Written by C. Michelle Bryant, as told by Kristine Schaffer
As the second oldest of four, Kristine moved to Summerville, South Carolina, when she was 7 because her father was in the US Navy. A National Honor Society, Beta Club, choir and journalism student, Kristine graduated from Stafford High School. Although soft spoken and shy, Kristine had a quiet passion, especially for children, and visited children at MUSC Children’s Hospital during many of her high school years.
Kristine went on to graduate from Charleston Southern University in 2010 with a degree in business management and dreams of one day starting a business of her own. She has two beautiful children and a granddaughter. Her son currently serves in the United States Air Force Reserves, and her daughter is a recent graduate of Clemson and now lives in Las Vegas.
Kristine and her husband separated in January 2014 until March 2016 from a near-25- year marriage. It was during this time that Kristine realized she continually promotes others at her various mainstream jobs and in 2015 chose to focus on her passions and start her own business, Schaffer Marketing, with a vision to promote the successes of non-profits and small businesses as well as events, fundraisers, scrapbooking events and more. Kristine says, “Once I accepted my marriage was ending I decided to focus on what brings me joy. Marketing is my gift, so I chose to follow my dream.”
After her divorce, transitioning into single life in her late 40s was challenging at best, but in January 2016 she got involved with a nonprofit organization called I Got Legs, which is designed to empower individuals with disabilities to rediscover their athleticism by driving mobility technology and building active communities. She also realized she naturally tends to gravitate to helping others but even more so when dealing with crisis in her own life. Kristine went on to explain that it takes the focus off her, brings her joy and makes a difference in the lives of others.
She has actively volunteered with organizations such as her children’s school PTSA and is still very involved with Charleston Southern University and other community establishments such as her local church and its Women of Purpose group where she began to understand her purpose as told in Romans 8:28. “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
For six years she has been enthusiastically involved with Make-A-Wish South Carolina and donates time to the MUSC Children’s Hospital Miracle Challenge. She has recently immersed herself in childhood cancer awareness due to her closeness to a Make-A-Wish child who died from cancer.
Although she often volunteers in many areas, organizations that focus on children’s issues look to be where Kristine’s heart runs extra deep, as well as where her bubbly, positive personality seems most receptive. “Kids are resilient and real,” Kristine says. “They are dependent on us. No one else can take care of them. We are an advocate for them.”
Through Schaffer Marketing Kristine has promoted “Focus on Fabulous” magazine and other businesses. She is especially passionate about personal stories and special triumphs such as her latest support for Coach John McKissick, the former head football coach of Summerville High School in Summerville, South Carolina. In 2012, he became the first American football coach in football history (high school, college or professional) to win 600 career games. As of 2013, he hasn’t missed a game in 62 years and is the longest-serving high school football coach of all time. He has led Summerville to 10 state championships. With 621 wins, McKissick holds the record for most wins by a football coach at any level. Kristine’s son says she cares too much about everybody, but having spent time with Kristine we can tell you she never meets a stranger and often does things on impulse. If she sees a need, she jumps.
Kristine will tell you that without her faith in God she would never have made it through and she simply wants to give back. Her favorite word is “believe.” She tells us: “Whatever you believe or wish, you dream.”
When we asked Kristine how she stays positive she quickly responded with, “I’m very grateful and thankful for my blessings and try to surround myself with positive people. When you spend time with children with cancer you realize that things you once thought were problems really aren’t.”
What’s next for our passionately driven Kristine and Schaffer Marketing? In addition to her other excursions, Kristine is focusing on childhood cancer awareness. Children are our future and they matter. She is dedicating 2018 to making as many people aware of childhood cancer through promotions, passions and marketing. Go gold for childhood cancer awareness, which is in September.
To reach out to Kristine or Schaffer Marketing, contact her via email at: Kristine@SchafferMarketing.com