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Name: Katie Kozlowski

Business: Loving To Be Me

Location: Wilton, Connecticut, U.S.

Industry: Healthcare, Wellness & Fitness

Reason for starting?
 I was hit by a taxi at 30 years old, and I recognized that I was not living my life as if I mattered and I was looking to others for love and acceptance. As a result I decided to change the way I was living my life and dedicate it to teaching others the value and importance of loving yourself exactly as you are. Society does not teach us very well how to be happy with what we have, and I believe it is the root of a lot of depression, disease and social issues we are suffering from. We deserve to be happy with what we are given and to use our gifts as we see fit — and that is where I come in. I help you find peace and joy no matter who you are or where you’ve been, and to me that is a gift without a price tag.

Related: Read about another Health & Wellness entrepreneur here. 

How do you define success? 
Success to me is not all about numbers and money. It is 100% about following through and completing your mission. It is about staying true to who you are and stepping out no matter how scared or unsure you might be. It’s about moving through the journey and showing up for yourself every single day and knowing that, no matter what, you’re being your best self. To me, I am successful because I am continuing to grow, learn and expand every single day, and I just keep getting better. Of course, bringing in cash is a great bonus and not to be swept under the rug. I love making money helping others, but it’s a win on top of an even bigger success of never giving up.

Biggest success: 
I am running a program currently called Express Your True Self with over 350 people in its first round. I have had many successful programs, but this one is just alive and buzzing with excitement. For the first time, I did not have to push to gain exposure and people flocked to it because it resonated with what they needed. You can read about it here.

Related: Announcing: The Passionate & Purposeful 

What is your top challenge
 and how you have addressed it? I found having the funds to begin was a huge challenge, and I invested over $30,000 in my site, self and my business before I was really successful. So I had a lot of debt for a while. I would not recommend this route to anyone! Instead start simple and small. Don’t overspend. Just be you and do good work and grow organically.

Who is your most important role model? 
My mentor Derek O’Neill is my role model. Not only is he wise and kind, he runs massive charities and manages to help thousands of people all around the world. Having integrity and honesty means a lot to me, and this man has that and then some. I also just adore the way he talks to his students and clients. He meets people where they are at, no matter how hurt or lost they are, and he always lifts them up. That means so much to me and is why I do what I do the way I do. I was taught kindness matters, and I adhere to it.

[box_light]Website   www.lovingtobeme.com
Twitter   www.twitter.com/iamlovingtobeme
Facebook   www.facebook.com/iamkatiekozlowski
Instagram   www.instagram.com/iamkatiekozlowski[/box_light]

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Edited by The Story Exchange