Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kim Tootell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kim, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

After spending 24 years in the fast-paced apparel industry in New York City, I reached a point where I knew something had to change. On paper, I had built a successful career — but behind the scenes, I was running on empty. I was constantly fatigued, struggling to focus, gaining weight in my midsection, and wondering why I no longer felt like myself.

At first, I didn’t realize I was going through perimenopause. I just knew that something inside me was off. So, I took what felt like the biggest risk of my life — I stepped away from the only career I had ever known to focus on my health and truly take care of myself. I dove deep into learning everything I could about nutrition, hormones, and movement. Through that process, I discovered that food is medicine and that strategic workouts — not endless cardio — could completely transform my energy, my body, and my mindset.

What started as a personal journey of healing became a calling. As I started to feel stronger, more vibrant, and more like me again, I realized I wanted to help other women do the same. That decision — to walk away from a decades-long career and build something entirely new — was terrifying, but it’s been the most rewarding risk I’ve ever taken. Today, I help women in midlife reclaim their energy, rebuild their confidence, and understand that they’re not “broken” — their bodies just need to be supported differently.

Taking that leap didn’t just change my career. It changed my life — and now it’s changing the lives of the women I have the privilege to coach.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Kim Tootell, and I’m the founder of KAT Health & Wellness Coaching LLC, a coaching and lifestyle brand dedicated to helping women—especially those 40 and over—reclaim their energy, confidence, and strength through simple, sustainable nutrition and fitness strategies.

Before becoming a certified FASTer Way to Fat Loss coach, I spent 24 years as a sales executive in the apparel industry in New York City. My career was fast-paced and rewarding, but as I transitioned to life on the West Coast, I started to experience extreme fatigue, brain fog, and stubborn belly fat. I didn’t realize at the time that I was in perimenopause—and like so many women, I felt frustrated, unseen, and stuck.

That personal struggle became my turning point. When I discovered the FASTer Way program, everything changed. I learned how to fuel my body with whole foods, move with intention, and finally rebuild lean muscle. I regained my energy, my clarity, and my confidence. It inspired me to become certified so I could help other women navigate this same season of life feeling empowered, not defeated.

Through KAT Health & Wellness, I offer a range of services including:

*21-Day Foundational Resets for busy women who need a structured, results-driven jumpstart
*Corporate wellness programs and lunch-and-learns that address women’s health, nutrition, and energy optimization in the workplace
*Wellness retreats and community events that create space for connection, movement, and restoration
*And a wellness product called Solstice Ritual Magnesium Butter to support deeper rest and recovery.

What sets me apart is that I lead with empathy and authenticity. I’ve walked this same path—I’ve been exhausted, overworked, and trying to do it all. Everything I teach, I’ve either done myself or am doing right alongside my clients. I coach from the trenches, with my sleeves rolled up. My clients know that I see them…I am them.

I’m most proud of my clients’ transformations—women rediscovering their energy, rebuilding confidence, and finally understanding their bodies again. My mission is to help women realize that it’s never too late to feel strong, vibrant, and fully alive again.

If there’s one thing I want potential clients, followers, and readers to know, it’s this: You are not broken—you’re just ready for a better way. And I’m here to walk beside you every step of the way.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Beyond training and knowledge, I believe the most important thing for success in this work is genuine connection. At its core, this isn’t about perfect systems or flawless execution—it’s about people. You can have all the credentials in the world, but if you can’t meet someone where they are, listen without judgment, and truly understand their struggles, it’s difficult to make a real impact.

What’s helped me most is leading with empathy and authenticity. My clients can feel that I’ve walked the same path—they know I understand the exhaustion, the overwhelm, the desire to feel like yourself again. That shared experience builds trust, and trust is what creates transformation.

In this line of work, it’s not about doing more—it’s about showing up consistently, caring deeply, and helping people find what truly works for them. That’s where real success lives.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

If I could go back, I would absolutely choose this path again—without hesitation. The only thing I would change is when I chose it. I spent over two decades in an entirely different industry, and while that chapter taught me a lot about discipline, leadership, and drive, I didn’t feel the same sense of purpose that I do now.

This work—helping women feel strong, energized, and confident again—doesn’t feel like a job to me; it feels like a calling. Health, movement, and personal growth have always been passions of mine, and I only wish I had followed that pull sooner. But I also believe every step of my journey led me here for a reason, and that perspective allows me to serve others with more empathy and depth today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=KIMTOOTELL
• Instagram: @kimtootell
• Facebook: Kimberly Tootell