We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Katie Marie Brown. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Katie Marie below.
Hi Katie Marie, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
When asked how I found my purpose, I believe that is something I am still actively trying to understand. I do believe, however, that we all have a purpose. What I have found through writing my blog, co-hosting my podcast, and writing my children’s books is that I find purpose in trying to help people believe they are worthy and capable of amazing things and that they too have a purpose. Ikigai is a word used in the Japanese culture that simply translated means “life purpose.” They believe if one loses their purpose, they won’t survive. As I strive towards creating content that brings my audience joy, but also makes them think about how precious time is…I hope it moves me one step closer to my Ikigai.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My name is Katie Marie Brown. I am a self-published children’s book author and blogger. I co-host the podcast, Dittos in the Back and am currently working on a personal development book. My most important job is as a wife and mother. Before I became a mom, I owned an event decorating business, but I sold it before we had our first baby. I thought I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom, but quickly realized going from business owner to full-time mom is no easy task. I needed a creative outlet and that’s when I began writing ideas for my first series, T-Rex and Tuck Explore. My children bring me inspiration for my books, but they are also the best reminder to live in the present. I love focusing on little moments that may seem insignificant at the time, but those moments are what make the true memories. It’s amazing how often we go through mundane daily routines and forget to pay attention to the beautiful things happening around us. As I work to grow and make future me proud, I hope I can inspire others, especially women and mothers, to do the same. I have many exciting things currently in the works, but I am most excited about my second series inspired by my daughter, The Adventures of Ella Bella, which debuts this spring.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I think the three qualities or areas of knowledge that have been most impactful in my journey would be, most importantly, to stay consistent–even when things might not seem to be going the way you’d like if you keep showing up and putting in the work, you will eventually get to the place you want to be. Secondly, the ability to stay focused on your journey. I like to say comparison is the thief of all joy and once you start comparing your day one with someone else’s day one thousand, you will get discouraged and the imposter syndrome will start to creep in. That isn’t helpful and those negative thoughts won’t get you where you want to be. Lastly, continue growing and expanding your knowledge. Whether this means reading non-fiction books that can help you in your field, taking a course, or expanding your network of experts to reach out to, keep growing. Even when it’s scary–especially when it’s scary because on the other side of your fear is growth and to reach your potential you must grow.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
I recommend Atomic Habits by James Clear and The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson to everyone. These two books changed my life and how I look at tasks. One of my biggest takeaways from Atomic Habits was how to create a healthy habit. It simplified the process. I realized with his steps, that anyone really can create a new habit if you have the right systems in place. I don’t want to give you too much because I think it would be beneficial to anyone reading this to go read that book. With the Slight Edge, it helps you realize how to get just 1% better each day and to “course correct” if you get off track.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.authorkatiemarie.com
- Instagram: @authorkatiemarie
- Facebook: @authorkatiemarie
- Linkedin: @authorkatiemarie
Image Credits
Gold + Grain Photography
