Meet Karey Greenstein | Writer / Nonprofit Development Professional / Small Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Karey Greenstein and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karey, what principle do you value most?
Authenticity matters. It is a core value that drives behaviors, guides decisions and promotes beliefs. Authenticity affects how you live your life and has a direct impact on your physical and mental health. Recognizing this, and the fact that being your “authentic self” is oftentimes much harder than it sounds – especially with the pressures of society’s fast-paced, “keeping up with the Jones'” mentality, I try to maintain a consciousness of what being authentic means to me and strive to incorporate those principles in my daily life.

Being authentic requires that you not only love yourself, but that, in doing so, you love ALL of yourself. Being comfortable and confident in your own skin and being self-aware and genuine in your interactions with others influences how you approach decision making and problem solving and how you lead your life. There’s something special about the old adages, “be true to yourself before you can be true to others” and “you must love yourself first before you can truly love another” – these adages describe the essence of what it means to be authentic. It’s about being raw, being real, and being true to who you are – faults and all. I’ve learned that by loving myself, accepting myself and not compromising who I am and what makes me – me – empowers me to be a better mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, worker bee, writer and overall person.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I practiced law for nearly 10 years as a civil litigation attorney. I went to court most days and enjoyed being active in local civic and philanthropic organizations. Despite financial and job security, I recognized something was missing from my professional life – inspiration. I didn’t feel like what I was doing as my “day job” mattered. I needed to do something that made a meaningful impact in the world around me.

I took a risk and I changed careers. I left the for profit world and became a professional fundraiser. As the Senior Director of Planned Giving and Executive Director of a well established and respected nonprofit, I was able to utilize my legal background, build relationships with individuals and entities and help them direct their philanthropic dollars to a cause that was not only important to them, but that truly made a difference in our community. This was something that not only made me feel all warm and fuzzy, but afforded me a sense of fulfillment in what I did for a living and how it made the world a better place, literally.

I’m now serving as the Director of Planned Giving for Memorial and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundations and let me tell you – I still have that warm and fuzzy feeling. I get to meet with people who care about the health of our community, and who are change makers right here in our own backyard. Whether to support pediatric oncology, cardiac care, mental health, breast cancer research, pet, music or art therapy, (and the list goes on), I help connect people to areas that are special to them by working with them and their advisors in establishing a major and/or planned gift (i.e., legacy gift). I feel good about what I do and why I do it.

When I’m not fundraising or momming my three little bears (ages 9, 7 and 4) – my favorite thing to do, I’m the supportive wife and sidekick to my husband Kyle, who primarily runs the family business, G3 Flooring Designs. Born amidst the pandemic, our family decided to take another risk, put our faith in God, and started this small family business. Specializing in high-end flooring and specialty vinyls, our “mom and pop” retail flooring store is off to a great start!

Rounding off what it means to be me is my creative outlet, Kaleidoscope Life. Also birthed during the pandemic, I created the Kaleidoscope Life blog and write about all things on life, motherhood and being present. I’ve always used writing as a way to harness my creative energy and to unwind. A friend of mine encouraged me to start posting my work on the Web and on social. I did just that. I chose the name Kaleidoscope Life because it serves as a metaphor – the broken pieces of glass collectively create beautiful images; just as the pieces of me – the pieces of each one of us – make us who we are and should be valued and celebrated.

I’m also a Contributing Writer for the Daily Drip, where I write about motherhood, planned giving and estate planning, and philanthropy. I am extremely blessed and fortunate to be a part of this phenomenal group of women in business.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

A transplant from Chicagoland, I have lived in South Florida since the early 2000s and I can say with certainty that I love wearing flip flops year round and plan to never have to have scrape ice off my car again! Before having kids, I used to live in Sailboat Bend in Fort Lauderdale and enjoyed strolling on the Riverwalk and enjoying all of the great bites and vibes in Riverfront and on Las Olas. Quite a few things have changed in over 20 years, but I still have a fondness for downtown Fort Lauderdale and would most definitely bring my friend out for a day on Las Olas.

I would also definitely hit up the beautiful beaches and stay for a couple days at some of the gorgeous hotels. One of my favorites is the Pelican Grand.

I also like the smaller boutique hotels in Lauderdale By the Sea and the old school vibe over by Aruba Beach Cafe.

A trip to South Florida wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Everglades, a ride on an airboat and a “show” with the gators.

Last but not least, for the dare devils, I would highly recommend sky diving in Homestead. I only went once, but truly, it was such a beautiful experience, contrary to what many would think. After the thrill of the freefall, you float and for a moment, are one with nature. It is quite amazing, cleansing and empowering. It is an awakening type of experience.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Wow! There are quite a few shoutouts I’d like to give to those who have inspired, encouraged and mentored me along the way. First and foremost, to God. I always feel your presence and am humbled to be in your grace. Secondly, to my mother and father. Your unconditional love has always been and continues to be the fuel for my soul. Thirdly, to my husband, Kyle, and children, Cole, Luke and Everly. You are my biggest fans, as I am yours. Each day your smiles and cuddles rejuvenate my spirit and make me feel like the wealthiest woman in the world. You are all my “why” and I am forever grateful for each of you. Lastly, to all of my friends and my two big brothers who have been by my side through it all. Your unwavering support and presence through the tears, the smiles, the defeats and the triumphs matter and always lift me up.

Website: www.kaleidoscopelife.blog

Instagram: @kaleidoscopemomma

Linkedin: karey-bosack-greenstein

Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaleidoscopeMomma

Other: Creative/Kaleidoscope Life – see above Fundraising/Memorial Healthcare System – Memorial Foundation: www.mfgift.org Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation: www.jdchgift.org G3 Flooring Designs: Website: www.g3flooringdesigns.com Instagram: @g3flooringdesigns Facebook: www.facebook.com/G3FlooringDesigns

Image Credits
Headshot – Michael Hopkins Photography JDCH images – Babette Kosar