We had the good fortune of connecting with Katherine DiMaggio and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katherine, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I considered starting my business for several years before actually taking the leap. As a coach and teacher in the mindfulness space, I always thought I could make more of an impact if I could work with clients in my own format. I wanted to be sure I was intentional with my approach and very clear on the value I would be providing, so I worked with a number of coaches myself to hone in on my vision for my business. My goal is to offer accessible, welcoming, mindfulness training for individuals who are curious about the practice but don’t have the tools or resources to get up and running. I am particularly interested in working with young working professionals and recent college grads who are navigating their independent adult lives and could really benefit from a personalized mindfulness practice. Everything in my coaching program is totally customized to the client, so I really meet the person where they are at and find them tools and resources to address what they individually would like to get out of mindfulness.

What should our readers know about your business?
In my coaching business, I help young professionals start their own mindfulness practice through guided meditations and helping them build a personalized toolbox of resources and skills specifically designed to bring them greater happiness and success. My personal experience of getting into mindfulness, yoga, and meditation in my early 20’s is what helped me cope with the demands and stress of this newfound adulthood that I was navigating.

My approach is warm, inviting, and accessible. My goal is for anyone who wants to learn about mindfulness to be able to establish their own practice, with the consistency and guidance of working together in a 12-week format. What energizes me and excites me about this work is that I can see my clients seeing the immediate and long-term benefits of meditation, breathing techniques, journaling, and whatever else we may be incorporating in their personalized practice.

I have had my share of challenges and lessons and have found that most of the challenges have come from internal self-doubt. With the support of my friends and family encouraging me and believing me, and learning to lean into a greater sense of trust that outweighs my fear, I’ve been able to get further in my business than I ever thought possible. It is truly my faith and belief in the value that this will bring to my clients that keeps me staying focused and motivated to bring this business to life.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The West Side of LA has my heart, so I’d have to start by showing them around Santa Monica. The pier and Promenade, yes, but especially Main Street. I love the small shops and delicious restaurants, especially Manchego. Then we would grab brunch at The Rose Cafe and walk the Venice canals. We would obviously hit the beach. The rest of the trip we’d have to check out a hike – I love taking visitors to Los Liones. We would check out Malibu, maybe grab a glass of wine and catch live music at Rosenthals. I do love Griffith Observatory and think it’s a must-see for anyone visiting, so we would definitely go there. We would have to get Killer Noodle on Sawtelle and grab frozen yogurt from The Bigg Chill. Throw in a boozy brunch at Sorry not Sorry and I think we’d have an amazing time.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to give a shoutout to some key individuals who helped foster my passions and encouraged me as I’ve found a way to offer my authentic gifts and talents through coaching. My dear friend Arielle Starkman and my parents have been key in helping me feel like following my vision is a feasible option. Completing my 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training at YogaWorks completely changed the trajectory of my life, so I have to give a shoutout to that program. The writings of Louise Hay and Gabrielle Bernstein have been so influential in my life and helped me build my relationship with and trust in the universe and a force beyond myself. I wouldn’t have taken the chances and risks that I have taken to get to where I am if it weren’t for all these sources of support and inspiration.

Website: www.katherinedimaggio.com

Instagram: mindful__journey

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.