We were lucky to catch up with Kimberly Gilfus recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kimberly, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

My parents did a lot of things right, but one of the biggest gifts they gave me was a slow, simple upbringing rooted in nature and real connection. We spent a lot of time outside, working with our hands, doing things that required presence and patience. That shaped the way I approach life and my work now. I value intention, consistency, and creating space for people to feel grounded—because that’s what I was raised with. It taught me to lead from calm, not chaos.

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 Kimberly Gilfus, founder of Think Beyond Average—a wellness-forward brand that’s all about helping people feel good from the inside out. I’m a yoga teacher, boxing coach, personal trainer, and lifestyle consultant based just outside of Nashville. My work blends movement, mindfulness, and real-life strategy to help people reset their habits, reconnect with themselves, and actually enjoy the life they’re building.

I grew up in a slow, simple environment where we did things outside, stayed connected to nature, and valued presence. That upbringing shaped everything I do now—from the way I coach to how I create space for others to slow down and tune in. I got into the fitness and wellness world over a decade ago, and what started as teaching classes turned into leading intentional retreats, wellness activations, and lifestyle reset programs.

At Think Beyond Average, I offer a mix of personal and group wellness coaching, curated events like The Reset Ritual, and digital consulting programs that support everything from custom workout planning to seasonal meal resets and mindful habit-building. My goal is to help people move through life with more purpose, presence, and ease.

What sets me apart is that I don’t offer one-size-fits-all solutions. Everything I do is tailored, holistic, and rooted in real life. I’ve worked with high-performing entrepreneurs, creatives, and everyday people who are just craving a better rhythm. Whether it’s organizing someone’s wellness calendar, hosting a mindful movement experience, or helping someone build new routines—they’re not just checking a box, they’re changing their internal world so the external world starts to reflect it.

I’m most proud of the community I’m building—the people who return to themselves through this work. I want potential clients and collaborators to know that this brand isn’t about extremes—it’s about alignment. It’s about living well, in every sense of the word.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think what’s helped me build my reputation is staying truly connected to my purpose and my people. I lead with intention—whether it’s in a yoga class, a wellness event, or a private coaching session—and I care deeply about how people feel, not just how they perform.

Consistency has also played a huge role. I’ve been in this industry for over a decade, and I’ve shown up again and again—teaching, coaching, listening, and evolving. People know that when they work with me, they’re not just getting a workout or a moment of inspiration—they’re getting support that’s real, grounded, and personalized.

And honestly? I think it’s the human part. I don’t pretend to be perfect. I live this work. I practice what I teach. I share the behind-the-scenes, not just the highlight reel. That kind of realness builds trust—and trust builds reputation.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

There have been a lot of moments in my journey where things didn’t go as planned—classes were cut, partnerships shifted, or opportunities I thought were “the one” didn’t work out. And to be honest, that can be discouraging. Especially when you’re building something from the ground up with your whole heart.

But one story that stands out was during a season where multiple contracts ended unexpectedly. I had just poured so much energy into building relationships and offerings, and suddenly, I found myself in a moment of pause—where I had to either sit in frustration or search for the next aligned opportunity. And that’s what I did. I didn’t quit. I created The Reset Ritual and formed other partnerships from that time, and from that space—born out of the exact kind of reset I needed myself.

It taught me that resilience isn’t about forcing things to happen. It’s about staying open, staying aligned, and remembering who you are even when things fall apart. That experience not only reconnected me with my purpose, but also reminded me that sometimes what doesn’t work out is just making space for something even better.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thinkbeyondaverage.com
• Instagram: thinkbeyondaverage
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlygilfus/

Image Credits

I don’t really have many group photos! Sorry