Keira Kotler of Marin County on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Keira Kotler and have shared our conversation below.

Keira, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Movement. I started dancing at age 5 and have been moving ever since. I love to exercise, especially dance-inspired activities set to an amazing playlist. Lately, I have been exercising on a rebounder, an individual trampoline, with on-demand classes that consist of choreographed combinations, similar to a ballet or jazz dance class. Not only is it an amazing workout that make my body feel great physically, I completely lose track of time and reconnect with the joy of movement and inner freedom.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am the CEO & Founder of Everviolet – an intimate apparel brand designed to escort women through all stages and phases of life, puberty through menopause. The collection was born out of my personal experience with breast cancer and my inability to find comfortable, well-fitting and beautiful lingerie following a bilateral mastectomy. After suffering in silence for a while, I finally started speaking with other women, only to find this issue to be universal. Whether due to breast feeding, postpartum, surgeries, other illnesses or injuries, we all faced body changes, yet no brand existed to support us throughout these moments. So, I founded Everviolet to help women feel comfortable and beautiful following change, empowered and confident again.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I was an adventurous creative, captivated by beauty, nature and wonderful humans. I worked in marketing as a brand director as well as a fine artist in both painting and photography. I have always been social and invested greatly in relationships with family and friends. I loved to travel, particularly on foot, exploring new cities, cultures and cuisines. I loved writing, music, cooking, furry friends and watching the sun set. I lived in New York, Boston, Santa Fe, France and San Francisco. I have always been mindful of health, a clean lifestyle and the importance of preserving our planet. I bring all of these values into Everviolet as well as a strong philanthropic mission.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has revealed my mental, physical and intellectual strength. I always had a sense that I was strong and could pivot when needed, but I never would have learned how creative, innovative and agile I am had I not endured tough times. Suffering is never comfortable in the moment, but when one is lucky enough to emerge on the other side, there are always silver linings and learnings gleaned.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I used to believe there was no such thing as luck – that luck was all about identifying opportunities and discerning which to pursue. And perhaps that is partially true. But I also see great disparities of luck all around me today and realize that I am incredibly lucky. To have been born in the United States, to loving parents that provided me with a warm home, a solid set of values, an amazing education and boundless love. To have met my amazing husband and create our life together. To be able to afford good healthcare. To have had the flexibility to start a business. The list goes on and on… I realize my fortune and now feel compelled to pay it forward.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
In nature, with my husband and dog. Whether it’s hiking to beautiful vistas, looking out at the ocean, watching the sun rise or star gazing, nature offers me calm and serenity like nothing else. It’s centering, grounding and peaceful.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Kreate Photography
Tana Gandhi Photography

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