It's been 16 years since I laughed and chatted with the hilarious and vivacious "Kim". That's what I called her back in our high school days. However, you will soon know her as Kimmie G., author, mentor, and CEO of the non-profit foundation
"Faithful August". Like most people, thanks to Facebook, I was able to reconnect with childhood friends, family, and classmates. Kim was no different. You can "keep in touch", if you will, with the happenings of certain people from a glance with no personal contact. Something I find my generation has an issue with from time to time. But since I have been on my discovered journey, I have been personally reconnecting with people, particularly my fellow Goddesses (women) whom are transforming their lives by not only discovering their purpose but truly accepting it. Through social media, Kim and I have been "liking and supporting" each other but I took it a step further and decided to chat with her up close and personal.
Below is my Q&A with Kim.
1. Were you named after someone? No, a few stories have flown around. My mom said my aunt Val named me, while my dad says it was him. Nonetheless, I am not specifically named after someone 2. When did you decide to create a non-profit foundation? After I had my daughter in 2010, I started to seek after a spirituality. After dreaming up this plan and going through life and catching a whole lot of curve balls, I trusted God and went full force in 2015. Embarrassingly enough, I had the vision since 2010. 3. What do you want to accomplish with this foundation? My ultimate goal is to see families who are blended, blend healthy and strong. I plan to offer resources, counseling and a team of support for people blending their families. I also have a mentoring program in which I have orchestrated a lineup of mentors to direct women ages 18-25 about finances, careers, image in social media, and more. 4. Faithful August is the name of your foundation. Is there any meaning behind the name? If so, what is it?
When I was thinking of a name I was in a hard place in my life. God had blessed me with these two young women Faith and Kennedi (who is biologically my daughter). I knew my passion was to work with families so I started with the two most important people to me. Faith is where I got Faithful and my daughter Kennedi was born in August. Later to become incorporated and eventually a 501c3 non profitable organization. That’s how Faithful August Foundation Incorporated was birthed.
5. Were there any struggles when starting your foundation? Inadequacy, fear and failing were a few hurdles I had to overcome. But the biggest thing was not getting discouraged at the amount of time it was taking things to come to fruition. Time was a huge struggle and learning to move at the pace God had for me. 6. What would you tell your younger self when it comes to the place you are now in life? Wow. Live. Hard times will come but that’s life, and I will survive 100% of what I go through. The main thing I would tell the younger Kim is learn from your mistakes after you make the mistake once. That would have saved me a lot of money, heartaches, pain and years I squandered. 7. You mentioned you just finished your first book " If You Are Reading This...You Survived”. What was your process when writing this book and what can people expect from it? It was a very interesting journey. It revealed that I have a strong love and gift for writing. It took me longer than I thought. But one thing I have learned on the journey in life is that time is what you make of it. I took my time and I’m so pleased and excited at the final product. It’s a spiritual self-help book that discusses life, patience, the benefits of putting God first, relationships and so much more. I’m not an expert on life but I think it will bless somebody’s life. 8. What are some things you learned while writing your book? I did self-publishing, so I learned all the ends and outs. I am so amazed and inspired that I actually pulled it off that I am actually in the process of book #2 before #1 is hot off the press. It stretched me. I put it down so many times and it would haunt me. I felt like I couldn’t write a book, but then I replaced that negative thought with positive affirmation. I learned to push myself and finish strong. Sometimes I read it and smile in disbelief.
9. What have been 3 key points in branding yourself and your foundation? 1.Consistency- staying true to my brand and not wavering to seize an opportunity that does not fit my vision. Being consistent with my brand.
2.Hard work- Working even when I’m tired and when I cant see the end result.
3.Growth- Constant growth is key in any organization. I read a lot and write even more. I am also going back to school to gain my masters or doctorate degree in counseling to expand upon my vison to personally counsel families blending or blended.
10. Personally, where do you want to be 5years from now? MARRIED, happy, masters degree, conquering my bucket list, writing more books and enjoying life.
Time for some fun questions. 11.What are 3 things you look for in a guy? Stability emotionally, spiritually, financially. Family oriented Ambitious
12. How would you describe Kim's fashion style? Busy is what my friends and I call it. Im the type of girl that shows up to a pool party with a mom swimsuit, heels and a fur if I could.
13. Who are your female inspirations?
My circle of friends, Oprah Winfrey, and Taraji P. Henson
For more information on Faithful August Foundation {{{{ Click here or follow Kimmie G @lovemekimmieg
Kimmie G.'s book " If You Are Reading This, You Survived" will be available on Amazon and Createspace on May 5th 2017