She’s a Woman On Fire! Meet Kim Davis

Welcome back to our ongoing series to introduce you to each other. She’s a Woman on Fire! member and we want you to know her. Please say hello to…
Kim_Davis_headshot

Kimberly Davis

Fort Washington, Maryland

Member: #00168

Member since:  2012

Please tell us about YOU, your family, your work, what you are “on fire” about, etc. 

I’ve been married 14 years to my husband Greg, and we have two beautiful children, ages 9 and 5.  After working with my husband part-time on our internet marketing business for many years, I recently left Corporate America to join him full-time.

Our company creates and places ads on the internet for small to medium-sized businesses.  We also operate a coaching and consulting business where we teach marketing, as well as host live events where we bring together some of the top leaders in the industry to network and share their knowledge.

Right now, I am on fire about how our company is growing.  Creating and growing a business is not an easy task and has taken many years of hard work.  I’m excited to see how it’s expanding and I’m enjoying the process of creating a strong business within our industry.

How did you originally connect to Women on Fire?  

I was originally introduced to Women on Fire by one of the authors of the original Women on Fire book, Vicki Irvin.  She invited me to attend a tea with her in Washington, DC and I’ve been hooked ever since.

What’s your favorite component of the Women on Fire membership?

I love the monthly membership interviews.  I find them not only inspiring, but educational as well.  I am always blown away each month by the amazing things that these women featured are doing.

 I also like the fact that no matter how successful these women are in their business, the interview and transcript gives you insight into who they are as people—their joys, their fears, their aspirations—it’s just like chatting with an old girlfriend that you haven’t seen in a while.

Your favorite part of the day?  

I like it dark and early, so between 5:30 and 7:00 a.m. is my favorite part of the day.  The world is so peaceful just before dawn, and I use that time to pray and receive energy from the universe to start my day, as well as make plans and dream about my future.   For me it’s really about using that time to feel inspired.

The last book you read that you would recommend to other WOF?

I love to read so I’d like to recommend two; My Foot is Too Big for the Glass Slipper: A Guide to the Less than Perfect Life, by Olympic Volleyball Gold Medalist, Gabrielle Reece.  It’s a funny and honest look at married life that any married or soon to be married woman will enjoy.

I’d also like to recommend any of The Five Love Languages books by Gary D. Chapman.  If you want to understand how the people around you best receive love, this is the book for you.  It has helped me tremendously in better communicating my love to my mother, husband, children, and brother.  These books are for anybody and everybody.

If you had an unexpected free day, how would you spend it?

I’m such a “doer” that I would probably spend the first hour or two of the day worried about the fact that I had nothing to do—but ultimately my dream day would be to spend a little time alone curled up with a good book, watch a little TV, and then meet my husband for a fabulous lunch at a sidewalk café in late spring, drink wine and just talk.

Your favorite city in the world?

That’s a tough one.  I enjoy traveling and I’ve been to a lot places that I love for different reasons, but if I have to choose, I’d say there are two.  I love Cape Town, South Africa for its natural beauty, and for a little urban excitement, I’d have to say Paris and San Francisco.  Oops that’s three.  This was a tough question.

Share a special Women on Fire moment or experience.

By far it would have to be the Women on Fire trip to Paris in 2012.  Words cannot describe how special of a time it was for me.  I was so blessed to have the opportunity to meet and spend time with such a phenomenal group of loving, caring women.  We supported each other in our pain, but we also shared our joy—and there was so much laughter.  I literally laughed until my sides ached at least twice a day.  These women are now all special to me and are never far from my thoughts.

Name another WOF who has inspired you, and why?

I would have to say Debbie Phillips.  I just think she is so kind and gentle.  It is rare these days to find someone who is willing to listen without judgment and allow you to feel safe when sharing whatever is on your mind.  I love that about her.  I also love that she is not afraid or ashamed to open herself up as well.  I think she is an awesome example of someone who is living their best life.

What’s your big dream?  

Honestly, I’m still trying to figure that out.  I have so many dreams and they often change depending on the day of the week.  I used to feel badly about the fact that I didn’t have the perfect plan mapped out for myself, but now I realize that it’s ok and that I am free to be open to whatever God has in store for me.

If you had the opportunity to teach a child one strategy that would help to guide her life, what would that be?

To maintain a feeling of gratitude.  No matter where we go in life, and no matter the accomplishments, it is important to be thankful and appreciative of all who have helped and supported us, and the opportunities that have come our way.  I think it keeps us grounded, and reminds us not to take anything for granted.

What is something that we might be surprised to learn about you?

I love baseball.  I remember going to the ball park with my Dad when I was a little girl.  It was one of my happiest childhood memories.  I have passed that love on to my kids, and my husband and I have made going to the ballpark during the summer months a family tradition.

Who cheers you on?  

Without a doubt, my husband.  He has always supported me in whatever I wanted to do, and encouraged me during times when I had no clue where I was headed.

What is your favorite “pig-out” food?

I’d have to say fried chicken—and not the fast food kind.  It has to be homemade.

What are the top 3 songs on your iPod right now?

“Happy” by Pharell Williams, anything by Rihanna, and “Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve ever faced and how did you overcome it? 

I wrote about this in my chapter in the new, soon-to-be-released Women on Fire book, so I don’t want to give it away just yet. 🙂

Your go-to self-care strategy?  

Honestly, the best thing I do for myself when I’m stressed out is to get some rest.  Nothing beats a good night’s sleep or even an afternoon nap if you can do it.  As women we are always on the go, and we are very quick to sacrifice sleep to get things done.  When I find myself feeling burned out, it’s usually because I haven’t allowed myself to get enough sleep.

When you reflect on your life so far, what is the first word or two that comes to your mind?  

Amazing!

More about Kim Davis…

In addition to being a partner in her husband’s highly successful affiliate marketing business, Kim is also a real estate investor and an active member in her church and her community.

She graduated with a Bachelor’s in Finance from Howard University, and holds an M.B.A. from the University of Phoenix. In addition to her many interests, Kim enjoys reading, traveling, and entertaining.

Kim has released a book titled “The Woman’s Guide to Creating Balance: 21 Secrets that will Restore, Re-Energize, and Renew Your Life” providing women with the many strategies that she has employed over the years to achieve her goals and bring joy and balance to her life.

She’s A Woman on Fire! feature is compiled by senior writer Becky Adams.

Super goal winners

While the rest of the country is snacking on Doritos and watching the Super Bowl, I’m propped up in my bed with furry Wilber stretched alongside me.  I’d much rather talk to you than watch football.

Honestly, I do not even know how the game is played.  And that is probably shameful given that I attended The Ohio State University during the years of football’s famous coach Woody Hayes and two-time Heisman winner Archie Griffin.

I am much more excited that my colleague Daren Stinson, who loves the Ravens, is over-the-moon they’re in the Super Bowl. And I’m thrilled there are several Women on Fire in the stands in New Orleans, including Women on Fire Book 2 co-author Kim Davis.


Woman on Fire Kim Davis is in the house … at the Super Bowl!

But, for me, the only way I can relate to the excitement people have for sports is to equate it with how crazy happy I feel when Women on Fire set their goals for the dreams they so want — and it all comes true!

So, congratulations to the Super Bowl winner and all their fans, and here are a few Women on Fire members who are my personal Super Goal winners:


Kira Karmazin and I celebrating her big success in going for her dream

Kira Karmazin of Atlanta and I enjoyed a long and luxurious lunch in Naples, Florida this weekend.  I could have talked forever to this inspiring apparel-industry executive, who while working a full-time job and raising daughter Grace, created and launched her dream-come-true clothing line.

Her fashion-forward, exquisite yoga wear company KiraGrace was recently featured by Hoda and Kathie Lee on NBC’s Today Show!

Emily Neal of Nashville set a big goal to spend a semester abroad during her sophomore year at Vanderbilt University — and voila, she’s is now in Copenhagen! Check out her exciting adventures — attending Denmark’s Fashion Week —  in her new blog.


Nothing will stop this powerful threesome– Laurel Hodory, Amy Marzluff and Carrie Saba

Carrie Saba, Amy Marzluff and Laurel Hodory, from Columbus, Ohio — all three amazing coaches and teachers — took a weekend getaway and winter hike to create their own Vision Day experience and set their dreams.  I can only imagine what we’ll see from each of them this year. Carrie and Laurel are  co-authors in Women on Fire Book 2 and you’ll be able to read their empowering stories later this year.

As a little girl, Nellie Partow of New York City sketched designs in her notebook and dreamed of being a fashion designer.   Today, with a dozen collections to her credit, she was recently nominated for the fashion industry’s Rising Star Award.  And now Vogue Magazine is recognizing her supreme talent. Way to go for your dreams, Nellie!

Carmencita Whonder of Washington, DC is set to announce her years-in-the-making business — Of Whonder — a line of plus-size yoga wear. Stay tuned when details are revealed in New York City on February 13!

Congratulations to Ellen Wingard of Chilmark, Massachusetts, who this week becomes the chair of the board of World Pulse.  An author and transformational leader, Ellen has nearly 30 years of experience in leadership coaching.

Those of you who met her at the recent Women on Fire Retreat in Chicago will remember her powerful presence and goal to advance and promote the social and economic empowerment of women in the world.  She is well on her way!

Congratulations to each of you.  It is a joy to watch you set your goals and dreams and go for it!

If you have milestones in your dreams to share, please keep me posted on how your goals are transforming your life.

 

Best-ever Women on Fire Retreat!!

My heart is full.

What an amazing, inspiring weekend with women from 22 states and Canada at our annual Women on Fire Retreat held this year in Chicago!


The fabulous women who attended the Retreat! (Photos by Heather Stone)

Next week I’ll say more about what it was like to be in the energy of all these dynamic, creative, supportive women who are making a difference in the world.

But right now, those of us on the East Coast are preparing for the effects of Hurricane Sandy, and I am sending love and hope for everyone’s safety.

Meanwhile, please join us in a few Women on Fire moments from the weekend! More pictures next week.


Chicago host and Woman on Fire Debi Lilly cheering!


The wise and talented Sophfronia Scott, publisher of the next Women on Fire book, shared our plans for inviting co-authors to participate. Very exciting!


Kim Davis, Dana Frost, Nancy Neal and Cindy Clendenin listen intently to Margo Frazier sharing what she is “on fire” about in her life!


Blue Women Group? Not exactly! Dreaming Big was this year’s Retreat theme.  Everyone received a blue-gel mask to promote relaxation, better sleep, good dreams!


My sweet mother Mary Lue Phillips attended her first-ever Women on Fire Retreat. Here she is, happy in the moment with Laura Benton, Meredith Schoenberger and Arlene Alexander.


Enjoying the Retreat with my best friend Jan Allen, a coach and life strategist, who moderated a panel on Career Leaps and Changes and also discussed on her experience giving a TEDx talk. (Photo by Jamie Eslinger)


Yoga teacher and trainer Laurel Hodory led us to discover techniques for becoming centered and grounded.

To everyone who participated in this powerful, engaging, life-changing Retreat, thank you from the bottom of my heart.  Safe travels home.  And stay tuned for next year’s Retreat date and city!

If you haven’t attended a Women on Fire event, I hope you will soon. No better way to fill your cup:-)

Angels to each other

Hello from Paris!

This past week has been the long-awaited, much anticipated Women on Fire trip and Vision Day® in Paris.

It’s been magnificent and I hope you’ve seen the many posts about our trip on Facebook and Twitter.  We want to share as much of this magnificent adventure with you as possible.

It was a deeply touching week here in Paris – and I’ll tell you why.

You might think it was seeing the Eiffel Tower for the first time …or eating at the Michelin 2-star Restaurant Helene Darroze … or learning to ride Segways and buzzing about the streets of Paris.


Paris by Segway! We had a blast zipping about Paris on Segways. The 11 Women on Fire from left to right: Susan Kruger Woodcock, Jill Dulitsky, Angela Ittu, Tandi Musuraca, Doni Belau, Debbie Phillips, Lisa Umberger Arundale, Michelle Whittaker, Kim Davis, Becky Adams and Jamie Eslinger

Or you might think it was shopping the fresh markets with a French chef. Then taking the ingredients back to his cooking school kitchen to learn how to whip up from appetizer-to-dessert (including cheese and wine) the most fabulous French meal.

Yes…

But no.  What was most deeply satisfying was something else.

The 11 women on this trip spent the week in Paris together sharing our dreams, our hopes, our challenges.  We listened to each other; comforted each other; cheered each other on.

That we could come together in this nurturing way was more touching and inspiring to me than anything else on this trip.

My best friend Jan Allen and I always say of each other, “as best friends, we take notes about life and share them each other.”

And, that is what happened when 11 women, most of whom did not even know each other before Paris, came together to share love, life, work, motherhood, dreams and goals.

More than one woman said to me over these past few days in Paris, “I had no idea how much I need the company of other women.”

So here in Paris, we laughed and cried and celebrated and turned our attention to next steps forward in our lives.

While you don’t have to fly to Paris for support like this (although I certainly would not stop you!).

Please know that sometimes it takes getting away in a purposeful and planned way to stop and take stock and breathe again.  And to be in the company of and to hear from other women to see the way forward.

So… 

What I would want for you are loving and caring women to spend time with regularly; women who cheer you on; women who accept you for you; women who celebrate how far you’ve come; and women who believe you and your dreams.

“Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.” ~ Jane Howard (1935-1996)

With love to you from Paris ~