Today we’d like to introduce you to Keri Gavin.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
12 years ago, after the birth of my son, I took a leap of faith that changed the trajectory of my life. In truth, it actually just returned me to who I really am, but I didn’t know it at the time; life is funny that way. I had received my bachelors in psychology and my masters in elementary education, but after my son was born, instead of going back to education I decided to start my own photography business. No training, No knowledge, just a whisper of my heart and love for documenting moments.
At the time, if I’m really honest, I had no idea photography could even be a career. I just knew as a Mom I didn’t want to miss moments with my son and I wanted to document everything. I always had a love for photography, each year begging my parents for a new and updated camera for birthdays or Christmas; especially when going from 110 films to a 35mm was a big deal! I began sharing on a personal blog, photos of my son and our life as he was exploring the world and I was embracing Motherhood.
Slowly, I began receiving requests from friends and family to take photos of their kids and their memories. Before I knew it I had found myself ‘in business’ and, at the time, I didn’t really know how it even happened! I was self-taught, no ‘credentials’ for photography or business, but I knew my heart was my compass, so I followed the path. Those first few years were very much a roller coaster! There were tears, there was frustration, there was overwhelming, but there was also fun, and joy, and love. I invested in coaches and mentors, programs and courses, and decided to hone my craft and my business skills.
Before I knew it, I was reaching the success I dreamed about, doing something I loved! I had received the Best of Boston awards, North Shore Awards, Wicked local awards and others. I had the privilege of giving families memories and moments that would otherwise be gone. I had the honor of showing families what their love looked like from the outside. I had the gift of documenting who people really are – connected. 2 years into my business my daughter was born. 2 more years after that I got divorced.
This was the second pivot in my journey. My business, often considered a luxury, was now the way I was going to take care of my 2 and 4-year-old. Continued success was the only option. Many people told me to go back to teaching, it was ‘safe,’ it would ‘provide for the kids.’ But I knew in my heart, that wasn’t the way. I had to trust myself, even amongst the outside opinions. I wanted to be with my kids, maintain a business that I loved and do it all my way.
Of course, investing in support along the way, but going back to the (perceived) safety of a 9-5 was not for me. Newly divorced and knowing I was meant for more, I returned to my passion for psychology, and I took a deep dive into personal development and self-help.
It was the gateway to my next adventure. While I have always been fascinated with human behavior, I have also always been fascinated with the magic of following our own inner guidance system – our intuition – our own unique GPS. My Dad introduced me to the work of Joseph Campbell when I was 11, and over the years I always felt such resonance of truth in his work; I knew there was more to explore.
About 5 years into my photography business I started to receive inquiries from other Creatives who wanted to know how I started my business and reached my success. I began coaching and mentoring photographers, writers, graphic designers, and artists. This was the third pivot in my journey.
After coaching others in various businesses, I realized the medium didn’t matter, success (whatever that means to you) is always an inside job. The work I did/I do with clients breaks paradigms, shifts thoughts and beliefs, and creates new habits of success from the inside out. It’s the only way to reach lasting success. In hindsight, it’s the thing I’ve always done.
Ever since I can remember, I have always been the one whom friends or family would come to when they needed to work out a problem, get support, or simply just feel better. About 3 years ago, I found myself completely overwhelmed and on the verge of burnout myself (on the daily) because I was both mentoring and running my photography studio full-time. Not to mention, being a Mom! I knew something had to give.
After some serious self-honesty, I knew I had to draw a line in the sand. My family was suffering, my health was suffering, my peace was suffering, and nobody was getting the best version of me (including myself) because I was too fractured. After working my own work, going through the work I lead others through, I found my answer. I needed to retire my studio and honor my purpose work in the world.
I was ready to actually admit that my photography work was a stepping stone in helping me find my soul purpose — helping others be who they really are to create a life and business they love from the inside out. I did the scary thing, I made another leap. Again, so many people told me things like “you have created a successful photography studio for 12 years, why would you walk away now?” But again, I knew in my heart, that wasn’t for me. I was meant for something bigger. Reaching more people. Changing the world one person at a time.
It’s so easy to let family, friends, society, or our environment, influence what we ‘think is right’ rather than asking ourselves what is right for us. My purpose work in the world is helping people rewrite the rules for their own success – to help people do it their way. It’s helping people live from possibility rather than circumstance. It’s helping people shift out of the expectations from outside sources and return to their heart of what makes sense for them. It’s helping people change the way they think.
I believe, when we shed the beliefs of what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong,’ we can access our own unique voice and thus our own unique path to success. I found my success came from when I listened to my own heart, every time and now I help others do the same. So now, that is what I get the honor and privilege of doing every single day. I am transformation and success mentor that combines the science of the brain with the intuition of the heart to help soulful entrepreneurs make more money, enjoy more freedom and have more fun by changing their belief systems, through what I call becoming Miracle Minded.™
When we train our brain to view the world differently, trust ourselves, create systems for our own success, we live in a different world. I believe we are meant to thrive in this life experience not just survive! I believe we are meant to run successful businesses so that we can have more time, more money, more freedom, and more fun. I am passionate about helping people change their belief systems because it allows us to become more present in our lives. When we are more present, we can create more memories. When we create more memories, we experience more joy. You can’t suffer your way to success. You can struggle your way to happiness.
The problem is, nobody really ever tells us that is the truth! My mission is to help change belief systems so we can enjoy our life and business. I believe that is the whole point of this journey anyway!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. What were some of the main challenges?
-Four years into my business I was divorced with a two-year-old and four-year-old.
-I had to ignore the ‘advice’ from others who tried to tell me what was ‘right’ for my family.
-I had to do some serious soul searching when I found myself struggling to maintain too much on my plate
-I had to leap (a LOT) before the net appeared!
I created a photography business that didn’t really make sense to a lot of people when I had my masters in education.
I retired my12-year photography business to focus on mentoring and coaching others, which most people in my life don’t really understand either!
I’ve had to retrain my brain for what MY success looks like and dismiss the critics that try to tell me what they believe is best.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am a transformation and success mentor that combines the science of the brain with the intuition of the heart to help soulful entrepreneurs make more money, enjoy more freedom and have more fun by changing their belief systems, through what I call becoming Miracle Minded™
I am known for helping people understand Universal principles and human behavior, so they can unlock their own unique path of success. I am passionate about helping people go their own way and shed beliefs that they have been conditioned into; creating a life and business from possibility rather than circumstance.
I am most proud that I have helped women believe in themselves, rewrite their rules for financial success, personal success and personal freedom in a way that feels good.
Because I owned and operated a successful business for 12 years, I have carried over the lessons and wisdom to help others collapse time and get results faster. It’s like creating a shortcut for those who desire more from life and business! They don’t have to go it alone and navigate the unchartered water but rather learn from my experiences so they can rise to their dreams.
My photography business gave me so much wisdom from helping people understand why the connection is so important but also, helping people see who they really are from a different angle and perspective. The same is true for coaching and mentoring. A shift in perspective changes everything!
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was always the encourager! I used to joke if I could be a ‘professional encourager’ I would be! I had no idea life coaching/mentoring was a thing, but now I know why I always said that!
My mom has always said I’m an old soul – I’m a nurturer and caregiver — I was always the one on the playground telling other kids to button their coats when it was cold! I was also always very sensitive and in tune… energy has been a big part of my life as well as being an empath.
Growing up, I was also like social glue, bridging the gap between social groups to be sure everyone was included. The connection has always been important to me.
I wanted to be a Mom since I can remember – and a close second was a teacher. I used to play ‘school’ all the time! I love that now I am both a Mom and a (transformation) teacher!
Contact Info:
- Address: 18 Story St. Essex Ma 01929
- Website: www.focusingontheheart.com
- Phone: 978-884-3807
- Email: Keri@focusingontheheart.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/keri.gavin
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerigavin.miracleminded/
- Other: Free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/miraclemindedentrepreneur/
Image Credit:
Lauren Bodwell Photography
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