We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kim Doran a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kim, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I did not find my purpose, it found me. I was a licensed Private Investigator and owner of an agency doing what I thought was my passion as a truthseeker within the legal system. Until a phone call changed my direction and altered my life. A cancer diagnosis stopped me in my tracks and the process I underwent to get well has changed me completely. All for the better I assure you, however it has taken me on a path I never could have forcasted.
I went from investigating people to investing in people. From jails to meet with inmates, neighborhoods to talk with victims and court rooms to testify, to now being a leader in community, spending quality time leading small groups, writing books and speaking at local events to offer hope and encouragement to a population society has damaged.
The transition from the business realm to doing ministry still to this day awes me as I often think, “How did this all happen?” Yet, I know exactly why and when for this is my purpose. I can talk to anyone, I want every person to know they are loved and have a purpose also. I have seen and heard a lot of pain over the years and it has taught me how resilient people are. My own battle with cancer caused me to step up and fight against that disease because there was more I was meant to do in this life. As part of my will to live, I started writing daily, real life poetry and stories. I was offering myself encouraging words to keep going, to stay strong, then I started sharing those words with others and saw first hand the positive reactions it made. The combination of words and emotions took off and a new journey of published author became my reality. My faith heightened to a level I cannot truly put into words even though I call myself a writer but, I have no doubt I was designed to do exactly this. So I write, I speak, I invest for people, with people, in people.
Currently, I have four books published, each a source of encouragement to anyone willing to read them. Locally, I visit coffee houses and pop up events where I can read poetry, display my books and merchandise. As well as, teach a Writer’s Worshop and a Self Care Worshop for those wanting to explore writing for themselves and for those brave souls that actually plunge in and make themselves a priority. I am open to whatever comes next for today’s trial is tomorrow’s triumph!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I gather it is fair to say I went from being a professional business owner to taking a leap of faith into a career that is unpredictable and not always profitable. It would also be fair to say it has not been easy, yet the reward to my heart has been worth any obstacles I have endured. Over the last decade I have learned much and am still learning. With little guidance in this industry and with everyone wanting your services for free or next to nothing it can be a struggle to stay focused and stay invested on the mission. However, when it’s meant to be, which I believe it is, I find the strength to keep pressing forward. It has become very clear to me that words have a powerful impact on people and since words come easily to me, well then I must continue.
I write because I feel. I want others to feel too. Life truths can be just what someone needs to read or hear for great change to happen. I am not one for a lot of words, writing stories in poetic form, a message in limited words, yet with heartfelt intention. I also write self care that is doable and no nonsense. I promote a straight forward, no sugarcoating approach to stop making excuses and get busy improving ourselves.
The tree of life is my branding, which represents God’s provision. At book events I display writing journals, bookmarks, bracelets and earrings, each shows the tree of life symbol and gives me the opportunity to talk with others about my faith. Those conversations often become times of prayer, counsel and even healing. I just love how complete strangers can become bonded because an ear is offered to listen. Or a line or two of poetry read to let someone know they are not alone.
A few new projects are on the drafting table, no doubt there are more books to come. I am starting to see some new connections happen and new doors open. One I can share is an upcoming live talk show, which will be announced in July 2025 and airs in August 2025 entitled Unfiltered, so stay tuned. A lot is being discussed with great excitement and possibilities. If it feels right and will bring joy, hope and healing to people then I will proceed. Trying to not get ahead of myself and let happen what is meant to happen. Again, seeing where I was and where I am just makes me giggle inside and fills me with endless gratitude.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
First, is having faith and trusting even when I do not understand.
Second, the willingness to try something new. To accept it will take time and effort, but without forcing outcomes.
Third, recognizing my strengths and utilizing those skills, using my experiences both personally and professionally to reach an audience.
Advice is not something I offer for it can backfire if it does not work out. But I will suggest, if it stirs within you then follow that feeling, take that leap into learning and be willing to make mistakes to find what works best. Lastly, be authentic, with integrity and don’t speak it unless you plan to follow through.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My parents, although divorced since I was a child always allowed me to express myself without any barriors. I was able from a very young age to say how I felt. After listening, they each shared their wisdom of life. Both had a different view on many things yet encouraged me to stay true to myself and not fit into any mold the world created. So I would say by allowing me to express and be me they gave me the tools to help others express themselves and to offer wisdom where it may be needed. My parents heard my words and now my words are available in print for all to see.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kimdoran.com
- Instagram: kimdoranauthor
- Facebook: Kim Doran – Author & Speaker
Image Credits
Profile picture taken by photographer Jim Ferro
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