We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kim Selby a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kim, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I landed in ballet class at the age of 3, was in my first performance at 5 and I was hooked. The lights, the costumes, the applause and the sheer joy of twirling and singing was implanted and from then on, that was where I felt alive. I took all opportunities to be on stages, through dance, acting, reading in church, pageants, anything. When asked what I wanted to be when a child, I always answered a star. My parents encouraged me to a certain extent, but also convinced me that I needed to go to college for a “real” career. They knew, rightly so, that the world of the theatre was limiting in some respects and very few really “make it” . So I went to college for English, acted in every play I could, was one of the founding members of a women’s singing group, danced and tried to study as well. Life after college found me wishing to attend school for drama, but again, convinced to take a more practical course of study. So I received a Masters in Broadcast Journalism. (Similar essence to being on stage) Meanwhile, I kept performing while studying, in summer stock and then in off broadway productions when I moved to NYC. I have never stopped putting my love of being on stage to use in any of my jobs. I still act, dance and now as a Podcast Host, am finally utilizing that Broadcasting degree.

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 have done many things throughout my life, worn many hats, and had a variety of jobs. All of these things included elements of what makes me the person I am today. As a 20 something, after procuring a graduate degree in Broadcast communications, I moved to NYC to either become an actress or head into the world of media. I held jobs in advertising, public relations and publishing, all while performing in off, off broadway productions. I drank coffee on soap operas, sang for audiences of captivated children and lived a wonderful life. Constant auditioning while working became a challenge and I found myself in a dream job that utilized all of my skills. I was a traveling editor for GLAMOUR magazine. I was one of the lucky women who brought the pages of this iconic magazine to life in front of thousands of women across the country. Fashion and speaking, two of my favorite things were brought forth in this job. However, after nearly a decade in Manhattan I was called to move to the west coast. I became the Fashion Director at Saks Fifth Avenue in Palo Alto, producing hundreds of fashion shows locally. I also got married and had two sparkling children. When the store closed its doors, I opened my own fashion show production company which I had for over 20 years. I choreographed, produced and directed these events and really loved the entire creative process. Selecting the clothes, teaching the models how to walk, choosing the music and watching the entire production come to life – each step gave me great joy.

It was while working with non professional models that I realized how impactful positive coaching, a great outfit and jazzy music can be in helping increase a person’s self esteem. I worked with women from all demographics, including those who had previously been incarcerated.

Then my next act evolved. I became a creativity coach, held workshops to bring out the inner diva in women, and then during the pandemic I became a certified yoga teacher and created my signature podcast, IGNITE YOUR SPARK. I now share my stories of resilience, determination and wisdom on virtual and in person platforms as an inspirational speaker. I have had my ups and downs, losses, and life shock waves and have learned to continue to Ignite my own spark. Through classes and programs and real life coaching I have gathered ways to assist women over 40 in accessing their own inner light. I am an advocate of age positivity and I constantly encourage women to see that they are never too old and there are possibilities that may live in their imagination, but are entirely achievable. I put myself out in the world to be an example to others. Being silly, stepping outside of your comfort zone, being your authentic self – that’s where the magic happens!

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Resilience is taught from our parents and fortunately I was raised by two people who told me that I was enough, I was special, and that nothing should get in the way of me shining my light. I was also taught to look towards what is next and not what has past. That has served me well throughout my life of ups and downs. I can remember being disappointed at a young age when I did not get the lead part in a ballet production, or musical, but I just kept going, knowing something better was around the corner. It didn’t always magically appear, but I moved on and continue to do so today. Resilience is a mindset. We can’t change what happens to us, but we can shift our attitude. My mother passed when I was 22 and my father when I was 28. I was able to move forward because of the beliefs they instilled in me, that there is life after life and our soul lives on. I know not everyone holds to those same beliefs, however they served me well and continue to do so.

Then there is bouncing back after rejection. Whether you are rejected by a person in a relationship or rejected for the job or part you wanted, resilience is something we have to work towards. I just go within and say the mantra taught to me as a child, this was not meant for me, something (someone) better is ahead. You create your own path. I started my podcast and am in control of this part of my creative journey. When someone I really want to interview says no, I am aware there are thousands of guests out there who will say yes.

As a commercial actor, last year alone, I auditioned for over 100 roles. I got 4. That’s right 4. I’m not going to say I wasn’t disappointed when I was not selected, but I have learned that it is not personal, and I look forward to the next opportunity to audition. As I said, it’s a mindset shift. AND, you must believe in yourself and your gifts and talents, because the world needs each of us to shine our light.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I have often heard people lament that they are not creative. I cry BS at that. Every single human is creative in their own way. One of the most rewarding aspects of being a creative is sharing my gifts and beliefs with others, and encouraging others to find and unleash their own creative gifts and own the knowledge that they have them.

I started as a Creativity Coach in 2013 and worked with artists, writers, musicians etc who were blocked in their creative process. My own brand of creativity at that time was helping them get unstuck with creative tips and tricks.

I believe that as a creator, I have two major gifts. One is speaking and interviewing and the other is in fashion. Now many people don’t think of those two things as necessarily creative. My years spent choreographing and producing fashion shows was so rewarding when I witnessed non professional models own their own beauty as they graced the catwalk with confidence. Now, that is rewarding.

As I speak weekly on my podcast interviewing amazing guests in this act of my life, I am constantly rewarded by those who reach out and share that they have learned something to assist them in fulfilling their own life purpose.

Being creative means sharing a part of yourself no matter what, it’s just something we have to do!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kimduffselby.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimduffselby/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimduffselby
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-selby-88343513/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH_dPRo5KohK5wKMQJHx53A
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kimduffselby

Image Credits
Richard Shiu photographer Full body in black jacket Stephanie Rausser photographer photo in field