Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kristine Mason Broadus. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kristine, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about serving the underserved.
We offer two new Puzzle Pieces Marketing Scholarships for graduating high school Seniors. In an effort to financially assist minority and LGBTQ+ students of our community, we are awarding four (4) $1,000 scholarships annually.

In partnership with North County African American Women’s Association (NCAAWA), The Puzzle Pieces Marketing BIPOC Female Scholarship, is offered to provide financial aid to college-bound seniors who are members of a minority ethnic group. Up to two $1,000 scholarships are awarded. This scholarship will be offered starting this year.

The Puzzle Pieces Marketing LGBTQ Youth Scholarship recognizes and encourages the academic achievements of undergraduate LGBTQ students pursuing a degree. The Scholarship is offered to provide financial aid to college-bound seniors. Up to two $1,000 scholarships are awarded.

Our first LGBTG Youth Scholarship was awarded in 2021 to Keke Grayson. She was awarded a $2,000 scholarship to Hope International University (HIU) in Fullerton, CA.

Take a peek at the Scholarships page on our website for more information. https://puzzlepiecesmarketing.com/scholarships/

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Puzzle Pieces Marketing is a Black, women, veteran, and LGBTQ- owned creative and colorful marketing and branding agency specializing in nonprofits and mission-driven businesses.

We have long been dedicated to amplifying the voice and reach of mission-driven, caused-based and nonprofit organizations that contribute tangible positive change to our community. A special mission of ours is also to be an ally to minority owned businesses that inspire prosperity in minority communities. Our advantage is our experience and the insight we can offer as a minority owned small business that has been active in our community and beyond since 2009.

Being a women owned business is also a point of pride for us at Puzzle Pieces Marketing. Our creativity and perseverance are some of our strongest assets, which we believe, in large part learned from the strong women in our life. As a woman owned business, we know that sometimes it takes a little more grit to get a seat at the table. We want to use our success to open spaces and opportunities that have not been as accessible to women as they have been to men. We want to invest our expertise to help our sisters find success in their sectors and remove antiquated impediments to the success of all women owned businesses.

We look to amplify the voices of the LGBTQ+ community. Not only are we the President and VP, but we’re married partners in life as well. We know the stigma and discrimination that the LGBTQ+ community faces, which extends to LGBTQ owned businesses. We are committed to zero tolerance of discrimination and look to be a supportive force in the LGBTQ+ community.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Growing up in a small town in Missouri and being the only Black person in my school, I tried to blend in more and not let my light shine as much. There was already too much of a negative spotlight on me.

Once I graduated from Undergrad, I truly realized that my light, character, intelligence, resilience, and ambition could not and will never be dimmed again.It’s ok to shine and be different. It is usually the reason you stand out and make more of an impact in others’ lives.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I grew up in a small town in Missouri. I was poor and raised by a single mom. I was blessed to be able to go to a small Catholic school that instilled so much discipline, critical thinking, and motivation in me. With the good, there is usually another side. Being the only Black person, poor and living in some questionable neighborhoods put a target on me, but it didn’t stop me at all. My school was highly academically competitive and that made me want to be better each day. I was always on Honor Roll, took college classes in high school, and excelled in my education. I always had huge goals for myself. I would catch myself thinking maybe I should own a business, but had no clue what. So, I did what everyone thinks you should do after high school and decided on a university.

I used my intelligence to get out of my circumstances and received a full undergrad academic scholarship. Graduating with a BA in Psych, my goal at the time, was to be a social worker. I got in to UNLV, packed my car up, and fled to Las Vegas in a hurry. Let’s just say, once young Kristine realized how broken the system actually was, she decided social work was not her forte. To make a long story short, multiple years of being a server, being a tutor, and going back to school and becoming a Respiratory Therapist (Valedictorian) specializing in Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care, I met Angel shortly after starting a portion at Children’s Hospital in Kansas City, MO.

I asked Angel to marry me, she said yes, and we both thought it would be better for our future together for me to stop doing work for everyone else and build the business with her. I became Angel’s sidekick (VP) of the company, we rebranded, and there’s nothing but smoke behind us from the fire of remnants of a power couple moving so quickly. I guess there really is some truth to not forcing your life and going with the flow because it took me right where I belong.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://puzzlepiecesmarketing.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/puzzlepiecesmarketing/
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/puzzlepiecesmarketing
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinebroadus/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/pzlpiecesmktg
• Other: tik tok – @puzzlepiecesmarketing