Mox-ie noun: force of character, determination, nerve, or pep
Welcome to the August Edition of The Moxie!
Welcome to this month’s edition of The Moxie! I hope you’ve had a fabulous summer! As we enter the final week of the school holidays, I can confidently say this might have been the best summer ever—and here’s why.
In the words of Tina Turner, “we’re gonna take the start easy,” and that’s exactly what we did. The first three weeks were chilled, lazy, and utterly gorgeous. I surrendered to the balance of work and fun. Don’t get me wrong, there were moments of guilt about not working enough or not being the perfect mum, but I leaned into the gratitude of working from home and enjoying the freedom that brings.
My daughter spent a week with her dad, and unlike last year when I was totally discombobulated, this year I embraced it. I filled my time with friends and work, serving my clients really powerfully, finding joy in the balance.
We were invited to a grand house for a few nights with some of my oldest and dearest friends and their families. When I say grand, I mean it! The kids roamed freely through the grounds and the house—it could take 20 minutes just to locate them! I brought my silent disco headphones, and we danced around 1000-year-old chestnut trees in the evening. We hosted a mini-Olympics, with the kids making medals and picking bouquets from the gardens for the award ceremony. We slept like babies each night, and their dad’s carer (my new favourite person) said the reason we all slept so well was the sense of “togetherness.” That word resonated so deeply with me that it brought tears to my eyes. We’re not meant to live in isolation; we’re meant to be together, to cook together, to laugh together, to dance together.
My heart is full, and today we’re off for more “togetherness” at Centre Parcs with my whole family. I can’t wait!
In this edition, you’ll find journaling prompts to get you ready for the next Collectiv. session, the latest What's Hot & What's Not, a spotlight interview with Modes Vintage owner Lisa Dench, the current earworm I’m listening to (and bookworm too!), plus details of an in-person event in Edinburgh and an exclusive offer from Lisa Dench !
I hope you enjoy this edition x
The next Coffee Coaching session will be on Tuesday 13th August at 10am, and the next Workshop will be on Thursday 29th August at 6:30pm.
We’re going to be looking at partnerships and collaboration during the workshop session and I'm so excited to share my knowledge and passion on this subject - Unify to amplify baby!
Here are some journaling prompts to get you started:
In what areas of your business or your life do you feel collaboration could have the most impact?
If there were no limitations, what would your dream collaboration look like?
If you haven't already, here is the link to join us,
THE FIRST MONTH IS FREE!!!
What's Hot & What's Not, is the section where we keep you in the loop with the latest trends and what is falling in and out of favour. It is sprinkled with some of my own options, so take those with a pinch of salt!
What's Hot
** Olympic Fever: As Paris 2024 inspires us, everyone thinks they can do that gymnastic floor routine! So, get your athleisure wear on, get active and get your rolly poly perfected!
** Collaborative playlists on Spotify. It’s the ultimate way to share your latest music discoveries and create a shared vibe with friends.
** Pop-up immersive experiences – from secret supper clubs to art installations in unexpected places. The more Instagrammable, the better!
** Mental health breaks, Simone Biles has shown us that by taking time out to focus on healing we can come back stronger!
What's Not
** Sitting on the sofa with a packet of crisps watching Netflix!
** Listening to the same 90s Britpop anthems. It's time to update your music library!
** Boring, unchanged retail spaces. We want excitement and novelty!
** Powering through to the detriment of your health! Know when to stop and recharge.
In this edition of The Moxie, we interviewed the passionate and creative Lisa Dench, who has transformed her love for vintage treasures and mystical healing into a business. Her shop Modes Vintage is not just a retail space; it’s a sanctuary filled with magical creations.
Lisa has a knack for breathing new life into salvaged materials, turning them into one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture, lighting, and jewellery.
But her talents don’t stop there; she is also an energy healer and Seer, providing a safe space in her shop for those seeking guidance and healing.
Can you tell is a little bit about yourself and your business?
Absolutely! I’m on the other side of 50, living in the small Ayrshire village of Kilmaurs with my husband. I run a vintage shop in West Kilbride, which I opened just under four years ago, right in the middle of lockdown. But when I say "vintage shop," it’s really so much more. It’s a haven of magical creations, rare crystals, and oracle cards. Everything in the shop is made and curated with love. It’s an eclectic mix that has evolved and grown in its own unique way. Sometimes, I feel like I’m just along for the ride, knowing I have a purpose when I'm there. There’s a small sign on the door offering card readings, and that’s where the heart of the shop lies—it’s a place to heal, which often surprises people when they walk in.
2) You love creativity and making beautiful things. Can you tell us what creativity means to you and what makes your items unique?
I adore creating new pieces. Often, I get an instant idea when I first lay eyes on what will become a new piece of furniture, lighting, or jewellery. I take raw salvaged materials like wood or marble and design something around them. The thrill of turning an idea into reality and creating a piece that someone else loves is what fuels me. I find a deep connection with nature when I create, giving me a sense of peace and calm. It’s a healing process for me personally. Each piece I make is a one-off, completely unique. I don’t design first and then hunt for materials; it’s the other way around. It’s like the piece designs itself, maybe with a little help from my intuition. These pieces are made with love and respect.
3) As well as creating and collecting beautiful objects, you are an energy healer. What does being a healer mean to you?
I’d say I’m a Seer in the sense that I have a knowing. This might come as a picture, a word, a feeling, an overlay of a past life, or sometimes like watching a film. The healing part is creating a safe space in the shop where information is exchanged, and people choose what to do with it. Essentially, they heal themselves; I just provide the surroundings and messages. Often, people wander into the shop without quite knowing why but feel a desire to stay. Being a Seer isn’t something I chose, but it’s a complete alignment for me—it’s what I’m meant to do. It’s fulfilling to see people come in burdened and leave a bit lighter. I can’t imagine not helping others.
4) Describe a moment or experience that was a turning point in your life or career. How did it impact you?
One of those pivotal moments was the day I walked into the shop for the first time. I had no idea how my life would change. I felt a powerful sense of trust in this new venture. My human side was shouting, “Are you mad!?!” because it was in the middle of the two lockdowns, not the best of times, but it worked out perfectly. Two years later, I left my job of 27 years and haven’t looked back! I was ready for a change and had no idea what lay ahead. I now know I was stepping into joy, fulfilment, and a sense of purpose.
5) How has coaching or working with me helped you in achieving your goals or vision?
Working with Kat has given me a sense of being understood. When we spoke, she saw all the complex facets of who I am and what my business is about. Kat pulled all the elements together in a way I hadn’t seen before, probably because I’m too close to it. Perspective is so important in business. She helped me develop ideas and made them actionable. Kat is so easy to talk to—it felt like chatting with a friend, and by the end, we had great avenues to explore and concrete goals to move forward with right away. You made it so easy, and I wouldn’t have gotten there on my own. Thank you, Kat!
6) What are your future aspirations or goals, and how do you plan to continue growing and evolving?
I’ve been contemplating this last question the most: What are my plans for the future? I have lots of ideas and hopes, but ultimately, my only plan is to trust and listen. Social expectations might dictate that I should have grand goals and a clear direction for growing my business. One of my aims is to connect with more people.
Since opening the shop, I’ve been aware that I’m being guided. Initially, I resisted these nudges and whispers, but over time, I realized I had to act on them, whether they felt comfortable or not. Some things have worked out beautifully, and some have been challenging. I've learned from all these experiences, so I try to remain open to what my soul wants me to do. If I get in the way with grand plans, I might miss what’s truly important and what I’m meant to do. It’s about the bigger picture, not the short game.
Follow Modes Vintage here:
Earworm...
Homie Don't Shake
Fcukers
There aren’t many lyrics in Fcukers’ new track, but the few that feature are pure gold and worthy of a T-shirt slogan – “Say you’ll DJ at my wake,” and “Champagne in my cornflakes,” delivered with deadpan brilliance. Love this New York trio’s signature ‘90s house vibe, featuring a bouncy bassline, infectious synths, punchy guitar riffs, oh and a cheeky cow bell!
This is your Brat summer anthem, guaranteed to get you moving!
Bookworm...
Blue Sisters
Coco Mellors
My summer read has been Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors. It tells the story of three sisters grieving the death of the their youngest sister Nicky.
Its a story about what unconditional love can look like, sometimes messy, not always smooth, but also profound and life-affirming!
Lit the F* Up
07 Sept 2024, 13:30 – 16:30
Lifecare Centre, Edinburgh.
Get clear on what YOU want, burn what is holding you back this Autumn! Join us and break free from the mundane. We will be shedding the patterns and behaviours that hold us back and supporting you to focus on what lights you up! With your signature blend of fun, movement and powerful exercises. Only £39
I hope you enjoyed this edition of The Moxie! If you have any questions or if you're curious about working with me one-on-one, don't hesitate to get in touch. let's explore the possibilities together!
Have a fabulous August!
See you soon
Kat x
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