Compassion is the way forward.
After a whole lotta suffering, that’s what I’ve come to believe. I’m Kylie Bellard, uber-compassionate empowerment coach and portrait photographer. Through coaching, I teach people to like themselves and care for themselves, leading them through magical internal work that results in astonishing changes throughout their lives. Through portrait photography sessions, I create a comfy, fun atmosphere that lets people relax into themselves — and results in photos that capture their souls.
How’d I get here?
As a young person, I experienced various traumas and struggled for several years as a young adult to find out who I was and how I could survive. I spent years mired in disordered eating and depression, trying to claw my way out. By struggling to survive those years, I found my way to many, many healing resources. I became functional and healthy, and in doing so, I became a source of support for others.
I know it’s possible to find your way back to yourself, emerge from suffering, and thrive.
Why? Because I did it.
Today, I live in Brooklyn with my lovely wife. I married her in June of 2012, left my full-time job as a grant writer at an HIV/AIDS nonprofit in August of 2012, and have been a full-time coach and photographer ever since. I’m a Certified Professional Coach (CPC) and graduate of the International Coach Academy, though my work is informed just as much by my social justice background and meditation practice as by my schooling.
I identify unequivocally as a queer feminist — and I also relish the Twilight series, which is, ahem, some pretty un-feminist entertainment. I’m obsessed with learning about addiction recovery, therapy, and my own inner world. I adore physical movement, and I’m currently jonesing to try an Aqua Zumba class (come on; how fun does that sound?). You might also like to know that I make a mean chocolate-dipped Earl Grey shortbread.
Wondering where to get started? The Foundations of Self-Esteem is a good place to begin.
That’s my free e-book. You can download it by signing up below. You’ll also get Effervescence updates, special treats, and priority notice on new offerings.
Other places you can find me:
My Square-Peg Interview on Square-Peg People
My Fear Series on Roots of She
Practice, Compassion and Ecosystems on Melinda Hunt
How to Take a Rest on Karina’s Inner Space
Why You Must Simply Begin on Puttylike
The Sunday Times: How I Relax on The Freedom Experiment
Interview with a Kindred Soul on Loran’s Heart
The Power of Community on WomenHeal
How to Tap into Your Badassery, a virtual gift from Positive Panties
An interview on DatingWebsite.com
I Quit My Day Job, and Kylie’s 2nd Update on When I Grow Up
Shaving My Head. Finding My Self. on Silence, Cupcake
Releasing the Urge to Push and Being Kind to Yourself Instead on Tiny Buddha
23 Things You Might Not Know About You, a virtual gift from Zen at Play
Drawing from the Garden Well (A chat on shyness and introversion with Kathryn T. Hunter, the Social Caterpillar)
Coolness Is Overrated on Tiffany Han
A Big, Gay, Happy Family? It Starts with Safety. on Authentic Realities
Trimming the Fat Talk: Language Matters on the Road to Liking Yourself on Jacks and Jills
Wanna talk?
Email is the best way to get in touch: kylie@effervescence.me