Kim Kogane

Give her a follow and say hello!

1. Tell me a little bit about you, who is Kim outside of work?

I’ve spent the past 6 months trying to understand who I am when I’m not at work. It took leaving my jewelry company that I started and built for 10 years to really see how much of my identity was wrapped up in my career. I still feel like I’m healing and learning, but there’s more balance in who I am now. I love to spend time at home. I’m an introvert, so exploring my inner world is really important to me. I love spending time with my pup, going on walks and playing together. I invest a lot in my close relationships and am very loyal. I love supporting and listening to the people closest to me.

2. What do you do for work?

Currently, I’m in a transition. I closed my jewelry company, Fresh Tangerine last fall, and have been spending time learning about myself and what I’m passionate about. I’ve been doing some business coaching and website design, but I would say I’m still waiting for my next idea to happen.

3. How have you been staying creative/inspired during a pandemic?

It’s been so tough, and I really want to honor how hard it can be to survive each day. I miss traveling a lot, so I’ve been revisiting places in my mind and reflecting on what I liked about each place. It’s fun to go on a walking tour in your mind!

I’ve also discovered some new hobbies. I started singing lessons which has been a fun and humbling experience. Most recently, I’ve been learning to watercolor and having fun just playing around in a new medium. I really want to share that it’s okay if you haven’t made anything or found a new hobby. We’re all in different spaces. If you feel stuck, trust that one day you will create again.

4. As a female, what are some of the biggest obstacles you have faced within your industry / the workplace?

Back in my jewelry days, I remember feeling like I had to try so hard to be taken seriously. People would often diminish my accomplishments and say that what I did was a “cute” hobby or ask me how I paid my bills. I tried really hard to show people I was tough and nothing could get to me. If I could go back and do it all over, I would have embraced who I was more, led with more compassion (both for myself and others) and allowed myself to show when I was hurt or offended.

5. What women in your life inspire you and why?

I've met so many amazing women on my journey so far! My sister is someone who inspires me constantly. She has always been unapologetically herself and has always followed her own path. It's been so amazing to witness her strength and watch her overcome challenges that life throws at her. She is so creative and artistic, such a good friend and she reminds me that it's okay to carve out my own path in life.

6. What advice would you give to women who want to pursue a new life direction -- whether that be moving to a new city, pursuing a new career path, starting a side hustle or choosing a new major in school?

Trust your gut! If you feel unhappy, ask that feeling what it's trying to tell you. Sometimes it's about making big moves and other times, it's a more subtle shift. Shifting your priorities and reevaluating what is and isn't working for you can have big impacts on your daily life. Follow what energizes you!

7. How do you balance a job, personal life and passions? Is there such a thing as balance?

I'm constantly learning about what works for me. I truly believe that balance is possible and you can have all the things in life that light you up! I developed a set of core values and use those to determine when I say yes to something. Sometimes saying no is just making room for a bigger more aligning yes!

8. What are some ways you implement self-care?

This takes a lot of work for me! I love the not so glamorous ways I offer care to myself like cleaning so I have a calm space to relax in, or prepping my coffee the night before. I'm learning to prioritize what I need in the morning before I let the outside world in. My new goal is to leave my phone in my living room at night!

9. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders, movers and shakers?

There's room for all voices! Offer support to your peers, and allow the journey toward your dream to be fun. When you're truly aligned with your mission and goals, it shows. People are drawn to someone who is in true alignment with their purpose. That being said, it's okay to let something be temporary. You don't need to have it all figured out at once. You can change course at any time!

10. How can women advocate for each other?

Supporting each other! If you like what someone is doing, share it. Tell them that you love what they're doing. That energy is so contagious! I always think about times when a woman reached out to me simply to say I'm doing a good job. That is worth more to me than any amount of money or accolade. I've started a practice where I send a message when I'm thinking of someone, or I let them know how they made a positive impact on me no matter how small. It becomes this beautiful exchange that truly lifts everyone up.

11. What is your power color and why?

Gold! I have always loved gold jewelry and home decor. There's something about gold that is so warm and inviting. It's a reminder of the beauty of a warm sunny day and the energy that surrounds us.