Meet Kelly Kowall | Certified Grief Support Provider, Life & Business Coach and Fire-walking Instructor

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

Hi Kelly, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Upon finding out that there was not much support out there for our American Heroes and their families, I was asked the question: “What are you going to do about it?” That really hit home as it became abundantly clear that if I didn’t step up to the plate and do something who else would and how long would it take until someone did? How many more had to die before someone stepped up and at least tried to make a positive difference?

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I founded My Warrior’s Place after my son was killed on a combat mission in Afghanistan. This 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization is a 5 acre Retreat Center with 4 other amazing programs. We provide a holistic approach to help heal mind, body and spirit of our American Heroes and their families. We understand that to provide the programs we do, it is not a one size fits all, so are willing to go that extra mile to embrace the uniqueness of each American Hero and their family members.

We got there with a lot of hard work by people willing to donate their time and talent, by businesses and people who are willing to financially support us with funding or materials needed. It has not always been easy but to know that you have made a positive difference in someones life makes all the sacrifices and hard work, the blood, sweat and tears worth every bit of it.

Lessons I have learned: Don’t quit when things get uncomfortable. That sometimes you just need to regroup and start thinking outside the box to get things to work, to get things done or to over come an obstacle.

I would like the world to know that you can take a tragedy and turn it into something good. That you may not have a choice in what happens but you do have a choice in how you handle it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Some of my favorite restaurants are Y’bor Grill, Circles, Hooks and Sunset or Waypoint Grill. I would take them out kayaking or canoeing in the Little Manatee River where they would have a good chance of seeing manatees or dolphins and lots of other wildlife, I would take them on a boat ride out to Beer Can Island to look for sharks teeth and shells. Ruskin also still has a drive-in movie theater which is a fun thing to do. And we can’t forget about the fishing. The fishing is awesome in this area.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Our My Warrior’s Place and its program Directors, Volunteers and Supporters. We could not do what we do without them.

Website: www.mywarriorsplace.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mywarriorsplace