Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kimberly Lester. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kimberly , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

I hope my legacy will be one that teaches my kids and grandkids how to be kind and caring. How to be brave and take on challenges that seem scary. I hope they’ve learned not to let fear rule their lives, to believe in themselves and know they matter. I hope I’ve taught them those lessons by example. I hope I’ve showed them that we learn from our mistakes and know those mistakes enable us to do better the next time because of the lessons we’ve learned…I hope my legacy helps to teach others how to enjoy life, be happy, trust themselves, take risks, laugh out loud, live with integrity, and how important it is to persevere. I hope I’ve taught them kindness and how to help lift others up. I hope my legacy gives my friends and family some of the tools they need to help make our world, our country, our state, our city, our community our families and each other better people who are living in a better place than before.

Kimberly , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a strong independent woman. I am a mother of 3, a Grandmother of 6, I’m a two war zone combat veteran, who retired from the Army at 21.5 years. I’m a newlywed and wife to a wonderful man. I am a daughter, a sister and a good friend. A few years ago I discovered I’m also an artist. My goal is to bring joy to myself and others with my art. I hope as time passes I become an artist who is successful and has the ability to develop and support other upcoming artists in their success.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn that I was not an artist. When I was in Kindergarten, I had an art assignment followed by recess. . I drew a picture of a house, a yard, a swings and stick figures of my mom and I holding hands. I was really proud of that picture, and eagerly showed it to my teacher, anxious for her praise and of course recess! She told me my picture was too messy and I had to do it all over again and miss recess. I was crushed and from that moment on my mantra was: I draw stick people badly. I never did anything artistic, always wishing I had artistic talent. It wasn’t until I was iny mid 50’s , I decided to stop letting my kindergarten teacher stifle my creativity. I picked up a paint brush and fearlessly created. Now at 62 years of age I have a piece of art that was selected by a juried panel and exhibited in a local art gallery. I learned words matter, and how easily a childs entire life can be impacted by one negative experience. I learned not to let others opinions jade how I see myself, or limit my abilities. And I was reminded of how important it is to celebrate a childs accomplishments in a kind and loving way….. I learned to not be afraid of making mistakes, or not being “good enough” and to believe in myself and above to let my creativity freely flow!

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I was in my 20’s I was living on the bad side of town, unemployed and at that time I had 2 daughters. Our country was in a deep recession. I knew I had to change course and provide. my children with the security and safety they deserved. I joined the Army and left for basic training when my youngest daughter was 10 months old. 21.5 years and two war zones later I retired from the Army. When I joined people thought I was crazy leaving my 2 1/2 year old and 10 month old and heading off to basic training. However, I knew that my kids and I deserved a brighter future and joining the Army would help to provide us with a better life. Joining the military, helped me become a stronger, more confident and capable woman. It was the first time I truly felt like I was standing in my own power. . Lessons I hope I taught my 3 daughters and hope to help them teach those lessons to my 6 Grandchildren. I learned not to be afraid to jump because I am.a strong, talented capable woman and no matter where I land it’s going to be ok.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/kimaginesart?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551810461132&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits
I painted and took the pics