I recently had the uplifting pleasure of interviewing a businesswoman - Jan McCarthy (who lives in LA and Boulder) - and her two dynamo daughters Keeley, 24 and Caitlin, 21. Talk about Spirited Women! These three ladies follow their inner wisdom, don't take no for a final answer and believe that they can accomplish anything they set their hearts and minds to. Far from being what can negatively be referred to as "overachievers," Jan, Keeley and Caitlin remain true to themselves.
When they are being given an urge to do something, they know there is a usually a good reason for it and they follow that inner voice and live out their dreams! In honor of Mother's Day, I would like to introduce you to this inspiring trio and to share their message(s) with you.
Mom, Jan McCarthy has launched several businesses, including Ladies Who Launch (in Los Angeles and Orange County), a company committed to helping women launch their dreams or grow their businesses and Back 2 Our Roots with her sister Lisa Hart to help small businesses along the path to success.
Keeley McCarthy, Jan's 24-year-old daughter, armed with an accounting degree from the University of Colorado, made the decision to take over as CEO of Travel En Vogue, one of the family businesses, right after graduating. Following in her mom's footsteps, she has also launched her own side endeavor, Keeley Kraft, a company that repurposes furniture in stunning makeovers.
Caitlin McCarthy, Jan's 21-year-old daughter, launched Part of the Art Productions in response to her acting career and creative endeavors when she was just 17 and has been self-supporting ever since. She stays actively involved in the commercial and theatrical industry, but has also added interior designer and furniture designer to her resume (she graduated from FIDM - a top LA fashion design school - in March, 2011).
Dawn: What is your proudest achievement so far?
Jan: Well, aside from raising my two fabulous daughters who have beauty, spirit and compassion, I think that my biggest achievement is that I don't let setbacks stop me from going forward. I have defined myself and have not let anything in life or circumstances define me.
Keeley: So far I think it is taking control of the company and helping it grow. It has shown me what I am capable of.
Caitlin: When I was 17 I moved to San Diego to film a television show called Watch Over Me. I was so young but I took my work really seriously and learned to be on my own before a lot of my peers were. It felt like a big independent step for me and it defined me and helped me become who I am now.
Dawn: Caitlin and Keeley, do you feel that having such a wonderful role model in your mother was a great motivator for achieving so much so young?
Caitlin: Growing up, I never really imagined that I couldn't achieve something that I wanted and I think that is because my mom never accepted no as an answer. When it came to her goals and her dreams, it was never really a question of whether she was going to do it but how she was going to do it. She has always encouraged Keeley and I. Also, seeing the work she does with Ladies who launch is a great inspiration and I really look to her to see what she is achieving and then believe it for myself.
Keeley: I agree with Caitlin, I think 100% that my mom has been a huge motivation for everything I achieve. Her support is always unwavering and so strong, it has given me the confidence to take risks and not be so afraid of failure. Her success makes me believe it is possible.
Dawn: Jan, you have been such an incredible role model for your daughters but what is your driving force what pushes you forward?
Jan: I want to be able to leave a mark and being a role model to my daughters, letting them know that anything you dream is possible is really a huge driving force for me. I also come from a long line of strong courageous women and notice the risks that they took and the things they achieved and it is important to me to continue moving that forward.
Dawn: What would you like to achieve in the next five years?
Jan: For myself I would like to have my own radio show, go more into TV and write several books.
Keeley: I would like to see some of the business goals we have been working on come to fruition. As well as continuing to work on achieving balance with my personal life and business life, meet the right person, and start working towards those goals as well.
Dawn: If you had a personal motto for your life, what would it be?
Jan: That is a loaded question because I have lots of mottos but I would say, "Anything is possible," "Never, never give up," and "I don't accept no."
Keeley: The motto that I have always tried to live by and that I have been thinking a lot about lately is "Carpe Diem" - really seizing the moment, taking advantage of every opportunity. Not letting anything pass me by whether it is personal or work related. Always pushing myself to do new things and finding new opportunities.
Caitlin: I would say be true to yourself. I think for me and a lot of people, it is easy to focus on what you think society wants and what you think other people expect of you but when you take a moment to think about what is right for you and who you are and what you have to offer, it is important to really be true to yourself. That is the measure of success to me.
Dawn: You are all obviously very Spirited Women. What is your definition of a Spirited Woman and how does that term fit you?
Jan: I hear the beat of a different drummer and I am not afraid to be me and I think that is what defines a Spirited Woman.
Keeley: Drive, passion, always having a desire for more, not being willing to accept the status quo that defines a Spirited Woman and I hope to embody that.
Caitlin: Being a Spirited Woman is not letting anyone else define you. When I make up my mind to do something, I do it and I think that is what being a Spirited Woman is all about.
Dawn: Last but not least is there one final message each of you would like to leave our Spirited Woman Community with?
Caitlin: Celebrate who you are and what you have to offer the world.
Keeley: Never give up and always be open to new opportunities that may come your way.
Jan: Life is short; let your passion lead you so that you can achieve what you want?and be happy!
To hear the full audio interview with even more inspiring moments, please go to: www.fabulouslysuccessful.com/thespiritedmccarthys.
- Dawn Z Bournand www.fabulouslysuccessful.com
Click here to read more of Dawn's posts.
Oh la la, our American in Paris is back. A member of our original Spirited Woman Blogger Team, Dawn Z Bournand is passionate about empowering women worldwide to Live their Lives on Purpose. Founder and Director of Fabulously Successful she is an award-winning presenter, author and entrepreneur with a mission to help women live lives of inner and outer Fabulous Success. Dawn lives in the suburbs of Paris, France with her husband and three young boys (the lights of her life) and is currently creating a new group coaching program.
Comments