From the outside, Kay Mitchell's childhood looked like the picture of stability. She grew up in a two-parent home, made good grades, played sports, and had a circle of friends. But behind the scenes, she endured trauma that would have broken many people. Instead of allowing those experiences to define her, Kay chose to let God use them. Through unimaginable loss, unwavering faith, and an unwavering commitment to serving others, she has become an author, speaker, coach, and founder of The Women's Empowerment Brunch—a movement dedicated to reminding women that healing is possible, purpose is real, and their greatest chapter may still be ahead.

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Tell us your story. Share your journey—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. What have you overcome, rebuilt, created, survived, or stepped into?

Kay: Born and raised in Houston, Texas, I had what appeared to be a traditional upbringing. There were two parents in the home, one sibling, I attended great schools, made good grades, played sports, and had a lot of friends. From the outside looking in, my life seemed almost perfect. But while I was generally a happy-go-lucky child, by the age of 21 I had already experienced tremendous trauma. I had been abandoned, molested, raped, and even kidnapped. By the age of 22, I was a single mother. Although my life was far from perfect, I had one thing that made all the difference in the world—I believed I could do anything.

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That kind of confidence will take you farther than you could ever imagine, and it certainly did for me. I credit my mom for building me up and ensuring I believed in myself. Despite every challenge and setback I faced, by the age of 24, I seemingly had it all figured out. I was driving a brand-new car, living in a beautiful home, and had a great career. Then, at 25, I did something I never thought I would do. I left Houston.

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It had never crossed my mind to leave the place I called home. I loved my city then, and I still do. But I knew God was leading me to Florida, so I stepped out on faith and moved. It wasn't an easy decision, but I knew the importance of obedience. Looking back, I can clearly see God's hand in every detail. He made a way before I ever arrived. I was able to rent a moving truck for nearly half the cost. Friends volunteered to help us move and get settled. I found a three-bedroom apartment for less than I had been paying for a one-bedroom. The night before I left, I even received a check in the mail for more than $3,500.

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That's one thing I've learned about God: when He is directing your steps, He also provides what you need for the journey. Our responsibility is simply to trust Him enough to take the first step. Once we do, He takes care of the rest.

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Moving to Florida didn't just change my address—it changed my perspective. For much of my life, I believed success looked the way society defined it: go to school, get a good job, get married, buy a house, have children, and live happily ever after. There's nothing wrong with those things. But I eventually realized there was something much greater that God was calling me to do.

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For the first time, I was introduced to philanthropy, community service, and the importance of giving back. It opened my eyes to a world I had never really considered before. I realized that my life wasn't just about achieving personal success; it was about using the gifts, experiences, and blessings God had given me to make a difference in the lives of others. Once I understood that serving others was part of my purpose, I jumped in with both feet and never looked back.

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Today, I can honestly say that moving to Florida wasn't simply a relocation—it was a transformation. God wasn't just changing where I lived. He was changing how I lived. He was preparing me for a purpose far greater than anything I could have imagined. For years, I thought those painful experiences were simply things that had happened to me.

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I never imagined God would one day use every one of them to help someone else heal. If you looked at my life today, you might see the businesses I've built, the events I've hosted, the books I've written, or the women I've had the privilege of encouraging.

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What you wouldn't immediately see are the valleys that shaped me or the moments when I questioned whether I had the strength to keep going. Like many people, my journey hasn't been a straight line. It has been filled with unexpected detours, heartbreak, disappointment, incredible victories, and countless lessons that have strengthened my faith and shaped the woman I am today.

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For more than twenty years, I've worked in the healthcare industry while also discovering another calling—helping people recognize their value, uncover their purpose, and believe in themselves again. Long before I was ever called an author, speaker, or coach, I found myself encouraging others. It wasn't something I had to force. It was simply who I was.

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Looking back, I now realize God was preparing me for something much bigger than I could see at the time. One of the most defining moments of my life came when the man I believed I would spend the rest of my life with died unexpectedly.

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Losing someone you love changes you. I had never experienced grief like that before. There were days when I questioned everything and moments when the pain felt almost impossible to carry. I found myself crying constantly, battling depression, and wondering how I could ever move forward. Yet even in my darkest season, God never stopped reminding me that my life still had purpose. I realized that my children still needed their mother. The Women's Empowerment Brunch, which had only recently begun, needed leadership.

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More importantly, I recognized that although my heart was broken, my assignment had not changed. Instead of allowing grief to define the rest of my life, I made the decision to let God transform it. I poured my pain into helping and serving others. Since then, I have continued saying "yes" to opportunities that align with my calling.

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I founded The Women's Empowerment Brunch to create a space where women could connect, grow, and be reminded of their worth.

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What started as a simple vision has become a community that has impacted countless lives through events, workshops, mentoring, and meaningful conversations. I also helped start a nonprofit where we host free Worship Festivals and provide resources and hope to our community. I coach and mentor women to become the best versions of themselves.

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Along the way, I've had the privilege of securing millions of dollars in sponsorship support, building partnerships with community leaders and organizations, speaking to audiences, launching businesses, writing books and workbooks, and helping individuals and organizations move from vision to action.

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Everything I do today is rooted in one belief: Each of us was created for a purpose.

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Whether I'm coaching a business owner, speaking to a room full of women, planning an event, mentoring someone who feels stuck, or encouraging a stranger, my mission remains the same—to help people discover the gifts God has already placed within them and have the courage to use those gifts to make a difference.

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Today, I don't define my life by what I've lost. I define it by what God has built through every season I was willing to trust Him. My story is still being written. Every challenge has strengthened my faith. Every setback has refined my character. Every opportunity has reminded me that purpose isn't something we find once—it's something we choose to walk in every single day.

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If sharing my journey encourages even one person to believe that healing is possible, that purpose is real, and that their best chapter is still ahead of them, then every step of my own journey has been worth it.

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At your lowest point, what did life feel like emotionally and mentally? What thoughts were you having, and when did you decide to make a change?

Kay: In the midst of walking in my purpose, the man I thought I would spend the rest of my life with died unexpectedly. I had never lost anyone so close to me, and the grief took me to a place I had never experienced before. I spent weeks crying, battling depression, and believing I would be better off dead because at least I could be with him. It was one of the darkest seasons of my life, and I would not wish that kind of pain on anyone.

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After about three weeks of overwhelming heartbreak and hopelessness, three things helped me find my way back. First, I had to remind myself that God doesn't make mistakes. The fact that I was still here meant He still had work for me to do. My children still needed me, and The Women's Empowerment Brunch had just been established. Those women needed me too.

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Second, I knew he would never want me to give up. Instead, he would want me to keep moving forward, continue making a difference, and live the life God had called me to live. He had always been my biggest cheerleader, but now it was time for me to become my own.

 

Finally, I channeled my grief into something meaningful—I wrote a book. I remember opening my laptop and simply beginning to type as the tears streamed down my face. By the time I stopped, I had written six chapters of what would become one of the most uplifting and inspiring books I had ever written.

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People often ask how something so positive could come from someone who was so deeply broken. The answer is simple: It was already inside of me.

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That book, later titled #Purpose: How to Walk in Your Purpose, was an outpouring of the passion God had placed in my heart long before tragedy struck.

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Even in my darkest moment, purpose remained within me. When I felt I had nothing left to give, purpose poured out. That experience forever changed my perspective on life. It taught me how fragile life truly is and reminded me that tomorrow is never promised. More importantly, it reinforced the importance of living intentionally and doing what God created us to do. Walking in my purpose has literally given me life.

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It transformed my pain into purpose, my grief into growth, and my brokenness into hope. Today, my greatest desire is to help others experience that same transformation because I know firsthand that even life's deepest pain can become the foundation for someone else's healing.

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Which fire best describes you?

Kay: The Community Woman.

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What did rebuilding your life actually look like day to day?

Kay: Rebuilding my life meant understanding that each day is a gift, and I treat it as such. I strive to be intentional about being kind, positive, helpful, and considerate. I understand that life will life, so making sure I stay prayed up and in the right headspace to handle whatever comes my way is essential.

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I've experienced loss in many forms.

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I've lost loved ones, jobs, homes, and even been betrayed by people I thought truly loved me. There have been seasons when I had to start over more times than I ever wanted to. But through it all, I've learned that God will never put more on me than I can bear, and He always works things together for my good.

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There was a time when I didn't think I would live to see 30.

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Yet here I am—still standing, still thriving, and still making an impact. Every day I wake up is another opportunity to fulfill the purpose God has placed on my life. I've discovered there is incredible peace in surrender. When you've fully surrendered your plans, your fears, and your future to God, you realize that trusting Him doesn't mean life will always be easy—it means you'll never have to face it alone.

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What is one life lesson you learned that other women need to hear?

Kay: We've all heard the saying, "You can't pour from an empty cup." While I understand the sentiment, I've come to believe something even more powerful—we were never meant to pour from our cup in the first place.

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Instead, our goal should be to stay so full that others are able to receive from our overflow. When we continually pour from an empty or half-filled cup, we eventually become exhausted, overwhelmed, and unable to show up as our best selves. But when we intentionally keep ourselves spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically full, we can serve others without becoming depleted.

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For me, staying full begins with spending time with God. It also means investing in relationships with my family and friends, enjoying time at the beach, getting adequate rest, traveling, and making time for the things that bring me joy and restore my spirit. Staying full also requires regular self-reflection.

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I make it a habit to take inventory of my life by asking myself important questions:

• Who is in my circle?

• How am I spending my time?

• What is draining my energy?

• What is adding value to my life?

 

Being intentional in these areas allows me to make the necessary adjustments before I become overwhelmed or burned out. I've learned that protecting my peace isn't selfish—it's stewardship.

Taking care of myself enables me to show up as the best version of myself for my family, my friends, my clients, and the people God has called me to serve.

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When you make it a priority to stay full, you don't have to worry about running on empty.

Instead, you live from a place of abundance, and everyone around you is blessed by the overflow.

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What quote, mantra, or scripture do you live by?

Kay: One of my favorite Scriptures is Proverbs 3:5–6:

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." (KJV)

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I first came across this passage more than 20 years ago, and it has become one of the guiding principles of my life. Whenever I'm faced with uncertainty or difficult decisions, I come back to these verses. They remind me that I don't have to have all the answers because God already does.

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The truth is, I don't know what the future holds, but I know the One who does. That gives me peace. Rather than relying solely on my own understanding, I've learned to trust God, listen for His direction, and be obedient to His leading—even when it doesn't immediately make sense.

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Looking back over my life, I can see His hand in so many situations. There were doors I desperately wanted to walk through that never opened, only to discover later that God was protecting me. There were opportunities I never imagined pursuing that became some of my greatest blessings because I chose to trust His direction instead of my own.

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Trusting God doesn't mean you'll always understand His plan in the moment. It means believing that His perspective is greater than yours and that His plans are always for your good, even when the path ahead isn't clear. By choosing to trust Him, even when I couldn't see the full picture, I have experienced His protection, His provision, and His faithfulness more times than I can count.

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He has never failed me, and that gives me the confidence to keep saying "yes" to His will, one step at a time. Today, Proverbs 3:5–6 is more than my favorite Scripture. It is the foundation on which I strive to live my life.

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Whenever I find myself wondering what's next, I simply remind myself to trust Him. He has directed my path before, and I know He will continue to do so.

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What advice would you give to a woman who feels stuck right now?

Kay: If you're feeling stuck, the first step is to take an honest look at why.

• Ask yourself:

• What is holding me back?

• Are you struggling to accept something you cannot change?

• Are you having a difficult time making a decision because fear has crept in?

• Have past disappointments convinced you that your future will never be different?

 

Whatever the reason, remember this: The only person who can truly stand in the way of the life you want is you. Don't become your own greatest obstacle. Instead, become your own greatest encourager. Speak life over yourself.

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Remind yourself daily that you are capable, talented, resilient, and uniquely created with purpose. You have overcome challenges before, and you can overcome this one too. Be intentional about the people you allow into your life.

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Surround yourself with those who inspire you, encourage you, challenge you to grow, and bring light and joy into your journey. The voices you listen to have a powerful influence on the direction of your life, so choose wisely.

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For me, the greatest source of strength has always been my faith in God. When I begin to feel discouraged, I spend time in His presence and immerse myself in His Word. His promises remind me of who I am, whose I am, and what He has called me to do. They give me the courage to keep moving forward, even when the path isn't easy.

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I've also discovered that one of the best remedies for feeling stuck is serving someone else. There is something incredibly healing about helping another person. It shifts your focus away from your own circumstances and reminds you that your life still has value and purpose.

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Every act of kindness, every encouraging word, and every opportunity to make a difference has a way of renewing your own spirit. I've learned that it's difficult to stay trapped in self-pity when you're actively changing someone else's life. Service has a way of bringing healing—not only to those you help, but also to your own heart.

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So, if you feel stuck today, don't stay there.

• Take the first step.

• Trust God.

• Silence fear.

• Speak life over yourself.

• Surround yourself with people who lift you higher.

• And look for someone you can bless along the way

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You may discover that helping someone else is exactly what helps you move forward.

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What is one tip you would give to women building a business or career?

Kay: One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself is creating a life—and a business—that allows you to walk in your purpose while serving others.

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I encourage you to pursue work that not only provides an income but also brings you fulfillment.

When you are passionate about what you do, work no longer feels like work because you're doing what you were created to do.

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I've often found that the very things you willingly do for free are the things you should consider doing professionally.

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Those natural gifts and passions are often clues pointing you toward your purpose.

Today, I have the privilege of building businesses and initiatives that align with my calling, and I couldn't be more excited about what lies ahead.

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What are you currently building, working on, or proud of?

Kay: One of my next endeavors is launching both virtual and in-person workshops designed to help women become the best versions of themselves.

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These workshops will provide practical tools, honest conversations, and actionable strategies to help women grow personally, professionally, and spiritually. I also wrote a workbook titled Proverbs 31 Woman Loading, which encourages women to confront difficult truths, embrace personal growth, and take intentional steps toward becoming the women God has called them to be.

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Through thought-provoking exercises, self-reflection, and meaningful group discussions, the workbook is designed to inspire transformation from the inside out. To complement the workbook, I am hosting a Proverbs 31 Woman Loading Retreat in Navarre Beach, Florida.

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My prayer is that every woman who attends will experience healing, renewal, and the opportunity to reset, refocus, and return home with a renewed sense of purpose and direction. I'm also excited to continue expanding The Women's Empowerment Brunch into new communities. What began as a local vision has grown into a movement that connects, encourages, and empowers women from all walks of life.

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One of our next stops is a Friendsgiving Brunch in Fort Lauderdale, and I look forward to seeing how God continues to open doors in new cities and touch even more lives.

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I've learned that purpose isn't a destination—it's a lifelong journey. Every opportunity, every conversation, every workshop, every event, and every person I meet is another chance to walk in the purpose God has entrusted to me.

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My hope is that my books, workshops, and events inspire women to discover their own purpose, embrace it wholeheartedly, and have the courage to pursue it. The world doesn't need another version of someone else. It needs the unique gifts, talents, and calling that only you can bring.

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Never underestimate the impact your life can have when you choose to walk in your purpose. Someone's breakthrough, healing, or hope may be waiting on the other side of your obedience.

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Kay Mitchell's story is living proof that our deepest pain doesn't have to become our permanent identity.

Through every season of loss, obedience, grief, and rebuilding, she has continued saying "yes" to the purpose God placed on her life.

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Today, whether she's leading The Women's Empowerment Brunch, mentoring women, writing books, or creating spaces for healing, Kay continues to remind others that purpose isn't found in perfection—it's discovered in our willingness to trust God, keep moving forward, and allow our lives to become someone else's hope.