Meet your Coach!

“Hi, Kendall here. I’m so glad you stopped by. I’m here to remind you that your life is worth so much more than just going through the motions. My goal is to provide you with the tools, resources, and guidance to help you achieve your goals. Not sure what’s next in life? Are you feeling tired or uninspired? Struggling with true happiness? I’ve been there - and I’m here to help.

Let’s do this!

First Act

You know that moment in life, when you realize things don’t always happen like you planned at 12 years old?

Well - fast forward to adulthood and all I can say is thank God they didn’t.

Growing up I always wanted to figure out who I was. I had this deep desire to find my identity. As a young girl, I was always fascinated with how people live their lives, and what environment or “movie” people were living in. I remember sitting in the back seat of the car driving around town, wishing so badly I could just hop in the car next to me. I wondered where each person was heading, where they had been, and what their story was.

I was on my path of discovery when one day I found myself as a first grader, standing outside in my underwear with my mom snapping photos of my skin to send in to the doctor. I didn’t know why my skin was changing, or if it would even last forever - I just knew this was different, and now I was different. This is when I learned that I now had Vitiligo; and life began to shift.

I grew faster than most of the kids in my grade. I was always the tall girl (growing into my now 6ft 1in frame) which, paired with my diligent athletic father - led me to become a determined, hard working athlete. The boys I flirted with turned a blind eye, or hurled insults while the basketball team I was on praised my athletic abilities. The search for my identity was nowhere near gone, but I had learned a few solid things: I was absolutely not a popular girl. I was not feminine, or romantic, or desired by any of the boys I craved attention from. 

Instead - I earned my acceptance through sports, theater, being a great friend, and by evolving into a leader.

Sixteen to Twenty

Through my high school years my understanding of self love and confidence rode waves of highs and lows. I wouldn’t know it then, but subconsciously I had programed my mind to believe that if i could just get lean enough I’d be happy, successful, and loved. I was constantly yo-yo dieting, working out, and putting up with way too much relationship bulls*t that I thought would lead to true love. (cringe - oh the young mind.)

Since I can remember, I’ve always wanted to explore and push the boundaries. I knew, and made clear to anyone that would listen, I wanted to leave my small town and “see the world” after high school. Reality had it that I met a guy, graduated and went to a local community college in the name of love and to figure out what I actually wanted to pursue in college.

After a semester and a failed relationship, I ended up trying out for a small local Junior College’s first ever Volleyball team. And to my surprise I made the cut. The summer training and first season flew by. I learned so much from this experience, but knew deep down I was ready to move on.

All of my energy had been placed on sports and being an athlete, but I was ready for something new. 

College

After being accepted to The University of Texas at Austin in 2012, I had plans to transition into their Radio Television & Film program to change the way women and sex were portrayed in mainstream media. After my first semester, I was unexpectedly drawn to the captivating stories, documentaries, and navigation of power I learned about in my Journalism courses. Was this my ticket to the passenger seat of any car, story, or environment I wanted to discover? I decided to switch my major and graduated with a Bachelors in Journalism in 2014.

My college experience was not like the movies. I stayed in, studied, and worked to make sure I did right by my family who helped cover tuition. I was proud of who I was becoming and I could see my story and identity shaping into this mold I thought I wanted - “the skinny, disciplined, model student”.

Although I thought I was loving on my body and I made so many wonderful memories in college, I was actually depriving myself of proper nourishment, and spending far too many hours in the gym. I wasn’t honoring my body in the right ways and it showed. I was heavier than I’d ever been. 

Even though I was hitting every mark in the book, I wasn’t emotionally healthy. My relationship with my body, and image were grown out of a desire to look like the cute, petite girl, running on the treadmill next to me. I followed a strict diet and struggled with the idea of balance. This inevitably lead to binging and feeling guilty after eating anything “off limits”.

The idea of how I looked and what people thought of me made it easier to skip the frat party and to stay in and “do what’s right”. I made friends through a local church group and a few classes, but often still felt alone.

I was learning friends don’t come cheap, and it can be challenging to make meaningful friendships as a young adult.

I believe life is so much better when shared and celebrated with others, yes, and I also know true healing and divine can intervention can begin when we learn to be at peace when we’re alone.

Post Grad

Shortly after graduating college and moving to Houston to be with family, I was visiting with my dad and he said he was wanting to try a vegetarian diet. As the avid dieter, I told him I’ll absolutely do it with him for support - and the rest is history.

While my dad navigated back to a non-vegetarian diet, I never gave myself an end date. Two months in and I had never felt more fueled, satisfied, and ethically at peace - that was October of 2014.

Although my diet was aligned and my body was getting fueled, I felt like my 12 year old self again, wondering who am I, and what am I doing with my life. I was working at a sports and news outlet booking satellites and fiber connections for live sports feeds. I realized the guy beside me had been in the same position for the last 10 years. The pay was far less than expected and I was doing shift work.

I told myself and my family, “I don’t want to wait for a tragedy to wake up. I want to live an intentional life, one that I love and am present for.”

The creative entrepreneur in me couldn’t handle the idea of spending my days this way. I felt a deep pressing resistance towards what I was doing.

Chasing Adventure

After 6 months, I quit the job and was determined to launch my own photography business. I was after the raw authentic documentary style photography. I had big dreams to hit the road as a band photographer, but as destiny would have it - my path lead elsewhere. My time was actually spent documenting 2 year old birthday parties, portrait sessions, and the occasional wedding. I was now 23 years old and had to let go of the idea that I’d already be wildly successfully, touring the world, and married to a rock star.

Fast forward a few years and I felt isolated. I wasn’t gaining much traction with photography, or the 2 year relationship I just got out of. I was craving a younger community and a new adventure. A new friend of mine mentioned she may move to Nashville, TN, but just needed a roommate. I jokingly said I should go. And less than 48 hours later I signed the lease. I realized I should practice what I preach - If you want a new adventure, go get it. Anything is possible. I had just taken a leap of faith and was committed to a year long lease somewhere I had never been. This turned out to be the best decision!

I’m fortunate to have learned in my early twenties a philosophy - taught to me by my father. It’s pretty simple and straight forward.

Just make a decision and try. The worst case happens, we pivot and try something else. Every decision leads to a learning experience. No time is wasted, it’s all about deciding, learning, and deciding again.

9. Moving to Nashville

Of the all high vibrating decisions I’ve made so far in life, this one is right towards the top. I felt so alive and free. It was a challenging transition, working three part time jobs just to pay rent. Although this season was a struggle financially, I began to build confidence in my decision to move. I made friends, met new interesting guys, experienced dating in a young exciting environment, went to tons of live shows and let myself have permission to have the fun I was seeking. I knew I could do whatever I put my mind to, and no matter what - I was going to make it work. I was going to live a great story.

About 6 months in, I landed a corporate job in internal communications. Moving to Nashville, I thought I was going to get a job in music, the end! This job was absolutely not in music. My expectations met reality, and I rode the wave. Nonetheless, I was on a payroll and had insurance, big win! Nearly two years working in this environment and I felt completely misaligned and burnt-out, praying for a sign - for something else to come along.

During this season I enrolled in Yoga Teacher Training, a life long dream. I knew this would allow me to have the creative, physical, and spiritual outlet I needed. I said yes to Yoga Teacher Training and only a few months later, my company laid off hundreds of team members - my position was one that got terminated. There were a lot of complicated emotions.

I never felt more exhausted, overwhelmed, and relieved all at the same time. 

12. Yoga Teacher Training

I still have to decide everyday to pursue mindfulness, how I honor my body, and where I place my value. It’s been a long journey, but the path to self love, healing, nutrition and intentionality has been truly freeing.

I’m here now, launching Ivie Wellness to coach and lift up people who are ready to get intentional with their lives. When we can tap into our intuition and get honest with ourselves, the real work can begin. I understand we all come to the table with different backgrounds, experiences, and ideas of what success and holistic wellness looks like. As your coach, it is my goal and honor to guide you along the path to intentional living.

The more you press into your authentic self, the more you realize you’re really f*ing great, and I can’t wait to take that journey with you.