We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Karen Loray. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Karen below.
Hi Karen , thanks for joining us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?
One defining moment that changed the trajectory of my career was the time I decided to embrace my second chance at life after undergoing brain surgery for Moyamoya syndrome. The experience was both terrifying and transformative, forcing me to reflect deeply on how I wanted to live moving forward.
The backstory starts with a life lived behind the chair for over 40 years, where I connected with clients not just through their hair but through their stories, dreams, and struggles. While I loved what I did, I often found myself yearning to have a broader impact. The passion to guide others through reinvention, personal growth, and living with intention was always there, but I put it on the back burner, telling myself there would always be time later.
Then came Moyamoya—a rare and life-threatening diagnosis—and it was as though life hit the pause button. The moments leading up to surgery were humbling, yet they sparked something powerful within me. I had no guarantees about the outcome, but I promised myself that if I came through it, I would no longer play small or let fear hold me back. I saw the surgery, which occurred on January 19, 2023, as both a literal and symbolic reset—a chance to build something new, purposeful, and aligned with my passions.
Emerging symptom-free, I had a newfound clarity: life was too short not to follow through on the vision I had been carrying all those years. I turned that vision into action by writing two personal development workbooks, creating virtual workshops, and providing life coaching services to help others navigate their own transformations. I leaned into the lessons I had learned from my diagnosis and recovery—about courage, reinvention, and the resilience of the human spirit—and used them to craft offerings that could inspire and empower others to design lives they truly loved.
The pivotal lesson in this moment was understanding the power of choice. We cannot control the challenges life throws at us, but we can choose how we respond. I chose to see my diagnosis as an opportunity to reinvent myself, to align my gifts and passions with a purpose greater than myself. It’s a lesson I carry into every aspect of my work, reminding others that no matter where they are in life, they too can create their own fresh start.
This journey taught me to embrace vulnerability, seize every moment, and never underestimate the power of sharing your story—it’s often the bridge that connects your pain to someone else’s healing.
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 Karen LoRay, a licensed cosmetologist for over 40 years, turned multi-faceted entrepreneur, personal development coach, and author. My journey has been shaped by resilience, reinvention, and an unshakable passion for empowering others to create lives they truly love. What began as a career focused on beauty and connection behind the chair has transformed into a mission to help others rediscover their purpose, embrace change, and unlock their full potential.
How I Got Started
For decades, I worked as a licensed cosmetologist, running a successful salon where I connected with clients on a deeper level than just hair care. I realized early on that my role went beyond styling—it was about listening, empathizing, and helping people feel confident from the inside out. My knack for seeing people’s hidden potential and guiding them through transformative moments led me to explore coaching and personal development as a natural evolution of my work.
A life-changing moment came in 2023 when I overcame Moyamoya syndrome, a rare brain condition, through successful surgery. That experience reshaped my perspective on life and gave me the clarity to pursue my long-held dream of expanding my impact. I decided to take the lessons I had learned—about courage, resilience, and reinvention—and channel them into a broader mission.
What I Offer
At Hey, Karen LoRay Consulting, I provide digital products, personal development workbooks, virtual workshops, and coaching services designed to help clients reinvent themselves, build entrepreneurial mindsets, and navigate life’s transitions. My offerings include:
• Personal Development Workbooks:
• Revealing Hidden Virtue: Bringing Your Vision into Focus with Vision Boarding
• Rise of the Phoenix: Reinventing Yourself from the Inside Out
• Entrepreneurial Reset
• Recipes for Living
• Coaching Services:
I help clients break through limiting beliefs, gain clarity on their goals, and create actionable plans for growth in their personal and professional lives.
• Virtual Workshops:
• Reinvention: Strategies for building a fresh start.
• Vision Boarding: Designing a life you love with intentional goal-setting.
• Meal Prep for Busy Individuals: Mastering time-saving techniques for healthier, more productive living.
The Problems I Solve
I specialize in helping clients who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about their next steps. Whether they’re seeking to reinvent themselves, transition from self-employed to entrepreneur, or enhance their personal development, I guide them through:
• Overcoming fear and self-doubt.
• Aligning their goals with their core values.
• Building entrepreneurial mindsets and habits.
• Simplifying their lives through creative problem-solving and time management.
What Sets Me Apart
I bring a unique blend of professional experience, emotional intelligence, and lived wisdom to my work. As someone who has reinvented themselves multiple times and faced life-altering challenges, I deeply understand what it takes to navigate transitions with grace and courage. My clients often tell me they appreciate my empathy, authenticity, and ability to balance practicality with inspiration. I don’t just teach reinvention—I live it, and I guide others from a place of genuine experience.
What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m most proud of turning my life’s challenges into opportunities to serve others. Whether it’s the thousands of clients I’ve worked with over the years, the workbooks I’ve published, or the workshops I’ve facilitated, I know my work has helped people transform their lives. Each success story I witness is a reminder of why I do what I do.
What I Want You to Know About Me and My Brand
• I’m here to empower you to create the life you want, no matter where you’re starting from.
• I believe in the power of reinvention and that every challenge is an opportunity for growth.
• My brand is rooted in empathy, creativity, and a deep commitment to helping others thrive—personally and professionally.
• I’m all about results. My work is practical, actionable, and designed to create lasting change.
Through Hey, Karen LoRay Consulting, I want to inspire you to dream big, take action, and live boldly. Whether you’re seeking transformation in your personal life, your career, or your overall mindset, I’m here to help you navigate the journey with clarity and confidence. Let’s turn your vision into reality.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Yes, several books, videos, and conversations have profoundly shaped my management and entrepreneurial philosophy. These resources have influenced how I approach reinvention, personal development, and entrepreneurship, and they continue to guide me as I help others unlock their potential.
Books That Have Impacted Me
1. Who Moved My Cheese? by Dr. Spencer Johnson
This timeless classic taught me the importance of embracing change, letting go of fear, and adapting quickly to shifting circumstances. It’s a lesson I carry into every aspect of my work, especially when guiding clients through reinvention.
2. The Game of Life and How to Play It by Florence Scovel Shinn
This book reinforced the power of mindset, faith, and visualization in creating a life of abundance and purpose. I often incorporate its principles into my coaching to help clients reframe their challenges and manifest their goals.
3. The Instant Millionaire by Mark Fisher
This inspiring story emphasizes the role of belief, discipline, and unconventional thinking in achieving success. It has shaped how I encourage clients to dream big and step out of their comfort zones.
4. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
Covey’s principles of proactivity, prioritization, and synergy have become foundational in how I approach time management and leadership. This book has been instrumental in helping me—and my clients—focus on what truly matters.
5. The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber
This book transformed how I view entrepreneurship, shifting my focus from simply working in my business to working on it. It’s been a guide for building systems and creating scalable, sustainable success.
Talks That Inspire Me
• Les Brown: His motivational talks on resilience, believing in yourself, and taking action remind me to approach life with courage and determination.
• Jack Canfield: Canfield’s teachings on goal-setting, success principles, and accountability have been a constant source of encouragement in my personal and professional life.
• Oprah Winfrey: Her wisdom on authenticity, purpose, and overcoming adversity resonates deeply with my journey and inspires me to live and lead with intention.
Other Influential Resources
One of my favorite sources of wisdom is speaking with seniors who have lived through life’s ups and downs. Their stories, reflections, and willingness to share hard-earned lessons provide invaluable insights that no book or seminar could replicate. These conversations remind me of the importance of resilience, humility, and gratitude.
How These Resources Shape My Philosophy
These books, talks, and conversations have taught me that success is a blend of mindset, strategy, and meaningful action. They’ve helped me recognize the value of adaptability, the power of belief, and the importance of creating systems that align with your vision. Most importantly, they reinforce my commitment to helping others see that transformation is always possible when you take intentional steps toward your goals.
These resources are the foundation of the principles I share through my coaching, workbooks, and workshops. They’ve not only shaped my thinking but have also given me tools to help others thrive in their own journeys.
Have you ever had to pivot?
In January 2021, my life took an unexpected turn when I had a stroke that left me unable to continue working in the salon, where I had built my career for over 40 years. It was a moment of uncertainty, forcing me to confront not just the immediate challenges but also to reimagine what my future could look like. While the stroke was undoubtedly one of the most difficult experiences of my life, it also became a catalyst for transformation, resilience, and reinvention.
The First Pivot: Reviving My Food Service Business
When I had my daughter 33 years ago, I started a food service business as a way to provide for us while maintaining a flexible schedule. I poured love and care into creating healthy, flavorful meals that were low in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats. After my stroke, I saw an opportunity to revive that business, this time catering to salons and barbershops with wholesome, ready-to-eat meals. It was more than a way to make a living—it was a way to share love and nourishment with others, especially in an industry I had called home for so many years.
Serving my peers reminded me of the power of community and creativity. I began to see this pivot not as a loss of my old career but as an expansion of what I could offer the world.
The Second Pivot: Becoming a Multifaceted Entrepreneur
After undergoing successful brain surgery in January 2023 to address Moyamoya syndrome, I knew it was time for an even bigger reinvention. I couldn’t go back to relying on the skills I had always known; I had to lean into untapped potential and embrace new challenges.
I pivoted into becoming a multifaceted entrepreneur, tapping into my creativity and leveraging my experiences to build something entirely new. This reinvention included:
• Launching Life Coaching Services: I drew from my personal journey of resilience and reinvention to help others navigate their own transformations.
• Creating Virtual Workshops: I designed interactive sessions on topics like vision boarding, meal prep, and reinvention to empower busy professionals and entrepreneurs to create lives they love.
• Publishing Digital Products and Workbooks: I authored workbooks like Rise of the Phoenix: Reinventing Yourself from the Inside Out and Revealing Hidden Virtue: Bringing Your Vision into Focus with Vision Boarding, offering clients tools to guide their personal growth.
• Building Websites: I even stretched myself further by learning how to design websites, not just for my brand but for others who needed a professional online presence.
Lessons Learned
This journey has stretched me in ways I never imagined, teaching me to tap into my creativity and lean into discomfort. I learned to embrace reinvention as an opportunity, not a setback. The process required courage, adaptability, and a willingness to leave behind what I had always known to create something new.
I also learned the importance of staying open to possibilities. When one door closes, it doesn’t mean your journey is over—it means you have the chance to discover doors you never knew existed.
What I Hope Others Take Away
My story is a testament to the fact that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself. Challenges, no matter how overwhelming they seem, can be the very thing that pushes you toward your greatest growth. Whether you’re looking to pivot in business, career, or life, I hope my journey inspires you to embrace change, trust in your creativity, and move forward with courage and determination.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.heykarenloray.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heykarenloray
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeyKarenLoRay
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heyheyitskarenloray
- Youtube: @HeyHeyItsKarenLoRay
- Other: Amazon Author’s Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Karen-L.-Scott/author
