We were lucky to catch up with Julie Kaminski recently and have shared our conversation below.
Julie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’re complete cheeseballs and so we love asking folks to share the most heartwarming moment from their career – do you have a touching moment you can share with us?
My passion has always been to help women thrive, guiding them toward fulfilling lives enriched with health, happiness, and self-empowerment. Among the many women I’ve had the privilege to work with, one client’s story stands out as a testament to the transformative power of coaching and the resilience of the human spirit.
When she first came to me, her goal was simple yet profound: she wanted to lose weight. Together, we explored her journey from multiple angles, tailoring a plan that nurtured both her physical and emotional well-being. Beyond nutrition and exercise, we focused on mindful eating and navigating social settings—like dining with friends—in ways that honored her goals without sacrificing connection or joy.
One pivotal part of our work together involved addressing the inner voice that had been sabotaging her progress for years. Through compassion, self-reflection, and practical strategies, she began to reframe her mindset, replacing self-criticism with encouragement. Her efforts paid off: she achieved her weight-loss goals, but more importantly, she gained confidence and a new perspective on her ability to lead a vibrant, healthy life.
As we approached the conclusion of our work, she mentioned that she was overdue for a mammogram—something she had been putting off. Recognizing the importance of this, we turned it into an opportunity for self-care and celebration. I offered to join her, and together we made a day of it, scheduling our mammograms and treating ourselves to a lovely lunch afterward.
It was a decision that saved her life. Days later, she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer, caught at one of its earliest stages. What could have been devastating news became a story of early detection and hope. She faced her treatment with incredible strength and resilience, bolstered by the support of her loved ones and the self-empowerment she had cultivated through our work together.
Today, seven years later, she is cancer-free and thriving. She continues to embrace life with gratitude and vibrancy, inspiring everyone around her. Her journey reminds me why I do what I do. Coaching is not just about helping women achieve goals; it’s about empowering them to prioritize their well-being, discover their strength, and embrace the fullness of life.
Her story is a beacon of hope and a powerful reminder that small, intentional actions can lead to life-changing outcomes. It’s moments like these that fuel my passion for helping women thrive, mind and body.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
ABOUT JULIE KAMINSKI
Hi, I’m Julie—health coach, counselor, and personal trainer with over 30 years of experience in fitness and wellness. My passion for movement began in my youth as a synchronized swimmer. Picture this: nose plugs, hair slicked back with gelatin, and the electrifying energy of music and team spirit. Those early days shaped me, and even after my university team disbanded and pool time became a thing of the past, I found new ways to stay connected to the joy of movement.
From competing in the first Olympic trials for synchronized swimming to teaching what we used to call “aerobics,” I’ve watched the fitness world evolve far beyond leotards and leg warmers. Today, I’m just as passionate about helping people feel their best—stronger, healthier, and more confident in their own skin.
Life led me from fitness to a broader focus on wellness. After earning a master’s degree in counseling, I worked with survivors of violent crime, chaired the renovation of a local domestic violence shelter, and earned a coaching certificate from Wellcoaches. I’m proud to have become one of the world’s first board-certified health coaches, blending the art and science of helping people thrive.
Wellness is deeply personal. What works for one person might not work for another. That’s where the magic happens: discovering your unique recipe for health and happiness.
Along the way, I developed the SAVOR Method, a framework designed to help people uncover their personal recipe for wellness. SAVOR stands for:
Sustenance: What you eat and why.
Activity: How you move your body.
Vitality: How genetics and medical factors influence your health.
Organization: How you manage stress.
Refuelment: How positive psychology elements—Positive Emotions, Engagement, Positive Relationships, Meaning, and Achievement—show up in your life.
This approach empowers individuals to align their choices with what truly matters to them, creating a foundation for lasting health and happiness.
For me, health and happiness often look like this: a quiet morning with coffee and a crossword puzzle, exercise before noon, and laughing over dinner with my husband and three kids. Your ideal day will look different—and that’s the beauty of it.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
A Time I Had to Pivot My Business
A pivotal moment during the pandemic stands out vividly in my memory. I was sitting on my couch, watching the news, when a story aired about a celebrity raising funds for those in need by auctioning donations from other celebrities. As I listened, I felt a pull—a question I couldn’t ignore: What could I do to make a difference?
That moment inspired the creation of Heart and Soul Book Chats with The Walking Book Club®. Originally, I started The Walking Book Club® to help clients engage their minds and bodies by listening to audiobooks while being active, making movement more enjoyable. As the pandemic reshaped our lives, the demand for safe, meaningful ways to exercise surged, and our community experienced remarkable growth—spanning not just local groups but a global network.
Recognizing the need for connection during such an isolating time, I decided to amplify our mission by pairing literature with philanthropy. I contacted several authors, and to my delight, Jeanine Cummins, the New York Times’ #1 best-selling author of American Dirt, said yes. Her participation in one of our first Heart and Soul Book Chats raised $1,500 for the International Rescue Committee.
This event became the foundation of a series in which authors partnered with our community to support charitable causes. During the pandemic, our collective efforts raised over $10,000 for various organizations, transforming a time of uncertainty into one of connection, purpose, and hope.
Pivoting my business in this way not only allowed The Walking Book Club® to thrive during a challenging time but also underscored the power of community and creativity in making a meaningful impact. It reminds us that even in the toughest of times, we can connect, adapt, and give back in ways that inspire both ourselves and others.
Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?
Would I Change My Profession if I Could Go Back?
Absolutely not! When I reflect on my journey, it’s clear that every step has deepened my passion and purpose. The initial spark for my career came during my junior year of college when I took a graduate-level class on stress management. At the time, the mind-body connection was just beginning to gain traction, and it fascinated me. That fascination evolved into a lifelong commitment to wellness and well-being.
Throughout my life, the thread of helping others thrive has grown stronger. My interest in wellness was nurtured by the joy I found working with groups engaged in physical activity—whether through synchronized swimming, teaching group fitness, leading group counseling, or small group training. There’s something magical about the energy and connection that emerges in these settings.
Philanthropy has also been a core part of my journey. From my college days with Camp Wildcat to organizing filled backpacks for children entering the foster system, renovating a domestic violence shelter, and other efforts, I’ve always been driven to help women and children in need. I genuinely believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive.
Each decade of my life has added layers to my calling. The work I do now—helping women live fuller, healthier lives—is not just a profession; it’s a passion shaped by years of learning, experience, and heart. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. Every step has brought me here to a place where I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Contact Info:
- Website: [email protected]
- Instagram: @juliekaminski
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheWalkingBookClub
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-kaminski-healthy-happy/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@juliekaminski5370
Image Credits
Anna Laura Photography