My Interview with Kathy Ireland- Mom, Business Woman and Role Model

It was Thursday afternoon and as scheduled I received a call from Kathy Ireland so I could interview her about her new book, called 'Real Solutions for Busy Moms' and about tips she could share with moms about juggling a busy work and family life.

Even before I spoke with her, I was impressed with all that she had accomplished as a mom, in the business world, in helping others, and her words of wisdom she shares in her book and in an earlier book called, Powerful Inspirations: Eight Lessons that Will Change Your Life.

The quick gist is that Kathy did begin modeling when she was 17 and became easily recognizable from many of her modeling pictures and was seen on many fashion and women's magazine covers, like Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Harper's Bazaar and she was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition several times.

During a trip to Paris for a modeling job, she began reading the bible her mom had put in her suitcase and there she began to build a relationship with the Lord. She credits her strength to her relationship with the Lord.

Kathy is active in her church, and has written an inspirational book and has a Devotional Book coming out in the Fall 2009. I think it can be difficult for many of us to be open about our religious beliefs and Kathy does it beautifully. She shares her relationship and how her faith is her first priority and then her family.

But Kathy knew her modeling was only a stop on the way. She soon decided to pursue business ventures and after a few small attempts she began Kathy Ireland Worldwide by designing and selling a line of designer women's socks. She was on to something then and she has stuck with it- find a solution to a problem that people want solved and that is what she has continued to do by offering products that stand up to families.

Kathy was a smart business woman from the start- she brought on several key people to help her design and create a line of socks and begin Kathy Ireland Worldwide. Or course, as all leaders and business leaders know, there will be setbacks and failure along the way, but she knew that you keep on trying and moving forward. And that is what she has done. She has built her company, along with her talented team, to a Billion Dollar company that designs more than 15,000 products with their partners.

But the story does not end there. There are plenty of successful business people, although she is one of the very successful ones, she is also a mom to 3 children and a big supporter of charities and philanthropic causes and events.

She has been named Mother of the Year by National Mothers Day Association and given a Master of Fine Arts degree from American Intercontinental University's School of Design for her design and business accomplishments. But the reason I am so impressed with Kathy Ireland is because she is a real mom who has found a way to have it all and give back in big ways to her community and charities around the world.

I admire her ability to continue to do even more with her company and herself than most of us probably realize we can achieve. She is a Sunday School teacher even to this day at her church and is involved in a non-profit to help pregnant teens, raise AIDs/HIV awareness, an Ambassador of Youth for the National PTA, helps Feed the Children and serves on the Board of the Alliance for Christian Education.

The message Kathy has said countless times is that she believes as a mom you can have it all just not all at the same time.

And I think she is right. I agree, that no one said being a mom or juggling all of the responsibilities, household jobs, work or volunteering, and keeping friendships and/or marriages afloat is easy, but it gets me charged up to hear about a mom who is balancing it all and still giving the best of herself to all parts of her life and doing it with a sincere smile and a kind heart.

People that I meet (or speak with over the phone), like Kathy Ireland, make me want to strive to reach my personal, family, giving and spiritual goals, and the sooner the better!

I think us moms can use a few amazing examples of other moms who have and are working to balance mommyhood and womanhood well, and women that are reaching for the stars and achieving success in their lives, business and faith. If I had a daughter, for those of you with daughters, I say tell her about the great role model Kathy Ireland is to so many women and how far you can go when you focus your goals and move forward.

If you do not know much about Kathy Ireland, I would tell you to pick up one of her books or go to her website and learn more about her.

And I would tell you take a few notes from Kathy and- Reach High, Stay Focused, Keep the Important Things in Your Life on Top, Make Time for Yourself, and Be Positive. We all need to cut out what is not important, and make sure we have a support system and move into doing the things we want to be doing.

I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to speak with Kathy. What an amazing mom, business woman and Christian woman. Thanks, Kathy!

To read my interview with Kathy Ireland-click here.

Real Solutions for Busy Moms: Your Guide to Success and Sanity

Powerful Inspirations: Eight Lessons that Will Change Your Life