Kim Benoy is a retired nurse, a podcast host of “Midlife with Courage” (for women wanting to be inspired to live their best lives) and the creator of essential oils products for women over 40. Learn about Kim Benoy…
Hometown: Hudson, WI
First job: My first job was as a dietary aide in the local hospital kitchen.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in WI: I love to be outdoors so you can find me out walking my dogs at the nearby state park. I also love to watch football especially my favorite team, the Green Bay Packers. I also love those cozy cold days when I stay inside and read a book for fun.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: Besides raising two smart and capable daughters with my husband of 34 years, I am proud that I have learned to shrug off what people expect me to do and started a business that makes me happy and helps others.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: My mindset! As women we are told what to do and when to do it and in my early days of nursing, I was “taking orders” from the physicians and felt to be subordinate to them. Realizing in my late 40’s that I can be and do anything I want to do was very liberating! I want other women to feel that and learn how to find it for themselves. I also had to overcome what I call the money mindset. It’s OK to make money! It sounds so simple but so many of us women have trouble accepting that our time and talents are valuable.
Someone who inspires you and why: I have had the privilege of interviewing almost 80 women for my podcast. They all have amazing and inspiring stories, and it takes courage to share those stories with a stranger and the rest of my listeners.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: I started out in direct sales with an essential oils company five years ago to make a little extra money. The business experience and training I received and support led me down the path to starting my own business. So I would tell someone who wants their own business to consider a direct sales experience if you are not sure where to start. The other important advice which I received from another businesswoman was this: figure out what you love to do, what gets you out of bed in the morning. Bring that into your business, and it will thrive. That’s what happened to me.
Favorite quote: “Live every moment, love every day.” –REO Speedwagon
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I am a huge Harry Potter nerd and have watched the movies many, many, many times.
What makes someone fabulous: Someone who is fabulous has a positive and uplifting energy. They are positive and caring in their actions and speech. You want to be around them. You can’t always see or feel this energy immediately. Sometimes you need to spend some time with them and you realize that they are pretty awesome.