Her intuition about the demand for her unique business model has not only proven correct but has also created an inclusive environment that supports individuals with social anxiety and autism.
FREDERICKSBURG, VA, July 23, 2024 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Karen Brace has been recognized for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Karen Brace is the founder of Awesome Possumz dba Possum-bilities, a unique establishment she launched in 2022 that has quickly become more than just a retail store. It serves as a community hub where people can learn about and interact with opossums, reflecting Brace's passion for wildlife and education. Her rescue and education component, Awesome Possum LLC, started in 2019, provides educational programs on wildlife animals and possums at schools, groups, homeowners associations, assisted living facilities, and various events. The store features a wide range of merchandise, including earrings and fun socks, alongside a tarantula, a bearded dragon, a pug, a snake, and artists' animals like a pigeon on Sundays. This diverse offering aims to fill the gap in the market for cute opossum-themed merchandise while supporting over 90 small businesses and showcasing the work of 54 local artists.
Before embarking on her entrepreneurial journey with Awesome Possumz, Brace had a distinguished career as a government contractor in security with the United States Department of State from 2010 to 2020 and worked in investigations for a private company. Her professional path was further enriched by her service in the US Air Force for four years, where she gained invaluable experience that would later contribute to her business acumen and dedication to community service.
Brace's commitment to wildlife rehabilitation began in 2012 when she became a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in the State of Virginia. This passion took a significant turn in 2016 after caring for 11 opossum joeys, leading her to specialize in these misunderstood creatures. Her efforts have been recognized with several accolades, including a Certificate of Outstanding Achievement for Environmental Awareness from the Daughters of the American Revolution in 2021 and features in various publications for her work with Awesome Possumz.
Her academic background includes a master's degree in Business and Organizational Security Management and a bachelor's degree in Law Enforcement, both from Webster University. These qualifications have been instrumental in managing her business and advocating for wildlife conservation. Additionally, Brace holds a Federal Animal Exhibition License from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), further legitimizing her efforts to educate the public about opossums.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Brace is deeply involved in civic activities. She has been volunteering with Wildlife Rescue League since 2012 and has hosted numerous community and charity events through Awesome Possumz. In 2023, her store was awarded the Family Favorite Award for Best Indoor Activities - Free Thing To Do/Best Downtown Fredericksburg Shop by Family and Parent Magazine as well as Best Gift Shop in the 2024 Best of the Burg contest. Furthermore, as the resident wildlife rehabilitator on a local radio show, Brace continues to spread awareness about wildlife conservation.
Transitioning from her professional achievements to personal life highlights how Brace's passion extends beyond her career. Her intuition about the demand for her unique business model has not only proven correct but has also created an inclusive environment that supports individuals with social anxiety and autism. The store has become a vibrant center for local artists and small businesses under her stewardship. She plans to continue to take opportunities as they come and see where it leads. As she explained, "That's how the business has gotten where it is...by not being afraid to try new things and take a leap of faith."
About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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