Meet Om Mama Collective member, Kat Williams, of PROnatal – Pilates Mat & Apparatus Certified Instructor, Childbirth Educator, Postpartum Doula and Pre+PostNatal Fitness Instructor.
Your Story – a little “About You” – How long have you lived in the Seattle area? Where are you from/why did you move here? What do you do for a living? Have you always done this?
I’ve been in the Seattle area for a little over a year. I’m originally from the DC area but spent the last 9 years in New York City. I graduated from Juilliard in Dance and performed professionally for one year before facing a career-ending injury. Through my injury, I found Pilates and started to teach Pilates and movement six years ago. I have been working exclusively with people on the pregnancy spectrum for two years now. I’m also a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator.
Why did you decide to pursue this career?
As a Pilates Instructor, I was working mostly with women who were dealing with injuries and discomfort postpartum. I decided to move to Seattle and delve more fully into working with women before pregnancy to prevent and “prehab” as many of those injuries as I could.
What does living a fulfilled and happy life mean to you?
My friends and family mean more to me than anything. If I’m around people that I love then I’m happy. Since moving to Seattle I’ve also realized how important being in nature regularly is to me.
What is your greatest personal skill/trait?
I am a natural community builder. I love to bring groups of people together in different parts of my life, whether that be through dinner parties, fitness classes, or hikes.
Do you have a favorite quote that inspires you?
I love John Cage’s 10 Rules for Students and Teachers. Particularly Rules 1) Find a place you trust and try trusting it for a while, 6) Nothing is a mistake. There is no win or fail. There is only make, and 8) Do not try to create and analyze at the same time. They are different processes.
What helps you feel strong and/or beautiful?
Accomplishing something that I was nervous about – a big hike, building a new website, moving across the country by myself and finding a new community of awesome people.
If you could have a super-power, what would it be?
My superpower would be to expand time. Get an extra week or two for a big trip without taking time off work, or an extra hour midday for a nap I can’t quite fit in.
What is your favorite gift to give? To receive?
Definitely food. And definitely food.
What is your favorite activity/restaurant/thing about your new home in Seattle?
Hiking! In New York, it was such a hassle to get out into nature. Since moving here I hike twice a week and have even adventured into back-camping and camping in ways my East Coast mind never could’ve imaged.
What makes you excited about Om Mama & being a part of this community?
As a transplant, Seattle can be a bit hard to navigate. I have several clients that are from other places and moved here around the time they start their families. It’s hard enough to find a community as a single little lady, but it can be even harder with children. Om Mama is a way to bring together parents who are in similar stages of their life that is truly magnificent. That building of community is what speaks to me the most.
