Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kari Volen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kari , so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Self esteem and confidence was something I used to really struggle with. I found my identity in awards, work accomplishments and other people. When I was doing well or being recognized in my industry, I felt good about myself, but if clients left or things weren’t going as well, I let that tear down my self confidence. I had to be really intentional about developing a confidence apart from that. I used things like journaling, prayer, positive affirmations and meditating to learn to love and accept myself for who I am. I also connected more with God and found security in my identity with him. Now, I feel confident in who I am apart from anything external and that is a freeing place to me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I created my own successful pageant coaching business from the ground up. I worked full time in the corporate world for many years and decided to pursue my passion in pageantry on the side. I vividly remember how excited I was the first time someone wanted to pay me to do something I loved and coach them. Through a lot of hustle, hard working and growing pains, I was able to build my business to the point where I left the corporate world to pursue this full time in 2020. I have been recognizes as one of the best in my industry, winning the Pageant Planet’s Best Coach Award in 2018, 2019 and 2021.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I think having good mentors is important. I had several strong mentors that guided me in not only developing my confidence but my business and who helped me when I needed to bounce ideas off someone or wasn’t seeing things clearly. I also think having a morning routine was important. As a business owner, it is really easy to just work all the time especially when you are building you business. This left me feeling burnt out and overwhelmed. Setting aside time daily for me, even if just for 30 min, to get my mind right was so impactful. Lastly, I think being a learner is important. I have utilized books, articles, podcasts from other successful women and entrepreneurs and have learned so much from their stories and experiences
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My parents have always loved me unconditionally and been super supportive. When I said I wanted to quit my job to pursue my pageant business full time, they never questioned it but told me they though I should and could do it. I think a lot of parents would have encouraged their children to take the more typical path but mine have seen my vision and passion and supported me ever step of the way. They always tell me how proud they are of the business I have built.
Contact Info:
- Website: pageantcoachinganddesigns.org
- Instagram: pageantcoachinganddesigns
- Facebook: Pageant Coaching and Designs
