Katie Oman is a women’s empowerment coach, author, book coach, motivational speaker and event organiser. She works with women across the globe the help them see their true potential and lift them to their highest heights. She is the author of nine books to date, including Happiness: Make Your Soul Smile, which was published by O Books. Katie has also coached women to write and publish their own books, and the program has seen ten books be released to date with more in development. Katie is the events director for the company ProspHER, helping to bring festivals across the UK and beyond.
Thank you for interviewing with us today, can you introduce yourself to us?
My name is Katie Oman and trying to introduce yourself can be a challenge- especially when there’s so much to say! The key thing about me is that I am a woman who has many strings to her bow. I may seem as though I have a lot going on (and I do!), but it all falls under my key passion and purpose: empowering women. That’s the thing, it doesn’t matter whether I am coaching, speaking on a stage, or writing books- my entire focus is on lifting women up and helping them to see the magic that lives within them. The magic that I clearly see when I look at each woman, but that many feel so completely disconnected from that they don’t even believe it exists. I am a woman with HUGE dreams to ultimately help and support as many women as I can, right across the globe. The more that women can tap into their own power and magic, the more we can all rise up for ourselves and the people around us.
Can you take us through your journey to where you are now?
It’s definitely been an interesting journey so far! Whereas some people seem to take a fairly direct route in life, mine has been down the back roads. I started off as a teenager with low self-esteem who didn’t believe in herself enough to follow her passions of writing. Instead, I found myself at college studying to be a nursey nurse. In fact, I was so not connected to the work I was doing that I came out with barely a passing grade. And, although I had a place at university all lined up, I couldn’t bear the thought of this being my life, so I went and did a BTEC in Performing Arts instead! With dreams in my head of being an actress (including having an audition to be in Eastenders), life had other plans for me when I found myself pregnant at the age of 20. My partner at that time was a controlling, emotionally abusive narcissist, and I ended up dropping out of college to be with him. After I had my son, the relationship was getting worse, and I ended up moving back home when my son was just 8 months old.
With this new beginning, I knew I wanted to make something of myself for both my son and me. With the support of my parents, I was able to go daily to university and I graduated with a 2:1 degree in English and Drama. From here, I also obtained my PGCE and ended up being a high school teacher. It’s funny how you think you have a plan mapped out for yourself, only to find that it was never really your plan to begin with. As I started teaching, it quickly dawned on me that I am not destined for this career path. My personality and fire are too big to be contained within the education system. My spirit that would later see me become my own boss felt claustrophobic in the environment, to the point that it actually began to affect my mental health. On the advice of doctors, I eventually left full time teaching and went on to become a substitute teacher for a while.
Just before my 30th birthday, my life turned upside down. In 2010, we received the shocking and devastating news that my grandparents flat had been set on fire. Although they got out, they both died the next day in hospital. The media were camped at the end of the road, and the police were constant visitors to the house. Not only were we dealing with shock and immense grief, it also proved to be a hugely catalytic moment for me and made me question what I was doing with my life. I realised that I was like a boat with no oar, sail or compass. Life was happening to me and I felt lost. Shortly after, I met a friend of my mum’s who was a psychic medium. She saw my intuitive gifts and started to mentor me to help bring them out. In 2012 I gave birth to my twins and, as well as being a stay-at-home mum, I also worked as psychic to bring in some money. This also proved to be the time that I allowed myself to finally try and follow one of my dreams of being a writer. In 2013 I wrote and published my first book, Chasing Rainbows. I began to feel as though I was on the right path finally, although it took a long time of hard work and graft to get me where I am now.
In 2018, I finally took the plunge and registered as self-employed. This was a huge moment for me, especially as my marriage had broken down and I was now a single parent to three children. However, my niche began to show itself as I found myself working more and more with women. Through my books, events and coaching, I had found my passion and purpose, and this is something that I seek to align with every single day.
Since starting, have you made any changes to your business model?
Initially, my business was squarely focused on spirituality- tarot readings, angel workshops and spiritual mentoring. The pandemic shifted my passions though, as I realised that I needed to revisit what I was doing and why. All of my work was already around 95% with women, and I was naturally coaching and empowering them anyway. As such, in 2022, I rebranded to focus on the work I do now.
Have you ever had a mentor? If so, how has this benefited you, either personally or professionally?
As previously mentioned, I initially found my first mentor in 2010 with the lady who helped me connect to my spirituality and intuition. Working with her helped me to not only tap into work that I was passionate about and good at, but it also helped me understand who I truly am. I have always felt different from those around me, but I never truly understood why. When I went through my spiritual awakening, it was like coming home to myself. This in turn increased my confidence and started to raise my self-esteem.
What outlets do use for marketing?
Social media has been the biggest focus for me in terms of marketing. I have built up a following on Instagram by myself of over 20.5k followers, which I am extremely proud of. The other main platform for me is Facebook, and it is these two that have proven to be successful for me and my business.
What or Who has inspired you most recently?
I am thoroughly inspired by the women around me. As well as my mum and friends, I see women like Lizzo, Kathy Burke, Glennon Doyle, Brene Brown and Oprah. I love women who stand in their power, speak their truth, and truly themselves.
What is the best piece of business advice you have received to date?
What are you passionate about? There’s so much noise out there on what we should be doing, but it can disconnect us from our own truth. When you follow what’s lighting you up, you will naturally draw others towards you through the passion you have for it. The other key things I love are: I haven’t come this far to only come this far, if you jump then your angels will catch you, and don’t let anyone dim your light because you were born to shine!
How do you create an evenly balanced work and personal life?
As a single mum of twins with no partner, it’s not always easy! I work when the kids are at school and for an hour before they go to sleep, but I also set the intention to be present for them and for myself too. Children are young for a blink of an eye, and I want to make sure that I am here for it. Like most women, the balance of work and personal is a work in progress and I don’t have it all quite figured out just yet, but I strive to keep finding my sweet spot.
Name a seminal point in your career so far?
Seeing my book on the shelves in Waterstones! It had been a dream of mine and to actually see it there was amazing. I burst into tears! The poor cashier was really worried until I explained why I was crying- then she ran and grabbed a pen so I could sign the copies!
What gives you ultimate career satisfaction?
Seeing a woman come to me feeling sad and lost and then, after working with me, leaving feeling as though she can do anything! Seeing that transformation is magic and makes me feel as though the work I do is really making a difference. Through my coaching, my clients have started their own businesses, moved across country, and left toxic relationships.
Are there any leading entrepreneurs or SME leaders that you admire and if so, why?
In November 2022, I started working with a company called ProspHER, which is run by a woman called Serena Fordham. She is absolutely incredible to work with and has inspired me so much. To see how she is able to bring out the best in her team, how she gives space for ideas, how she encourages autonomy, and how she is available for us when we need her is wonderful. I feel truly grateful to have made this connection, and it’s been a working relationship that I know will push me onto my own growth and development.
How do you define your own success?
Seeing the positive impact that I have had on people’s lives is my measure of success. I start with the intention of helping women to believe in themselves as much as I believe in them. When this happens and that leads to positive transformation in every area of their life, it is truly amazing.
Finally, what can we expect from you next?
Oo, I have very big dreams! I want to increase my media platform in a considerable way so that I am able to reach and help more women across the country and the world. That means things like television and print media, and I am excited to see where this focus takes me. Here’s to making more magic happen!
