We were lucky to catch up with Kim Staples recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kim, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

It had always been a long-held dream of mine to become an entrepreneur and make a truly positive impact on the lives of others. This being said, for many years I believed that reality was simply not possible for me.

I experienced several traumatic events that profoundly shaped my beliefs about love, happiness, and the possibility of a purpose filled life. Because of this, I grappled with deep-seated issues of low self-esteem and self-worth.

The pain began with the tragic loss of my father, who took his own life when I was just five and a half years old. At 6 I was sexually abused by a baby sitter and by eleven this had happened again with a family friend.

When I eventually found the strength to speak up, I was met with disbelief and accusations of fabricating these experiences.
These traumatic events instilled in me a belief that my body was an object over which I had no control, leading me to disconnect from myself and learn to dissociate from my own emotions.
Over time, I developed an overwhelming sense of being unlovable. 

Seeking love and affection, I found myself in a series of harmful relationships with older men who used and abused me. 

At the age of 16, I entered a toxic relationship that eventually led to marriage and the birth of three children. From the beginning, the relationship was marked by infidelity, emotional abuse, and control. Despite his betrayals, I held onto the hope that my love and dedication would change him.

The trauma of repeated affairs led me to develop a condition called post-infidelity stress disorder, akin to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Trust was shattered, and the cycle continued relentlessly. We had two more children together, and I remained in the relationship for a grueling thirteen years.
At the age of 24, a turning point arrived when I took on a sales job. 

This experience revealed to me that I possessed the potential for a successful career, dispelling the notion that I was unworthy of professional fulfillment. 

It awakened something within me—a newfound belief in my own abilities and excitement about who I could become or what I could create!

I delved deep into self-development and pursued a business education, which ended up threatening my partner and triggering his efforts to undermine me. 

Despite his resistance, I persisted, accomplishing things in school and professionally to rebuild my self-worth. It took five more years and two more confirmed affairs before I finally mustered the courage to leave him. 

I embarked on this journey alone, in my final year of university, facing unemployment and financial hardships. Despite these challenges, I managed to secure a two-bedroom apartment for myself and my three sons, relying on welfare support.

Within a few months, I found a new career in the fitness industry and rapidly ascended into leadership roles. I went from earning next to nothing to achieving a six-figure income within a year. 

The financial improvement was a welcome one, but in terms of the actual healing – my journey had only just begun!

My mental health struggles persisted for years, affecting not only me but also my children. My eldest son, in particular, battled addiction, and my life was in disarray. I grappled with suicidal thoughts and spiraled.

Eventually, I entered into a relationship with a wonderful partner. My unhealed wounds and fear of being abused actually lead me to exhibit toxic and abusive behavior towards him. I became emotionally unavailable to my children, compounding their struggles with mental health and addiction.

Finally, it was witnessing my children’s suffering that forced me to confront the truth—it started with me and would have to end with me.

I realized that in order to help them and break the cycle of generational trauma, I needed to prioritize my own healing. I sought therapy for sexual assault, engaged with psychotherapists and psychiatrists for my mental health, and took every bit of self-development very seriously.

Along this journey, I worked with various coaches and mentors but struggled to find someone who truly understood my experiences and could relate to what I had been through. 

I dabbled in a few different degrees of coaching but I recognized that my greatest impact lay in empowering women to identify, leave, and recover from toxic relationships. 

I developed the cutting ties method, a tried and tested technique I could use to guide women in catalysing their lives after conflict.

I ceased drinking, discovering that I could derive immense joy from being fully present in my body and embracing the natural highs of life.

And just like that, my mission became clear— do what I must to help free women from the relationships that bind them to everyone else but themselves.
Witnessing a woman fall in love with herself, recognizing her worth and capabilities, and stepping into her power to achieve the extraordinary is an unparalleled high. The most profound transformation occurs when a woman finds her voice and embraces her authentic self because that is precisely where her true power lies.
I show women how to cut ties, and then I show them how to bring the best parts of them back to life.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I entered this industry fueled by a passion to address the pervasive issues that affect women’s lives, particularly the alarming rates of women trapped in abusive relationships or dynamics. It’s disheartening to acknowledge that approximately 1 in 3 women worldwide experience physical or sexual violence, predominantly from an intimate partner, according to the World Health Organization. But it’s not just romantic relationships that can be toxic; many women find themselves caught in abusive work environments, where harassment and discrimination rob them of their self-worth and well-being.

Moreover, women often bear the weight of being martyrs or kin keepers, shouldering an overwhelming burden of responsibilities without receiving the support they deserve. This can lead to high rates of depression and burnout among women in relationships. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, women are twice as likely as men to experience depression, and the strain of toxic relationships significantly contributes to these statistics.

To lift women out of these desperate situations and help them rediscover themselves, a dire need for support exists. That’s where I step in as a breakaway coach. I offer a range of products, services, and creative works designed to address the unique challenges faced by women in toxic environments.

My coaching programs provide a safe and empowering space for women to explore their emotions, regain their self-worth, and develop the necessary tools to break free from toxic relationships. Through personalized coaching sessions, workshops, and transformative resources, I guide my clients through the process of cutting ties, healing their emotional wounds, and reclaiming their sense of self.

What sets me apart from others in this field is my comprehensive approach to empowerment. I not only focus on helping women leave toxic relationships but also on guiding them to repurpose their sense of self. I firmly believe that true transformation lies not only in escaping toxic dynamics but also in discovering one’s authentic voice and pursuing a life filled with passion, purpose, and fulfillment.

I am most proud of the profound impact I have had on the lives of the women I work with. Witnessing their remarkable journeys of healing, growth, and self-discovery is the driving force behind my work. It’s not just about helping clients leave toxic relationships; it’s about witnessing their transformation into empowered individuals who have reclaimed their lives.

To potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that I am here to support you every step of the way. My work goes beyond surface-level solutions; it dives deep into the emotional and psychological aspects of breaking free from toxicity. I am dedicated to providing you with the tools, guidance, and unwavering support necessary to build a life that aligns with your truest self.

It is the brave few who inspire me the most and motivate me to create a world where women are valued, empowered, and free to live lives of authenticity and joy.

Have you ever had to pivot?

There have been numerous instances in my journey as a breakaway coach where I’ve had to pivot, adapt, and rebuild. One notable example is the massive rebranding of my business and personal brand. I reached a point where I realized that my previous approach wasn’t working, and I needed to make a bold change. It was time to tear everything down and start afresh.

The decision to undergo this significant transformation was driven by a deep belief that creating something truly extraordinary requires the willingness to deconstruct and rebuild, even if it means starting from scratch. It was a defining moment in my entrepreneurial career, and I enlisted the help of professionals who shared my vision and understood the impact I aimed to create. Together, we embarked on this journey of reinvention.

Little did I know that this decision would have far-reaching effects beyond my business. It not only propelled my vision forward but also became a catalyst for my personal growth and self-development as a female entrepreneur. As I navigated the process of rebuilding, I confronted every aspect of myself – every insecurity, fault, strength, weakness, and everything in between. There was no hiding, and there was no one else to blame. The responsibility fell squarely on my shoulders.

Entrepreneurship, especially for a traumatized woman like myself, becomes an intense form of shadow work. It brings everything to the surface, exposing the deepest parts of my being. It demands that I confront my past traumas, connect with my inner child, and embark on the healing journey that I had avoided for far too long. It is both a challenging and transformative process, one that has reshaped me from the inside out.

I am incredibly grateful for this experience because it has not only allowed me to create a business aligned with my purpose but has also compelled me to embark on a profound healing journey. It has connected me with my innermost desires and helped me understand the significance of nurturing and healing my own wounds.

Through this pivotal pivot, I have discovered the power of embracing change, the strength in vulnerability, and the importance of connecting with my authentic self. This transformation has enriched my coaching practice, enabling me to guide women through their own journeys of cutting ties from toxic relationships and rediscovering their sense of self.

Truly, this turning point not only shaped my business but also transformed me on a deeply personal level. It reinforced my commitment to supporting women in their quest for liberation and empowerment, reminding me of the profound impact that can be achieved when we are willing to tear down the old and embrace the new.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Resilience has been an integral part of my journey, a quality that I’ve cultivated throughout my 39 years on this earth. And as I reflect on my path as a breakaway coach, one particular story comes to mind—a story that exemplifies the depths of my resilience.

In the pursuit of building my business, I encountered a period of extreme financial hardship. It was a time when I decided to leave behind the stability of my corporate career, taking a leap of faith into the world of entrepreneurship.

However, life had other plans in store for me. Almost immediately after making this bold move, my partner unexpectedly lost his multiple six-figure-a-year job. Our world was turned upside down.

As a result, we were faced with a series of challenging circumstances. We had to leave behind our spacious six-bedroom, five-bathroom home and seek refuge in my mom’s modest two-bedroom, one-bathroom house, with our four children in tow. The pressure mounted as I received countless suggestions to abandon my business dreams, to secure a conventional job, and contribute more financially. The strain on my family and relationship was palpable.

But in the face of adversity, I stood firm. I refused to relegate my passion and purpose to the back burner. I recognized this experience as an opportunity for resilience-building, not just for myself but for my entire family. It wasn’t an easy road, but I am immensely grateful that they stood by my side through it all.

Together, we weathered the storm, knowing that this was a temporary chapter in our lives. And I am overjoyed to share that our perseverance paid off. We have since reclaimed our own home—a smaller abode than our previous one, but it holds a profound significance. After enduring the resilience-building exercise of living in my mom’s tiny house, even a smaller space feels abundant. And the fact that we once again have more than one bathroom brings us immeasurable gratitude.

This story encapsulates the essence of my resilience. It symbolizes the unwavering determination to stay true to my purpose, even when faced with immense challenges. It demonstrates the strength I drew upon to navigate the difficulties and emerge stronger on the other side.

Resilience is not just a word—it is a way of life for me. It fuels my commitment to supporting women in their pursuit of freedom and self-discovery. I stand as living proof that resilience can lead to incredible growth and fulfillment, even in the face of the most challenging circumstances.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cuttingties.coach/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberly_staples/
• Facebook: https://clapperapp.com/Kim_Staples?is_invite=1&r=0J0lG0bZJ1&c=in&m=sm www.facebook.com/kimberlystaplesxx?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlystaples
• Other: https://clapperapp.com/Kim_Staples?is_invite=1&r=0J0lG0bZJ1&c=in&m=sm

Image Credits
Amanda Tedesco