Who is Kristen Delbridge, and how would you describe yourself to someone who has never met you?
I would describe myself as a strong, caring, determined woman with a big heart for people. I’m an entrepreneur, a mother, a caregiver and someone who genuinely enjoys helping others. I’ve experienced enough in life to understand that strength isn’t about never going through hard times; it’s about continuing to move forward, learning to grow and still being able to pour into others.
Where were you born and raised, and what was your upbringing like?
I was raised with strong values pertaining to family, hard work and loyalty. My upbringing played a major role in shaping the woman that I am today. Like most people, I experienced both good times and challenges, but every chapter taught me something different. Those experiences helped me develop independence, resilience, integrity, compassion and a strong appreciation for family and community.
After high school, what was the next chapter of your life?
At that point, life became my greatest teacher. I stepped into adulthood, motherhood, work, and eventually entrepreneurship. My journey wasn’t necessarily a straight line, and I think that is part of what makes my story so meaningful. Every experience – both the successes and difficult seasons – helped me discover what I was truly capable of. Over time, I became increasingly focused on building multiple businesses, creating stability for my family and finding ways to serve others through the work that I do.
What is your official title, and what do your responsibilities consist of?
My responsibilities range from overseeing the daily operations of my businesses to managing properties and working with tenants, families, children, employees, and members of the community. With Star City Kids Daycare, I’m passionate about providing children with a safe, welcoming, fun environment where families feel comfortable and supported. Through my property management work, I handle everything from tenant communication to coordinating maintenance and managing the day-to-day responsibilities that come with operating properties. At the heart of all of it, my job is about people, problem-solving, leadership, and service.
How important is family to you?
Family is everything to me. Being a mother is one of the most important roles I will ever have. My family is a major part of why I work as hard as I do. It has taught me unconditional love, sacrifice, patience, responsibility and strength. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve also realized how precious time is. Success means more to me when I can share it with the people I love. I really appreciate my mother and father for being so supportive and inspiring me to do great things. I lost my dad three years ago. He impacted everything and everyone around him in a positive way and I will continue his legacy.
If you were building the ultimate music playlist for a six-hour road trip, which artists would be on it?
My six-hour road-trip playlist would be a mixture because I couldn’t listen to just one genre for that long. I’d mix in some old and new school R&B, hip-hop, and gospel. The playlist would have feel good songs you can sing at the top of your lungs, songs that bring back memories, songs that make you dance, and a few that make you sit back and think. It would be a well-rounded playlist because we all need a little bit of balance.
What are some of your favorite City of Roanoke memories?
Some of my favorites aren’t necessarily one big event. Rather ones attached to growing, raising my son, building businesses and reflecting on cherished memories with great people. One moment I will never forget is participating in Jabberwock in high school. There’s also nothing like a Henry Street Festival experience. Being able to drive through the city while remembering different chapters of my life is something I enjoy doing.
What are some of your hobbies?
I enjoy spending time with family, traveling, listening to music, decorating my home and being creative. I’m naturally entrepreneurial, so sometimes what starts as me simply brainstorming turns into an entirely new project or business idea. I also enjoy doing things with my son, spending time with the people closest to me and finding moments where I can relax and enjoy life outside of my work life.
Which people have had the biggest impact on your life outside of family?
The people who have impacted me most are those who have crossed my path and taught me something. Sometimes without even realizing it. I’ve learned from many close friendships, mentors and other business owners. Even people I’ve encountered during difficult seasons. I believe people can come into your life for different reasons. Some encourage you, some challenge you, some teach you what to do, and others teach you what not to do. I’ve learned to take lessons from each experience and allow it to help me grow.
If you could go back and give your younger self some advice, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to trust herself more. That everything doesn’t have to happen on the timeline you imagined and that some of the things that feel like setbacks will eventually become part of her strength. I’d tell her not to shrink herself to make other people comfortable and to protect her peace. Also, to understand that saying no doesn’t make you a bad person.
Most importantly, I would tell her to enjoy the journey. Stop worrying so much about having everything figured out. Give yourself grace, cherish the people you love, take the pictures, celebrate the small victories, and understand that every chapter (even the difficult ones) is helping shape the woman you are destined to become.
