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When deciding who I wanted to be my first guest on the podcast, it was no question about who I would choose. I met Katie Ziemer in San Diego about 5 years ago through a mutual friend, but we reconnected about 5 months ago as she started her own business, and I started mine. Katie is an absolute ray of sunshine, and someone I feel keeps things real (in such a glamorous way!).
If you don't follow her on Instagram, you will see exactly what I mean when you watch her stories. I wanted Katie to be the first guest on the Food Freedom Lab Podcast because she helped me create this idea and make it a reality. She also is someone I feel embodies this idea of balance. I truly believe that our happiest selves are our most balanced selves, and Katie is a great example of that. Katie is a mom, a wife, and a business co-owner, and working at another health & wellness job. And she always has a smile on her face! In this episode, Katie and I will be chatting a little bit about everything: body image, depression, anxiety, friendships, becoming a mom, leaving her corporate job to pursue something else, and so much more!
Her Early Life: Poor body image, depression, and a baby!
Katie Ziemer starts the episode by diving into what it was like growing up for her and when things began to change. She discusses what prompted her body image issues and how this led to anxiety and depression. It wasn't until meeting her husband that her mindset started to change. Katie began to appreciate her body more for what it did than what it looked like. It seemed like everything was falling into place, and everything in life was improving. Everything changed one day, and Katie found out she was pregnant.
Trusting in the journey
Sometimes when life does not go as planned, we have to let go of control and just let things happen. This is exactly what Katie did. When Katie decided to leave her corporate job to pursue something more aligned with the values – it was terrifying! She talks about how it was tough for her husband and boyfriend to understand why she decided to leave her corporate job to pursue something that brought her more joy. However, she told them they had to trust that this was the right decision for her… And with some convincing and reassurance, they finally understood.
Katie says leaving her corporate job to pursue something new and out of the norm was not easy. She had to work hard, but she wouldn't have had it any other way. Katie now works with a health and wellness company she loves, along with just announced her new business, Hazy & Rose!
Hazy & Rose is a clothing line with the comfiest tees, crewnecks, ball caps, and more! I mean, I think the best way I could describe it is comfy meets chic and stylish. I just ordered the self-love crew neck, and I am OBSESSED. Check them out on Instagram at @hazyrose.co
Navigating this crazy thing we call life
Katie mentions that her life transformed when she started living her life based on a quote by Rachel Hollis, “other people's opinions are none of my business.” She talks about how, when she finally stopped letting others' opinions keep her from living a life she knew she was worthy of having, everything just kind of fell into place. She realized that the only opinion that matters is her own at the end of the day.
The biggest advice Katie has for anyone struggling to leap is:
- Don't let others' opinions hold you back from chasing your dreams. We set ourselves back when we are afraid of others' opinions, but at the end of the day, WHY DOES THAT MATTER?
- There is never going to be the right time. You have to keep going and remember your why. Trust the process and trust that the universe has your back, baby!
Inspo Quote Katie Refers to from Girl Wash Your Face
“Someone else’s opinion of you is NONE of your business. You’re afraid to move forward because of what he might think or what she might say, or what your in-laws think. That fear will keep you small, will keep you second-guessing yourself, and will keep you from living exactly who your creator made you to be! The next time you find yourself second-guessing because of what “they think,” remind yourself of this quote.”
-Rachel Hollis
More from this episode
Katie Ziemer and I talked about how she changed her mindset, tackled what life threw in her direction, what it took to create her own business, and so much more! Even if you’re not a mom yet or motherhood isn’t in your plans, this episode is a great conversation about what happens when life takes a different path than you planned. Connect with Katie Ziemer at @heyykatiejay on Instagram and check out Hazy & Rose here.