to startups and small businesses. Our services include:

Building HR Policies, Processes, and Procedures: From compliance and handbooks to onboarding and performance management systems.
Talent Development: Helping teams identify and nurture talent to drive growth and engagement.
Cultural Development: Partnering with leaders to create people-first workplaces that align with their values and mission.
Strategic HR Support: Providing insights and solutions to address people-related challenges, such as hiring, retention, and employee engagement.

We solve problems like ensuring compliance, managing employee relations, and creating scalable processes that allow businesses to grow efficiently. What sets us apart is our focus on building trust and relationships. We work closely with founders to create a symbiotic relationship between HR and leadership, ensuring every solution reflects their unique goals and vision.

What Sets Us Apart
Unlike larger HR firms, JKC Solutions is deeply embedded in the startup ecosystem. I understand the fast-paced, high-stakes environment these businesses operate in and the critical role HR plays in their success. My ability to provide hands-on, personalized support without the overhead of a full-time HR team allows startups to access top-tier expertise while staying lean.

What I’m Most Proud Of
What I’m most proud of is the impact I’ve been able to make in such a short time. Within three weeks of launching, I secured my first client—and I already have others lined up. Seeing these businesses thrive with the support and guidance I provide is incredibly rewarding. It validates the decision to take a risk on myself and confirms the value of the work I do.

What I Want You to Know
If there’s one thing I want potential clients to know, it’s this: HR doesn’t have to feel like a burden—it can be a strategic advantage. At JKC Solutions, I’m here to simplify and humanize the process, so your team feels supported and empowered to focus on what they do best: growing the business. Whether you’re a founder just starting out or a small business looking to refine your operations, I’m here to help you build a strong foundation for long-term success.

Let’s build something great together!

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One story that truly illustrates my resilience is the journey of launching JKC Solutions, my fractional HR consulting business, after learning I was being laid off. That moment could have been paralyzing—facing the uncertainty of what was next, with the immediate pressure to figure out my next steps. But instead of letting the fear consume me, I chose to see it as an opportunity to bet on myself.

For almost a decade, I had built a career in HR, specifically working with startups. I knew their challenges, from building people-first cultures to creating scalable processes, and I was passionate about helping these businesses thrive. I realized that I didn’t need to wait for another opportunity to come my way—I could create one. With that in mind, I channeled all my experience, network, and passion into starting JKC Solutions.

The journey wasn’t without its obstacles. Starting a business is never easy, and the learning curve was steep. I faced moments of doubt and fear—wondering if clients would take a chance on me or if I could make this vision work. But I pushed through those moments, staying focused on the work I knew I was capable of doing. Within three weeks of launching, I secured my first client and had others expressing interest. It was the validation I needed to prove to myself that this leap of faith wasn’t just possible—it was the right decision.

This experience taught me that resilience isn’t about avoiding challenges; it’s about leaning into them with determination and trust in your abilities. By embracing change and betting on myself, I turned a potentially devastating situation into one of the most rewarding chapters of my career. This journey is a reminder that with resilience, we can turn life’s toughest moments into opportunities for growth and success.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

To manage a team effectively and maintain high morale, prioritize open communication and transparency. Regularly check in with team members to understand their needs, provide constructive feedback, and recognize their contributions. Align team goals with individual strengths and career aspirations to keep everyone engaged. Foster a culture of trust and inclusion where people feel valued and supported. Additionally, offer flexibility when possible, celebrate wins—big and small—and create opportunities for growth. By showing genuine care for your team and maintaining a people-first approach, you can build a high-performing and motivated workforce.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Jkcsolutions-hr.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jkcsolutions

Image Credits

N/A