Tell Me All About It: Q&A with Kate Sheehan

Meet Kate. She is one of my favorite people on Cape Cod, and although there are many reasons for this, here's one that's quite applicable to this Q&A: She is a super passionate, hard-working solopreneur who has followed her dreams of starting her own biz and is making. it. HAPPEN. 

In 2012, after 14 years in corporate communications, Kate decided to break out and do her own thing--which is a crazy hard (and very brave) transition to make. She then moved to the Cape, where she quickly made a name for herself as one of the movers-and-shakers in the area. 

Not only does she have her own communications biz, Telltale Media, but she is also one of the co-founders (along with past Q&A guests, Jen and Amanda) of LoveLiveLocal (an online lifestyle guide + host of numerous local events and festivals) and Love Yoga Fest (Cape Cod's first yoga festival).

The girl's calendar is maxed out, y'all. Like, for real. I have NO idea how she does it. 

Other things I love about Kate?  She's a fellow yogi, music-lover, and dog-child mother (we're on the same wavelength), and she's simply a joy to be around. She has so much drive and fire behind what she does and you can feel it in her presence, her posts on social media, and at her events. 

So lets learn a bit more about her, shall we? Read on for all things Kate...

What's the story of your biz? What made you strike out on your own? 
After 14 years working for two major financial services companies in various communications roles, I decided that I needed a break and a new challenge.  The idea of starting my own business scared me but also felt like the natural next step – so I jumped!  Two years later I’ve learned A LOT about being an entrepreneur, and about myself.  

Why do you do what you do (work-wise)? 
I like helping people who are passionate about what they do tell their stories more effectively. Usually they innately know what drives them or what their next step is, but sometimes it helps to have someone look at the big picture, draw out the plot line and articulate the story in a way that resonates.  

What inspires you?
The ocean has been a lifelong inspiration for me – a drive to any beach from Woods Hole to Provincetown is usually a game changer. I’m also a music junkie, so I get lost in lyrics. And the innumerable strong, wonderful women in my life inspire me daily to get a little bit better at some aspect of my life. 

What's your creative process like?
Tortured! Ha! I tend to “front-load” my writing or strategic planning process with a lot of thinking and researching and inspiration-seeking – then at some point I find my “magic” and the product usually comes out in one to two drafts. 

That said, Picasso was correct: “Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.” Cultivating consistency and discipline is really important for a freelancer, and it is something I’ve had to make an ongoing priority. I’ve had to get a lot more comfortable with imperfection – writing even when I don’t feel like it and putting something on paper before it is ready to my standards. The process is a work in progress, for sure. 

If you could study under anyone for a year, who would it be?
Diane Von Furstenberg’s quote “I didn't know what I wanted to do, but I always knew the woman I wanted to be” was revelatory to me when I was considering a career change. Her iconic wrap dresses made a strong impression on me as a child in the early 80s and her astute sense of business combined with a playful lust for life gets my attention as an adult. Diane is an example of a strong, independent, brave, vulnerable entrepreneur who defies every construct. I’d learn so much from her! (Yes, I’ve seen her reality show – guilty pleasure –but she has long been a hero.) 

If you had to give one piece of advice to women (or men!) who want to take the plunge and pursue their dreams of working for themselves or starting their own business or blog, what would it be? 
Starting a solo business is more work than most people anticipate – after the blissfully empowering initial days, there are almost no days off and you’re constantly thinking about your work. My advice is to find an awesome support team made up of a few types of people.  

First, your business life rafts: be honest about what you’re not great at and either outsource it (e.g., hiring a bookkeeper, using a virtual assistant, downloading a workflow app) or get coaching on how to be more effective at it (that can be informal – tap into all your networks). Second, your sounding boards: seek out other freelancers or people in your field, and make a routine of having coffee or drinks or a Skype date with them to collaborate, and sometimes commiserate. Third, your cheerleaders: entrepreneurship is somewhat equal parts super fun and just plain hard.  You need friends who believe in you and can cheer you on during the inevitable periods of doubt, or celebrate your successes. 

{Note from Mary Catherine: I LOVE this advice!!!!}

What's your biggest dream for the New Year? 
To finally go through my closet and assorted boxes from storage!  2015 is the going to be the clutter-free year. Clear space, clear mind. 

How do you stay balanced? How do you unwind? 
Balance is an elusive mistress!  Taking time is not a luxury, it is a necessity, even if only a few minutes or an hour here and there. Spending time walking (or snuggling) with my sweet dog Scout, listening to records while making something delicious to eat, having a drink with good friends, and watching Homeland or The Newsroom are favorites.

If you were exiled to a desert island and could only bring 3 things, what would they be?
My dog Scout, the survival kit my brother made me, and a notebook. Scout is my heart, the kit has everything I need to make do in a pinch, and the notebook to help me stay sane. 

How do you try to live a mindful life?
Living mindfully is a practice, and I’m finding that it really starts within. It’s hard to bring compassion and consideration to the world without cultivating it within oneself!  Of course, I’m (perfectly) imperfect. When I lose the thread with myself or others, practicing yoga and meditation brings me back every time. Getting on the mat is this amazing moment of “Oh, right! THIS is my best self. THIS is how I want to show up in my life.” 

Want to learn more about Kate? You can find her in the following places: 

• Telltale Media: Web / Facebook / Twitter
• LoveLiveLocal: Web / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
• Love Yoga Fest: Web / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
  
  

Thanks for telling me all about it, Kate!