My life has been touched by some uber amazing women whose passion for life and the way they choose to live it have really inspired me. Some are bloggers, some are not, their lives are all different and they are all special. I feel honoured and privileged that they are sharing their stories and sprinkling a little bit of their awesome right here. May you be wom-inspired!
Meet Kim-Marie Williams.
Kim-Marie has to be one of Sydney’s most stylish Sydney-siders. There’s a lot to love about Kimba and it’s not just her style. She’s big-hearted, honest and she’s got the cutest bunny rabbits in town… But that’s not all. This is a woman who has dreams and make sure they come true. When you read Kimba’s story – I’m sure you’ll agree, she’s just so inspiring!
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Hey there! I’m Kim-Marie Williams but you can call me Kimba. You can find me hanging out at Kimba Likes, where I blog about style, beauty and life.
I’m a 40+ fashion stylist and blogger, studying for a Diploma of Business with Business Mamas. I’m married to the Welshman, mama to Boyo and crazy bunny lady for the Bunny Bros, Lord Carrot and Bowie Bonbon.
I’m an expat New Zealander who always bets on (All) Black. I can’t cook but I bake the fluffiest vanilla rose cupcakes. I believe in daytime sparkle, can always find the silver lining, adore a chat and hair bows are my jam. Nice to meet you!
Tell us 3 things you are and 3 things you’re not.
Three things I am
- a faux redhead (but with my green eyes and pale skin, it must have been a clerical error)
- the eldest great granddaughter and granddaughter on both sides of my family
- obsessed by home renovation TV shows
Three things I am not
- a minimalist. I love to layer my outfits and my decor.
- usually on time. I try really really hard, but I’m usually a little bit late.
- lost for words. Although I’m sure people wish I were occasionally!
Complete this sentence, ____________________ changed my life. How and why?
Becoming a mother changed my life. It was a journey involving IVF, 37 weeks of morning sickness, the sad loss of a twin, the near loss of Boyo, an emergency caesarean and the most beautiful 4.5kg 58cm EnormoBaby I’ve ever seen.
I’d been planning motherhood as a career move since my teens. I always knew I wanted to be a mother, but I never wanted to have a baby with anyone until I met the Welshman. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done.
What has been life’s greatest lesson?
The greatest lesson of my life has been to remain true to myself and my own high standards and expectations. It would be easier sometimes to go with the lowest common denominator, but I wouldn’t like the person that would make me.
What is your biggest achievement?
My biggest achievement has been turning Kimba Likes from a hobby into a business. My love of style and making people feel better about themselves on the inside by helping them look better on the outside has created a whole new job and business.
What has been your toughest obstacle and how have you overcome it?
My toughest obstacle had been my health. I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease in my early thirties, as the mother of a super duper active toddler. I had the inflammation levels of a woman in her 70s, and was constantly battling sinus infections and chronic oedema. It was tough!
My health team of my GP, my rheumatologist and my scientific naturopath worked together to give me the best life I could hope for. The Welshman was my biggest cheerleader and support and kept me going.
I’m officially in remission but still dealing with side effects.
Much to my shock, I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety once I was in remission. I call it survivor guilt.
I’ve just been diagnosed with severe endometriosis so it’s back to the health team, and the loving support of the Welshman.
I have an operation scheduled for October. It will be a tough recovery but I’m looking forward to no longer being ruled by my dodgy hormones and being able to make decisions about my life without factoring in pain levels.
Viktor Frankl says “Those who have a ‘why’ to live, can bear with almost any ‘how.” Everyone needs a purpose, what’s yours?
My purpose in life is to live the best life I can, and make the world a better place. I don’t pretend I’m out there solving serious issues. What I am doing is spreading a little sunshine in my local community. A smile, a chat, a kind deed. It’s the little things that make the biggest difference sometimes.
Most importantly, I’m raising a son who knows what it is to be happy and loved and who genuinely loves to help others feel better too.
What are your words to live by?
Words to live by? Don’t be a dick. We have a Pretty Fkn Embroidery hoop with these words in the prettiest of pinks on our family photo wall. Now that Boyo is a little older, it’s a life lesson for him too.
If you could have any mentor, alive or dead, who would you choose and why?
I’m super lucky that I have the most amazing mentors in my life already. Nikki Parkinson from Styling You is my blogging mentor. Caitlin Taylor from Chasing Cait is my stylist mentor. My husband is my life mentor. These people all make me a better person.
If you could play hookie for a day what would be on your list to do?
If I could play hooky for the day, I’d need a teleporter. I’d spend the day flying around the country and the world catching up with my far flung friends and family. There would be cocktails and Champagne, cheese and cake, plus decadent desserts. Lots of cuddles and chats. Singing and shopping. Laughing and loving. What an awesome idea!
You give so much to others, what do you do to take care of yourself?
I feel like I get a lot more back than I give out. I take care of myself by being kind to myself.
Every now and then, I have a lovebomb myself day. I schedule a day with no commitments other than R&R. I watch movies, have a nap, give myself a beauty treatment, read a book, sit in the sunshine, and eat something really naughty, ignoring all my anti inflammation diet rules!
My lovebomb day recharges me and gets me back on track!
Thank you for sharing, Kimba.
Let Kimba inspire you a little bit more…
on the blog
on facebook
on pinterest
on instagram
and on twitter
