From Whispers to #1 Best Seller: The Truth About Being Seen


Welcome to another edition of Kickin' it with Kristen — your midweek motivation every Wednesday!

Don't put off your potential — try coaching and book a complimentary Coaching Session today! #leadership #personaldevelopment #learning

💡Aha! Moment

I’m still riding the high from the book release party—what an incredible night! It was an amazing night to share with my fellow author and niece, Ellis. Both of our books became Amazon #1 Best Sellers on Tuesday.

Thank you to everyone who showed up, cheered us on, sent messages, and helped celebrate. Seeing our books officially out in the world feels surreal… and a little vulnerable, if I’m being honest.

The top three questions I’ve gotten lately are:
1. How long did it take to write?
2. What was the hardest part?
3. Will there be a second book?

Spoiler: I do want to write another someday—but I’m going to enjoy this one first. 😉

And the timeline? I started in October, had a draft by Thanksgiving, and final edits were done before the New Year. (Shoutout to my excellent book coach who helped me stay sane and focused through the process!)

But that second questionthat’s the one that sticks with me.

Writing the book wasn’t the hardest part.

Being seen was.

I shared stories I had barely said out loud.

Thoughts I had only whispered to close friends.

Lessons that still make my voice shake a little.

It was deeply personal. And I knew not everyone would connect with it—and that had to be okay. Because the point wasn’t to be universally loved. The point was to tell the truth. My truth.

And the response? Wow.

So many of you have reached out with your own stories—how the book mirrored your journey, gave you language for things you’ve been carrying, or inspired you to explore what’s next.

That’s why I wrote it.

That’s the dream.

So here’s my big AHA moment:

Publishing a book isn’t just about writing—it’s about being seen.

And it’s worth it. Every word.

Thank you for being part of this journey. If the book resonated with you, I’d love for you to leave a quick review on Amazon—it makes a huge difference in helping others find it.

And if you haven’t grabbed a copy yet, here’s the link: The Cost of Staying and to Ellis's Read it, Ruby!

One Thing to Know

🏨 Event Essentials - If you're planning an event in a city you're not familiar with—make sure you reach out to the local Visitor Center or Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB).

These teams are absolute goldmines of support. They can help you:

  • Understand hotel options (and even help negotiate rates)
  • Know what other events are happening during your preferred dates
  • Plan site visits
  • Navigate airlift and transportation logistics
  • Provide local resources for attendees
  • And in some cases, even help reduce your event costs

Seriously—before you go down the event planning rabbit hole, give them a call. They know their city better than anyone and they want to help bring great events to their area.

🏰 a_far_off_place - Hold onto your Mickey ears, folks! Did you hear the buzz? Not one, not two, not three, but a whopping FOUR shiny new offers have just landed for Walt Disney World Resort!

The crowd-favorite free dining promo has made its grand return! You've got to chow down on vacation, so why not feast for free? Free dining is available when you purchase a minimum 4 night/4 day package including a stay at select Disney Resort hotels and park hopper tickets. For arrivals on most nights:

  • June 29-August 30, 2025
  • October 20- November 1, 2025
  • December 6-December 22, 2025

Offer 2 is a ticket offer for a 3-day, 3 park ticket starting at $89 per day, plus tax, for visits starting April 6 through September 22, 2025. This special ticket gives you access to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom with a limit of one theme park per day.

Offer 3 is for the kids! Purchase a 3-day or longer kids (Ages 3-9) standard ticked for 50% off! Available for visits beginning May 27th-September 20, 2025.

Last but not least- a special room offer! Stay longer and save more at your favorite Disney Resort hotel for visits beginning August 1 through October 11, 2025! Savings up to 30% on select resorts!

Eager to snag these deals and experience the magic of the happiest place on earth?! Contact me now at katy.lampe@mmvagent.com!

🏫 Learned - I have an incredible circle of friends who are truly in my corner.

This week was full of amazing highs (hello, book launch!)… and a few quiet lows. And in those moments of doubt, my people showed up. They reminded me of my why, cheered me on, and lifted me higher than I could’ve climbed alone.

It was the kind of week that reminded me exactly why I wrote the book—and why I made the leap from corporate life in the first place.

To live more intentionally.
To surround myself with real connection.
To help others find courage in their own stories.

And wow, does that make every twist in the journey worth it.

✔️ Accomplished - It’s been a busy week… and honestly, an amazing one. I accomplished quite a bit when it came to events!

This week, I:

  • Closed out two major events (hello, London & Toronto!)
  • Brought on three new events
  • Am actively working on four more in the pipeline
  • And oh yeah… squeezed in a last-minute one-day trip to Las Vegas

It’s been a whirlwind, but it’s the kind of pace that reminds me: I love what I get to do. Every event, every conversation, every flight—it’s all part of building something that lights me up.

Here’s to chasing big goals and making things happen—even when your carry-on barely has time to cool off. 😉


🤔Insight for the Week

Happiness is not by chance but by choice. — Jim Rohn

❓Ask Kristen or Katy

Q: I'm curious—what's the most effective way to choose the perfect venue for my event? I feel overwhelmed by the options!

A: First off, the fact that you’re putting so much thought into providing an amazing experience for your guests is a win right out of the gate! Choosing the perfect venue can indeed be daunting, but fear not, I’ve got a few tips that will turn this mission into a fun adventure:

  1. Define Your Vision: Before diving into venue options, get clear about the vibe and style you want. Are you envisioning something chic and modern, rustic and cozy, or perhaps luxurious and grand? Having a firm vision will immediately narrow down your options.
  2. Nail Down the Essentials: Consider the number of guests, budget, and location that’s convenient for your audience. Matching these basic criteria with venue offerings is like finding the right fitting shoe; comfortable and complementary!
  3. Unique Selling Points: Look for unique features each venue offers—does it have a breathtaking view, historical significance, or cutting-edge technology that aligns with your theme?
  4. Site Visits Are Key: Don’t just trust the photos—schedule site visits. Being in the actual space will help you visualize the layout and catch those small details that could make or break your choice.
  5. Testimonials and Reviews: Talk to others who’ve used the venue before, or look for reviews. Real experiences will reveal insights that the venue’s glossy brochure never will.
  6. Consult with an Expert: Of course, reaching out to professionals like myself at HelmsBriscoe can be an absolute game-changer. We know the ins and outs that can save you time, stress, and even money. Plus, we love adding that magical touch to ensure your event’s success!

Remember, choosing a venue is about crafting an experience that delights your senses and leaves a lasting impression. Keep these tips in your pocket, and you’ll not only find the perfect venue but also create an event that’s talked about for weeks!

Happy planning, and as always, I’m here to help kickstart your success. 😊


💬 Let’s Connect! Whether you’re planning an event, looking for leadership coaching, or dreaming up your next adventure, let’s chat. Hit reply, or find Kristen on LinkedIn/Facebook and Katy on Facebook/Instagram.


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Kickin' it with Kristen

Introducing “Kickin’ it with Kristen” – your new go-to for that much-needed midweek motivation boost! Every Wednesday, join me for a dose of personal development tips, leadership strategies, and all the uplifting content I’ve found helpful and inspiring. It’s like catching up with a friend who’s here to encourage you and share the journey towards growth and happiness.

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