We recently had the chance to connect with Katy Kaumeyer and have shared our conversation below.
Katy, 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: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I love this question. One of my favorite quotes is, “It feels good to get lost in the right direction.” I’m a hiker at heart – I love to pack a bag, grab a map, and head out. The thrill of being somewhere new is exciting. So am I walking a path, or wandering? Honestly, it’s both. I like to think of myself as walking the path with a map in one hand and a compass in the other – while happily chasing the occasional squirrel along the way. The path gives me focus and direction, but the wandering is where the magic happens. I know where I’m going, but I allow myself to get lost in the adventure along the way. That’s what makes the journey so worthwhile.
In business, it’s the same balance: a plan gives me direction, but the wandering keeps it creative and alive. Some of my best work has come from venturing off the beaten path, experimenting with new ideas, and creating programs that are completely one-of-a-kind. Strategy keeps me grounded, but exploration sparks the creative ideas that make the work uniquely mine.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Katy – business strategist, squirrel herder, and founder of KatyK Designs. I help entrepreneurs turn their big, messy, brilliant ideas into businesses that actually give them freedom – freedom to be with family, freedom to travel, freedom to dream bigger. My brand was born in 2013 out of necessity: I needed a way to earn an income while caring for my adult-disabled son at home. Along the way, I discovered that my superpower is creating tools and strategies that make business feel less overwhelming and a lot more fun. At KatyK Designs, we don’t just build businesses – we build lives people love.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
The moment my son was diagnosed with his disability changed everything. The future I had imagined for him – and for us – shifted in an instant. It was overwhelming at first, but it also gave me a new lens on life: we don’t always get to choose what happens to us, but we do get to choose how we respond. That perspective changed how I live, create, and do business. It’s why I focus so much on designing tools that give people freedom and choice – because I know firsthand how powerful it is to create a life that works for you, no matter what challenges come your way.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Fear and I? We’ve had a long, complicated relationship. Because I’ve always thought courage was the opposite of fear, but I’ve learned it’s really just doing the thing anyway – even while fear is riding shotgun.
For me, the fear that held me back the most was worrying about what others might think. Did I do enough to help? Was it worth their time or money? Did I deliver exactly what I promised? My brain loves to throw me a whole Netflix mini-series of “what ifs” that will probably never happen – but it feels real in the moment.
For years, I let those fears steer how I marketed, sold, and even showed up. But here’s the plot twist: fear doesn’t actually go away. You just stop letting it drive the car. These days, I thank it for trying to protect me, then I turn up the music, grab the wheel, and keep going.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
Foundational truths can be hard to put into words, but when you live them, people feel them. They know who you are, what to expect, and they can trust that you’ll show up as yourself every time.
For me, the truths are simple: Be honest. Be kind. Be weird. Be you.
If you’re honest, you never have to remember what you said. If you’re kind, you never have to worry about repairing broken bridges. If you’re weird, you’re free to embrace your quirks, mistakes, and oddities. And if you’re you – really you – you get to show up as your favorite self every day. That’s the kind of truth I want to live by.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
What I understand deeply is that life isn’t about the money. Don’t get me wrong—money makes things possible. But it’s not the most important thing.
When my son was diagnosed with his disability, I knew his life would come with challenges—limitations in some areas, and doors that might not open for him. But I also realized that I could create opportunities for him, that I could give him experiences. My business became the catalyst for that.
For four years, we traveled the U.S. in a camper. We hiked in state and national parks. We went to ComicCons, Renaissance Fairs, festivals, and conventions. Those adventures became the heartbeat of our family story—the memories we still talk about over breakfast, lunch, and late nights around the campfire.
Money made those experiences possible. But it’s the memories, the laughter, and the adventures that matter most. That’s what life is about.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://katykdesigns.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/katykaumeyer
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katykaumeyer/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/katykaumeyer
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@katykaumeyer
- Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/katykaumeyer/
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