Welcome to the Ladies of Leisure series, were we feature inspiring women and their stories of success, wellness and leisure. Through these interviews, we hope to gain insights into the lives of these amazing women and the tips and tricks they use to live a balanced and fulfilling life. We'll also look at their morning routines, advice they have for other female entrepreneurs and their favorite way to spend leisure time. We are honored to introduce you to some of the leading ladies in their fields and hope you find their stories as inspiring as we do.
Meet Kim Dow, the owner and publisher of Sass Magazine. Kim Dow is an entrepreneur at heart. She has combined her creative spirit with her drive to empower women with her love of animals to start three award-winning businesses. Her flagship company is Sass Studios—a boutique branding and creative design studio that specializes in supporting and empowering women-owned businesses by helping them cultivate their visual “voice”. Kim also launched Sass Magazine, a women's lifestyle and professional publication that celebrates real women. With both a regional printed magazine as well as a national online base, Sass Magazine serves up articles on a variety of topics including career, wellness, travel, style, beauty, home, (and more!), as well as special feature articles spotlighting women doing amazingly kick ass things! Additionally, Kim also launched EverydayDogMagazine.com, a lifestyle website for modern day dog owners and lovers. She serves as the owner, publisher, and creative director for both publications. When not at work, Kim can be found hanging out at home with her husband and high school sweetheart, Jimmy, who is a high school math teacher by day and a fisherman by weekend. They share their home with their rescued animals; a pitbull named JAX and a cat named Maizie. In her spare time, Kim enjoys reading, traveling, hiking and gardening.
What is your company and what do you do?
Sass Magazine is a women's lifestyle publication, both as a local in-print magazine as well as a digital resource for women across the country. We help empower women in business and life by sharing their inspiring stories, giving them content and resources for both business and self growth, and hosting events both in person and online for networking and connections.
How do you start your morning? Give us a play by play-- time you get up, 3-5 things you do to start your day.
I am NOT a morning person and never have been. So, I like to start my mornings slow and quiet. I usually wake up around 8/8:30 and take a few minutes to think about my day before I get started with anything. I name 3 things I need to accomplish that day. I always have a good breakfast, then spend some time cuddling with my cat and/or outside with my dog. If it's summertime, I will spend a little time in my garden. Basically, I like to have a little time to myself in the mornings and then dive in and get started with work. However, a big thing that helps me in the morning is actually my evening routine. Every night right before I go to bed, I take a moment to reflect on the following: 3 things I accomplished that day; 3 things I'm grateful for, and 3 things I will accomplish the next day.
What advice do you have for other female entrepreneurs looking to create healthier and invigorating morning routines and habits?
Figure out when you are most productive. I've never been a morning person and know that I am most productive in the late afternoon and early evenings. So, I try to schedule my workflow around that. Always eat a good breakfast! For me, it's been helpful to basically eat the same thing every morning...one less decision to make! Also, even if you're working from home, get dressed everyday, and get dressed shortly after or right after you wake up. It helps put you into a productive mindset.
What are some of your favorite leisure activities?
Reading has always been a big part of my life. However, my rule is that I don't read business books. Reading is a hobby, it's for pleasure and I don't want it to start feeling like work. I also love traveling and trying out local restaurants and craft breweries wherever I travel.
Share a favorite affirmation that other female entrepreneurs could benefit from:
Believe in yourself.