Life and Work with Kathy Peach

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathy Peach.

Kathy, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My story is one of fulfilling life-long dreams. The Tiniest Tumbleweed is tangible proof that with diligence and perseverance, dreams really can become reality.

One of my biggest dreams was to have a college education. In 2009, I left my home of 54 years in Middle Tennessee and moved to Chandler, Arizona to be near one of my daughters. I immediately enrolled in Chandler Gilbert Community College (CGCC) becoming a first-time college student. The college experience began what has become a life changing journey.

It was during a children’s literature class at CGCC, taught by Professor Sharon Fagan, that my love for children’s literature ignited. Then, through my creative project at Barrett The Honors College at Arizona State University, the venue for writing The Tiniest Tumbleweed was provided.

The book published in January 2015 and is one of the greatest joys of my life.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road I’ve traveled has not been a smooth one, at all. There have been many, many bumps along the way, Each has provided an opportunity for me to learn something about myself. Each has provided the option to exercise the determination to ‘stay the course’ until my dream of earning a college degree and publishing a children’s book became a reality.

One particular struggle came when I found myself in a ‘not so great’ situation that was not of my own doing, and I didn’t see coming. It was at that point I had to decide how badly I wanted the dream and what I was willing to do to make it happen. For me, the dream was worth going through the difficulty while gleaning every ounce of wisdom I could during the process.

I think it’s appropriate that the main character in my book is a tumbleweed. Tumbleweeds are not the most beautiful of the desert plants. They are not the most majestic. They ARE hearty and strong, resilient actually.

It was during my struggle that I swear I heard from every tumbleweed in the Sonoran desert saying, “You CAN do this. You CAN overcome this. You CAN persevere. It is worth it. Go. Work to show that you CAN be your best self.”

My advice to women just starting the journey is to listen to your heart, make the decision to do the hard work, utilize and learn from every experience, and celebrate the successes!

Please tell us about your business.
I am not a full-time author. Perhaps, one day, I will be. Currently, I have a full-time ‘day job’ that fits me beautifully. I am the assistant to the owners of a very unique retail business located in downtown Chandler, AZ, Sibley’s West. I am the happiest that I have ever been in my work life.

Two noteworthy things about my current work: First, Sibley’s West was the first retail business to carry my book. Sibley’s will always hold a very special place in my heart. Second, this position allows me to use skills that were developed from my past in corporate America. I mentioned utilizing opportunities. Working with the owners of Sibley’s West has provided the opportunity to learn how to successfully run a small business. I see that an incredible opportunity.

Interestingly, the primary theme of The Tiniest Tumbleweed is to become your best self regardless of what that is so that you can be of service to others. The position I hold at Sibley’s is a fruition of that theme. I am learning new things and am working hard to excel at that them. I am also serving others. How cool is that?

What am I proudest of? Two things: First, my book provides a tool to help children learn that they can achieve and succeed in spite of limitations. What an important message for children to hear! Actually, all of us could hear that message, right? Second, that I am living out the theme of my book. That’s what sets me apart.

Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
You know, during my lifetime, I’ve seen a lot of positive developments in the business world related to females have leadership positions. That’s a really, really good thing. I’m from the era where there were no female doctors, attorneys, or CEOs. And, I’m a female from a small rural community in South.

I was once told, by a male executive that in order for a woman to be successful in the business world, she had to be twice as smart and work twice as hard as a man. From my perspective, that’s not as true as it uses to be.

I think the best way for women to overcome any barrier is by gaining knowledge, exercising wisdom and presenting ourselves in a way that portrays both. Here’s the reality: You simply can’t ignore the exceptionality of a well-spoken woman who communicates from the position of wisdom gained through knowledge.

Pricing:

• Retails for $12.95

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tiniesttumbleweed.com
• Email: Kpeach@cox.net
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TiniestTumbleweedBook
• Twitter: KPeach@AuthorKpeach

Image Credit:
Photography by Leanna, Book Cover: Story Monsters, LLC

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