St. Joseph resident Kelly Skinner is opening her new business, Soul Care, today. The grand opening and ribbon cutting is at 3 p.m. To celebrate this event we asked her to share 10 things about herself!
1. What is your favorite childhood memory?
When I was 8, my family went to the Magic Kingdom in Florida. This was when there was only one park and 3 hotels. We stayed in the Contemporary Hotel right outside the park and took the monorail in. That was the first trip of many throughout my lifetime and I’ve gotten to experience Disney in Florida as they have grown and expanded as a high schooler, college student, young professional, and a mom of young kids and older ones. Many of the rides I remember fondly from that visit are no longer there including the Skyway, 30,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride. I love visiting Disney, but this first trip will always have a special place in my memory,
2. What inspired you to open Soulcare?
I have talked to so many people who feel unfilled in their lives — they are burned out, they don’t have the relationships they want, they don’t have a sense of purpose or connection with themselves or the world, they feel hopeless, angry, sad, anxious, or numb. They have doubts, questions, concerns, problems but don’t feel they have a place to go or people to support them. I wanted to create Soul Care as a welcoming and supportive place right in our own community that is easy to access and flexible to fit into people’s schedules. A space for people to learn new practices around soul-care and self-care. A place where people can find stillness and rest. And a safe people for people to ask questions, explore, and build relationships. I really want to provide a central platform in our community for all these things in one place!
3. What are you most proud of?
I’m not really someone that you would call a “proud” person. In fact, one of the things I want to do better is to stop and celebrate my successes and accomplishments before just moving on to the next thing. If pressed, I would have to say I’m proud of having the courage to take a risk, follow my heart, and start Soul Care. When I left my job last May, so many people said they wouldn’t be able to take that step to pursue their dream. I’m so glad that I could muster the strength to do all the things to get to this point and I’m so excited for what 2020 holds!
4. What is the best advice you have ever received and who gave it to you?
My mom always has told me that I need to take care of myself first so that I am able to take care of other people. She uses the analogy of an oxygen mask on a plane. In the event of an emergency, you put the mask on yourself first, then you make sure that others around you have their masks on or share yours. This is great advice whether applied to marriage, kids, personal life, or work.
5. What is a book you have read that has stayed with you?
One of my favorite books is Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. It is historical fiction set in the middle of the 12th century England that covers the building of a cathedral over the course of two generations.
6. What is a movie or TV show you could watch over and over?
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is my favorite movie.
7. What is something you always carry with you?
I always have a pen and paper with me. Whether it’s my trusty bullet journal or just a Moleskin flip notebook, I am constantly writing things down. Lists, quotes, bits of inspiration from a podcast, things I need to remember or do. I’m definitely an analog person and need paper and pen to write stuff and get it out of my head.
8. Where is your most favorite place you have traveled to?
I have a tie – Hawaii and Belize. My uncle has a condo on the Big Island in Hawaii. I’ve gotten to visit twice and it really is heaven on earth. And 2 years ago I got to fulfill a dream of more than 20 years and go with my husband Shawn to Belize. IT was everything I had dreamed of and more!
9. What do you like about being a business owner?
I have gotten to meet and build relationships with the most incredible people who are passionate about what they do and how they want to serve and help others. I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to meet most of these folks if I hadn’t started Soul Care.
10. What would someone be surprised to know about you?
I’ve lived in 5 different states. I grew up in Pennsylvania, went to college in Virginia, and lived in Milwaukee and Indianapolis before moving to St. Joseph, IL.
You must be logged in to post a comment.