Kim Strahm On Discovering Self-Confidence & Embracing Positivity
With National Grandparents Day on September 13th, we are spotlighting several of our role models for a special feature on a Generation of Women! Kim Strahm is an Oregon-native with a beautiful granddaughter named Chloe, and another grandchild on the way! Kim is a Licensed Esthetician with a passion for helping her clients overcome any skincare struggles. She has also been coaching high school softball for almost 30 years. Kim shared the life lessons she has learned as a grandma, and what motherhood means to her. Learn more about Kim in her profile feature below!
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself!
Kim: “I was born and raised in Roseburg, Oregon. After high school I came to Eugene to attend University of Oregon and got an undergrad degree in Community Health Education. I met my husband in a class my freshman year and we have been together ever since. I played on the softball team and he was a cute wrestler for the Ducks!”
Q: Can you share about your career journey and how you became a Licensed Esthetician? What are the most rewarding aspects of the work you do?
Kim: “I have been an esthetician for almost 7 years. I’ve always enjoyed skincare and was at a point in my life where I was wanting a new challenge! I had gotten facials regularly for 10 years or so and thought it was a good fit for me to explore. I really enjoy pampering people and getting them relaxed and carefree for even just an hour! Helping teens with acne has become my specialty. I love creating a safe environment for those that have struggled with breakouts and feel hopeless. It’s extremely devastating for some and I get so much fulfillment watching the self confidence increase in my clients with each treatment!”
Q: You’re a high school softball coach! Do you have any favorite memories from your experiences? What principal lessons do you hope to teach as a coach?
Kim: “I’ve been coaching almost 30 years! It’s a big part of my life. I love building relationships with kids. I try really hard to be a 'constant' in my player’s lives and be someone they can count on any time, anywhere. I have high expectations of my players and consistently hold them accountable and I think they appreciate these things and trust and respect me for it. (I think!!) For me, it’s really much more about developing great humans with good character than it is about a silly game. Sports are such an excellent way of developing different positive attributes for success in life.”
Q: What has becoming a grandma taught you about yourself?
Kim: “I still have a hard time believing I’m a grandma! I have felt like I’ve really been able to enjoy the little things more as a grandma to sweet Chloe! As a parent, there are more daily stresses, life seems more hectic. I still stay busy day to day, but I definitely feel more ‘present’ with friends and family as I gain years!”
Q: What are you most proud of?
Kim: “My two boys are good people. When others compliment on things they do or say, there is just no better feeling of accomplishment than that!”
Q: What would you tell your younger self? If you could go back in time, is there anything you would have done differently?
Kim: “I think all young women need to continually hear that they are in control of where they want to go and they have the brain to figure it out and do it! If you want something bad enough, do not let anything or anyone get between you and your goals. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it...and you’re not everyone ;) I often use the line ‘make it happen,’ it’s good for many scenarios in life! I would definitely tell this to younger Kim.”
Q: Favorite advice you like to give?
Kim: “I use this in coaching and often outside of sports as well - control what you can control and that is your attitude and effort. There are too many things we all worry about that we cannot change or control. It’s all wasted energy as far as I’m concerned! Spend that energy on controlling your attitude and effort and see what that gets you!”
Q: What do you root your identity in?
Kim: “I root my identity in being a consistent, reliable and truthful mentor, friend and family member that will be your first call when in need.”
Thank you so much for speaking with us Kim! We are so inspired by your wisdom, kindness, and love!
Photography by Kim Strahm
