We were lucky to catch up with Kara Kemp recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kara thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

The truest, most influential moments of our lives are usually not the ones people see. They are a culmination of each tiny “Yes!” whispered courageously outside the norm, strung together like luminaries providing light for others to shine by, and allowing the best moments to be experienced rather than explained.

In 2011, I made a major life transition in my career from being a hospitality catering crew chief touring throughout North America with some pretty legendary bands to saying “Yes” to becoming a General Manager for one of Tennessee’s leading Aveda salon and spas. I took a deep dive from a fast-paced, pressure-cooker career to a gentle coaching career focused on creating organizational infrastructure for a business… that was in search of an overhaul after a decade of operations. I had become an expert on eclectic career transitions where creativity and story was at the center of all my smoothest transitions. I went on an immersive learning curve to refine my coaching skills, combated imposter syndrome around every corner, and began incorporating a whole-brian approach to their business model: developing tools to encourage creative-forward team members to think more linearly and linear-forward team members to approach business with innovation.

I was stretching my comfort zone professionally while maintaining my side-hustle passion of storytelling and performance, which eventually became a production called the Bloom Stage. I discovered through juggling both endeavors the most empowering bridge of personal and professional growth was centered in story. I saw people light up with confidence as they got creative, reconnected with playfulness and utilized their story for motivation and success. As the salon business grew (ten percent year over year), community professionals outside my workplace reached out for mentoring and storytelling workshops encouraging me to get curious about creative coaching across more businesses and platforms. And Kara Kemp Coaching was launched.

Starting a storytelling stage and creative coaching business wasn’t just about turning a personal passion into a profession; it was about empowering others to tell their stories. It was sparked through a series of small “yeses” to my community and discovering in that process a gap that needed to be filled for using a whole-brain, creative approach for leadership. As I delved deeper into the world of storytelling and coaching, I noticed that many aspiring artists, performers and entrepreneurs struggled to harness its power effectively. They had incredible ideas but didn’t know how to structure them, lacked confidence in their storytelling abilities, or felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of organizing their information. Before I knew it, a yes to creating a story-centered fundraiser for United Way, developed into a decade long event with national accolades and inspired people from vast backgrounds to lean into sharing stories and implementing creativity in their management practices.

The Bloom Stage emerged in 2018 as a collaboration of established and emerging storytellers, poets, musicians and artists encouraging community, unity and celebrating the ability of art to honor both the diversity and commonality of human experience, and to satisfy a vital human need for connection. This local series brings unheard voices and art mediums center stage and gives access to all. Helping people find their unique voice, overcome creative blocks, and develop the skills needed to share their narratives with the world. And subsequently helped develop coaching tools to help my clients grow and achieve their goals.

One of the most rewarding aspects of running a creative coaching business and multigenre art stage is the continuous learning journey it entails. From exploring different mediums to staying updated with industry trends, I am constantly challenged to grow and adapt. This journey of personal and professional growth keeps my passion for storytelling alive and creativity at the forefront. Creativity is a key driver of innovation and inclusivity within communities. When communities embrace creativity, they open the door to diverse perspectives and talents. Creativity can take many forms, from art and music to problem-solving and collaboration. By valuing and celebrating these different expressions of creativity, a community becomes more inclusive and welcoming to a wide range of individuals.

In a world where digital distractions and physical distances can isolate us and we get a little lost in the influential moments, the power of storytelling and creativity in community building provide the luminaries of experiential “yes” that keep us shining. They foster connection, create shared identities, promote inclusivity, encourage learning and growth, and build resilience. Communities can thrive, adapt, and continue to play a vital role as they own their stories. In doing so, they remind us of our shared humanity and the enduring importance of coming together to build something greater than ourselves… allowing the best moments to be experienced rather than explained.

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.

I’m Kara Kemp and I am a speaker and storytelling coach for visionary leaders who wish to leverage the power of their personal narrative. For over two decades I have facilitated off-the-shelf approaches for strengthening work cultures and creative leaders. I have crafted systems, team retreats and workshops for companies and individuals in non-profit and for-profit sectors. I work with organizations and leadership teams on how to harness the power of storytelling to maintain momentum in their field. I am a firm believer that communication and collaboration are the keystones to effective work cultures and to encourage bold choices that expedite success.

I have an eclectic career history in management as a managing director of a theatre company, hospitality crew chief for touring bands, and General Manager of one of middle Tennessee’s largest Aveda Lifestyle Salon and Spas—named a top salon in the nation ten years in a row. I also currently serve as the 2023 Murfreesboro Performing Arts Laureate. I bring a whole-brain approach of innovation and creativity to businesses and entrepreneurs at various stages in their careers. A champion of people and their stories, I am the co-creator and producer of the Bloom Stage, a multi-genre art series, and the national award-winning storytelling fundraising event, United We Style.

I facilitate art-focused wellness retreats and an Adult Summer Camp in the tranquil setting of Historic Rugby, Tennessee. I serve as a member of Rutherford County 100 Women Who Care, Locally Owned Murfreesboro, Murfreesboro Little Theatre and Rutherford Arts Alliance named United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties Volunteer of the Year 2021, Athena International Leadership Award Nominee 2021 and Nashville Business Journal’s Women of Influence 2022. I will be returning to Outdoor Hospitality Conference and Expo 2023 in Kansas City as the closing keynote speaker.

Education, Training and Experience

Brene Brown Dare To Lead, certified trained
Brene Brown Courage Works
Qnity Tools Certification
Qnity for Leaders with Tom Kuhn
Neill Corporation Culture and Leadership Training
Red Chocolate Coaching with Virginia Meyer
Structure and Cultural Development
BA, Theatre, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Managing Director, Actors Co-op, Knoxville, TN
Dega Catering Crew Chief, Nashville, TN

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

When asking people their story- word of mouth has been the most powerful and effective source for acquiring clients or customers. When people recommend my services to others, it often carries more weight and trust than traditional advertising. I deliver exceptional service, encourage referrals, utilize social media and primarily network. I strike a balance between showing up for non-profit works I am passionate about and investing into professional development through industry events, conferences, and local networking events to meet potential clients and build relationships. Word of mouth often begins with personal connections.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Brene Brown- Her speaking at a conference sparked a decade of training, reading and made a significant impact on my coaching systems

Neil Pasricha- author of The Book of Awesomeness, is a brilliant read on putting gratitude and lightheartedness at the center of your days

Serious Business Conference, produced by Neill Corp in New Orleans each January, is geared towards the salon industry professionals but it has such a beautifully curated roster of speakers on wellness, mental health, growth mindset…I’d recommend it to anyone!

A slew of my own coaches and mentors that help me practice what I perform.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.karajkemp.org
• Instagram: karajkempcoach
• Facebook: Kara J Kemp
• Linkedin: Kara J Kemp
• Youtube: karajillkemp4144

Image Credits
First photo credit: Angel Pardue Photography (with “United” in background in white jumpsuit)