In this episode of Beyond the Norm, I chat with Katrina Carroll, also known as Vintage Irish Kat. Kat takes us through her inspiring journey of transitioning from a beautician to a successful vintage shop owner. We dive into the emotional connections people have with secondhand clothing and how those stories shape the vintage shopping experience.

Kat shares how storytelling in fashion and personal branding plays a huge role in her business, plus the challenges and joys of entrepreneurship. We also discuss the importance of self-care and building resilience as a business owner, while recognising the value of community support.

From social media’s role in personal branding to the beauty of secondhand fashion, Kat’s insights are invaluable for anyone looking to build a business with heart and authenticity.

If you’re navigating a career change, working on your personal brand, or just love vintage fashion, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical tips.

Key Takeaways:

• The Power of Career Transitions: My conversation with Kat illustrates how transitioning careers can lead to a more fulfilling, purpose-driven life.

• Emotional Connections in Fashion: Secondhand clothing isn’t just about the fabric—it’s about the stories and memories they carry.

• Building Resilience as an Entrepreneur: Entrepreneurship isn’t just about your business idea—it’s about passion, resilience, and staying true to your values.

• Social Media & Personal Branding: Kat shares how she’s used social media to build an authentic personal brand and connect with her audience.

• Sustainable Fashion: Vintage shopping is more than a style choice—it’s a way to support the planet while staying fashionable.

• Self-Care & Entrepreneurship: Kat talks about why self-care is crucial for entrepreneurs and how it helps keep your energy aligned with your business goals.

• Community Support: Building a community of support and collaboration is key to long-term success in business.

Chapters:

• 00:00 - The Art of Vintage Fashion and Home Decor

• 11:33 - Personal Journeys: From Fashion to Home Transformation

• 20:18 - Sustainability in Home Renovation and Vintage Shopping

• 21:13 - Finding Hidden Treasures

• 22:40 - From Laser Specialist to Vintage Entrepreneur

• 25:51 - The Reality of Quitting Your Job

• 28:16 - Balancing Business and Family Life

• 30:54 - Self-Care and Managing Energy

• 32:21 - Embracing Empathy and Authenticity

• 35:25 - Honoring Stories Through Fashion

• 39:23 - Dealing with Criticism and Haters

• 41:29 - Advice for Those Feeling Stuck

Follow Katrina for Real-Life Inspiration and a Laugh:

• Kat's Instagram: Vintage Irish Kat

• Kat’s Shop Website: Preloved by Shay and Jo

• Kat’s Shop Instagram: Preloved by Shay and Jo on Instagram

Connect with Me:
If you’re feeling stuck or thinking about making a career change, I’m here to help. I work with people who want to move forward, reclaim their power, and embrace new beginnings.

• Follow me on Instagram: Norma O'Kelly

• Join my community on Telegram: Beyond the Norm Community

• My Website: NormaOKelly.com

CTA:
Are you feeling stuck in your career or personal life?

Do you dream of transitioning into something more fulfilling but feel unsure where to start? Let’s talk!

As a transition coach, I help people just like you move through feelings of stuckness and step into their next chapter with confidence.

Head to my website and check out my one off 90 min session: https://beyondthenorm.thrivecart.com/90-min-withnorma/https://beyondthenorm.thrivecart.com/90-min-withnorma/

Please, rate, review and share with your networks!

Thanks so much for listening!

Norma x

In this episode of Beyond the Norm, host Norma O' Kelly interviews Jennifer Dundon also named Suguna, an engineer turned energy healer and soul guide.

Jennifer shares her transformative journey from a conventional career to following her heart and embracing a life of healing and travel. She recounts her experiences in India, particularly her time in an ashram with Amma, the hugging saint, and how these experiences shaped her understanding of surrender, acceptance, and personal growth.

The conversation explores the challenges and joys of building a healing practice, the importance of community, and the power of following one's heart. Jennifer emphasises the significance of listening to one's inner guidance and the transformative potential of travel and self-discovery.

Please follow Jennifer on Instagram ; https://www.instagram.com/iamsugunajennifer/

Visit her website:

https://www.iamsuguna.com/

Chapters:

00:00 Journey of Transformation: From Engineer to Energy Healer

03:26 The Call to Adventure: Embracing the Unknown

06:27 Finding Home: The Ashram Experience

09:16 The Power of Surrender: Lessons from Amma

12:10 Cultural Shock and Acceptance: Navigating India

15:16 The Role of Community: Building Connections in the Ashram

18:24 Returning Home: Integrating New Realities

21:19 The Impact of Transformation: Sharing the Journey

24:15 Embracing Change: The Evolution of Self

31:50 Family Connections and Spiritual Experiences

34:23 Life Beyond the Ashram

37:33 Navigating Financial Sustainability

41:25 Returning to Roots and Community Offerings

46:08 The Journey of Self-Discovery

56:29 Embracing Change and Trusting the Heart

Be sure to also follow me on instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/normaokellysystemiccoach

Join me on Telegram:

https://t.me/+fKwiSZni3fMwNzk0

My website:

https://www.normaokelly.com/

In this episode of Beyond the Norm, Kieran Guckian shares his inspiring journey from a corporate tech career to becoming a full-time artist.

He discusses the emotional challenges of transitioning careers, the importance of creativity for mental well-being, and the significance of community among artists.

Kieran reflects on his experience participating in Sky's Landscape Artist of the Year Finalist only 1 year after becoming a full time artist and emphasises the need for self-promotion and marketing in the art world.

He offers valuable advice for aspiring creatives, encouraging them to embrace their passions and find structured time for their artistic pursuits.

Links to find and follow Kieran:

https://www.instagram.com/kguckian

Kieran's website:

https://www.kieranguckian.art/

Be sure to also follow me on instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/normaokellysystemiccoach

Join me on Telegram:

https://t.me/+fKwiSZni3fMwNzk0

My website:

https://www.normaokelly.com/

Please, rate, review and share with your networks!

Thanks so much for listening!

Norma x

Summary

In this episode of Beyond the Norm, I explore the concept of people pleasing, its roots, and practical strategies to overcome it.

I discuss the systemic influences that contribute to people pleasing behaviours, including family dynamics and societal expectations. The episode emphasises the importance of self-awareness, setting boundaries, and prioritising personal needs to foster authenticity and emotional well-being. I encourage you to embrace discomfort as part of the growth process and to seek support through coaching and self-reflection.

Takeaways

• People pleasing often stems from a desire for acceptance and belonging.
• Awareness is the first step in addressing people pleasing behaviors.
• Family dynamics play a significant role in shaping people pleasing tendencies.
• Setting boundaries is essential for personal well-being.
• Disappointing others can be a necessary part of self-care.
• Understanding personal values can help in making decisions that align with one's true self.
• Practicing saying 'no' is crucial for breaking the cycle of people pleasing.
• It's important to recognise the emotional cost of people pleasing.
• Change is a journey that requires patience and self-compassion.
• Systemic coaching can provide valuable insights and support in overcoming people pleasing.

Chapters;

00:00 Introduction to People Pleasing

00:29 Understanding the Roots of People Pleasing

01:27 Supportive Resources and Personal Connection

01:49 artsEntertainment-intro-low-short.wav

02:09 Understanding People Pleasing

05:20 The Roots of People Pleasing

08:08 Family Dynamics and Roles

10:56 Fear of Exclusion and Belonging

14:03 Rules of Belonging

16:59 Conflict Avoidance and Perfectionism

20:18 Practical Tools to Stop People Pleasing

29:05 The Power of Saying No

32:25 Disappointing Others: A Necessary Step

36:23 Letting Go of the 'Good One' Identity

41:44 Identifying and Upholding Personal Values

43:39 Setting Boundaries and Enforcing Them

48:20 Embracing Resistance and Personal Growth

READ the BLOG that pairs with this episode https://www.normaokelly.com/blogbeyondthenorm/stoppeoplepleasingunlearn

Please follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/normaokellysystemiccoach

or join my community on Telegram https://t.me/+fKwiSZni3fMwNzk0

Please rate, review and subscribe and share with a friend who could do with this free support.

Thanks so much for listening! 💜❤️

Summary

In this episode of Beyond the Norm, Norma O' Kelly shares a heartfelt update on her podcast journey, reflecting on the challenges of balancing personal and professional life. She discusses her desire for more fun and connection, the launch of new programs aimed at supporting budding entrepreneurs, and the importance of intuition and stillness in her work. Norma emphasises the need for self-compassion and the joy of community as she navigates her path forward.

Takeaways

• Norma emphasises the importance of not letting the podcast become a chore.
• She expresses guilt for not publishing guest interviews in a timely manner.
• Norma acknowledges her humanity and the messiness of life.
• She reflects on the need for more fun and balance in her life.
• Norma is ready to celebrate and enjoy life beyond work.
• She recognizes the costs of entrepreneurship on her personal life.
• Norma desires to let her hair down and have fun this summer.
• She is launching an accelerator program for aspiring entrepreneurs.
• Self-belief is a significant barrier for many in pursuing their passions.
• Norma highlights the power of stillness for enhancing intuition.




Chapters




00:00 Welcome Back and Podcast Update

02:55 Navigating Personal and Professional Life

06:13 Desire for Fun and Balance

08:58 Launching New Programs and Self-Belief

11:47 Intuition and Stillness in Work

Join me on my Telegram for latest updates - unique updates I don't share anywhere else!

Telegram link: https://t.me/+fKwiSZni3fMwNzk0

In this episode, I interview Eileen Clair, a holistic therapist and teacher, who shares her journey into the world of healing through Louise Hay's work.

Eileen discusses the importance of community, forgiveness, self-love, and the power of language in personal growth. The conversation explores how you can navigate your challenges, find purpose, and embrace their unique paths while fostering connections with others.

Eileen shares the significance of compassion, both for oneself and for others, as a catalyst for healing and transformation.

Really heartwarming and powerful interview

Do let us both know what you think x

Eileen's website:

https://eileenclair.com/

Eileen on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/eileenclair/

Join Norma in her new telegram Channel:

https://t.me/+fKwiSZni3fMwNzk0

Norma's next 'Threshold of Summer' Retreat in SoEarth in Kill. Co Kildare

on Sunday April 27th. Please Follow Norma's stories for this going on sales this week to her waitlist Mid March.

Takeaways

• Eileen Clare emphasises the interconnectedness of individuals on their healing journeys.
• Forgiveness is a powerful tool for personal liberation and healing.
• Self-love begins with compassion towards oneself.
• Language and affirmations play a crucial role in shaping our self-perception.
• Community support is essential for personal growth and healing.
• Clarity in emotions can sometimes come from acknowledging sadness.
• The journey of healing is ongoing and requires continuous self-reflection.
• Courage is necessary to question and change one's circumstances.
• Rest is not a sign of weakness but a necessary part of self-care.
• The future of healing lies in building authentic connections and communities.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Connection to Louise Hay's Work

07:36 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Healing

13:30 The Role of Community and Spiritual Connection

18:47 The Power of Forgiveness in Healing

24:55 Forgiveness as a Path to Freedom

28:00 The Power of Self-Compassion

34:26 Reframing Self-Love and Kindness

40:42 Healing Through Awareness and Community

47:03 Finding Courage in Unfulfilling Environments

50:29 Introduction to Eileen Clare and Upcoming Retreats

51:26 Marketing Master Classes and Support for Entrepreneurs

51:56 Engagement and Community Building through Telegram and Social Media

Keywords:

Keywords

Eileen Clair, Louise Hay, holistic healing, self-love, forgiveness, community, personal growth, energy work, emotional healing, wellness

🎙️ Beyond the Norm Podcast: Career Change at 40 – Is It Too Late? (Spoiler: No, It’s Your Time!)

Episode Summary

In this episode of Beyond the Norm, I dive deep into the realities of career change in midlife and beyond.. in fact no matter what age you.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, burned out, or questioning whether there’s more out there for you—this one’s for you.

I share my own story of leaving corporate life, the doubts and fears I faced, and why freedom has been my number one value ever since.

l explore:
✔️ The common reasons people seek a career change at 40 (burnout, lack of meaning, life changes).
✔️ The biggest barriers—including fear and other people’s expectations.
✔️ Seven essential steps to navigating a successful transition without waiting for permission.

If you’re sitting on the edge of change, unsure if it’s too late, know this: You are not starting from scratch. You are bringing everything you’ve already built into this next chapter.

🔹 Are you ready to take imperfect action? Let’s get started.

Key Takeaways

✨ It’s never too late to step into more meaningful work.
✨ Freedom is a core value that often drives career change.
✨ You don’t need fixing—you’re already whole.
✨ Life’s fragility can be a catalyst for change.
✨ Recognition in the workplace is crucial for fulfilment.
✨ Many people seek change in their 40s because they crave purpose.
✨ Financial considerations can be a valid reason to pivot.
✨ Self-employment can break familial expectations.
✨ Fear feels real, but it’s often unfounded.
✨ Rest is a strategy, not a luxury.
✨ Imperfect action is always better than inaction.
✨ Careers aren’t linear anymore—embrace the squiggly path.

⏳ 00:00 – Welcome Back and New Beginnings
🎭 02:46 – The Journey of Career Change
🔥 11:24 – Catalysts for Change in Midlife
💡 29:46 – Common Reasons for Seeking Change
🚧 37:57 – Barriers to Career Change
🛠️ 40:50 – Overcoming Career Change Barriers
📍 50:29 – Seven Steps to Navigating Career Change at 40
📖 01:02:10 – The Squiggly Careers Approach to Career Growth
🌱 01:08:25 – Embracing Imperfect Action and Community Support
🚀 01:19:00 – The Catalyst for Change and Future Opportunities

🔹 “Freedom is my number one value.”
🔹 “Life can end just tomorrow morning.”
🔹 “Peace is the new luxury.”
🔹 “You want more than just survival mode.”
🔹 “You can create your own peace.”
🔹 “What does society think you should do?”
🔹 “Breaking rules of belonging in my family.”
🔹 “Fear—false evidence appearing as real.”
🔹 “You can start as you are.”
🔹 “Nothing is forever. It's an experiment.”
🔹 “Expect to be taken seriously.”
🔹 “You are not starting from scratch.”
🔹 “Listen to your own voice. You got this.”
🔹 “Rest is a strategy.”
🔹 “Take imperfect action. Just start now.”
🔹 “You are on the edge of something.”
🔹 “Careers aren’t straight lines anymore—they’re squiggly, and that’s okay.”

READ MY BLOG on this same topic; https://www.normaokelly.com/blogbeyondthenorm/careerchangeat-40-your-7-step-roadmap-to-a-job-you-love

💬 DM me on Instagram (@normaokellysystemiccoach) and tell me: What’s your biggest fear about career change at 40?
💡 Need clarity? Book a 90-Min Clarity & Confidence Session—I’ll help you get unstuck and map your next steps. https://beyondthenorm.thrivecart.com/90-min-withnorma/

📢 Join my Telegram group for conscious career conversations and support from like-minded people navigating change. https://t.me/+fKwiSZni3fMwNzk0

📖 Check out Squiggly Careers by Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis—it’s a brilliant reframe on how career paths work today.

✨ Share this episode with a friend who’s also thinking about a career shift—support is everything!

🎧 Subscribe & Leave a Review! Your feedback helps get this podcast to those who need it most.

Go gently, and remember: You are not too late. You are right on time. 🌿

PS have you read my blog yet? https://www.normaokelly.com/blogbeyondthenorm/careerchangeat-40-your-7-step-roadmap-to-a-job-you-love

In this episode of Beyond the Norm, I discuss the importance of finding and using one's voice, particularly in the context of public speaking and self-expression.

I explore how family systems shape our ability to communicate and the fears that often hold us back from speaking up.

Through personal anecdotes and coaching insights, I emphasise the need for confidence and the role of supportive relationships in overcoming these barriers.

The conversation highlights practical strategies for building a strong voice and the significance of authenticity in communication. In this conversation, I explore the themes of authenticity, purpose, and the power of voice in communication.

I speak about the importance of drawing strength from personal experiences, including grief and loss, to empower oneself in speaking up.

The discussion also covers practical tips for building confidence, setting boundaries in sharing personal stories, and the art of storytelling as a means of effective communication.

I encourages you to embrace your own unique voice and to recognise the value of your stories in connecting with others

Takeaways:

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Finding Your Voice

09:00 Overcoming Fear of Authority

15:42 Resourcing Yourself for Confidence

26:23 Building a Support System for Your Voice3

3:22 The Power of Purpose in Communication

38:44 Building Confidence and Authority

44:55 Setting Boundaries in Sharing

53:01 Embracing Your Unique Voice

Follow me on instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/normaokellysystemiccoach/

or LInkedIN ; https://www.linkedin.com/in/normaokelly/

If you would would consider working with me, check out my 90 min sessions that could support your Voice in 2025: https://beyondthenorm.thrivecart.com/90-min-withnorma/

In this episode of Beyond the Norm, I discuss my journey of transitioning from a corporate job to solo entrepreneurship.

I share my personal experiences and insights, emphasising the importance of redefining success, building a safety net, finding your niche, and the necessity of asking for help.

The conversation explores the emotional challenges of transitions and highlights the significance of community support in navigating these changes. I encourage you to embrace imperfection and take actionable steps towards your goals, reminding you that success is a personal journey.

Sound Bites

"Start before you're ready."

"Perfection doesn't exist."

"You can't do it on your own."

Chapters:

00:00 Navigating Transitions: From Corporate to Entrepreneurship

06:01 Building Your Safety Net: Financial and Emotional Security

12:05 The Journey of Self-Discovery: Who Am I Now?

18:13 Embracing Change: The Emotional Side of Transition

24:07 Brave Moves: Encouraging Others to Thrive

32:20 Resilience and Perseverance in Personal Growth

40:01 Networking and Community Engagement

48:00 The Importance of Asking for Help

53:10 Finding Support and Community in Business

Questions for journaling:

Journal Questions for Transitioning from Job to Solopreneur

Lesson 1: Redefine Success on Your Terms

Lesson 2: Build Your Safety Net (Financial and Emotional)

Lesson 3: Focus on One Niche and Build Authority

Lesson 4: Start Before You’re Ready

For more info on Black Friday money off 90 min session

DM me on ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/normaokellysystemiccoach⁠⁠

In this episode of Beyond the Norm, I reflect on my evolving understanding of purpose as a journey rather than a destination. I share my personal experiences with loss, health struggles, and the transformative power of coaching. Through my narrative, I emphasise the importance of self-care, the impact of grief, and my shift from being helpful to being useful in my interactions with others. I also discuss my journey into systemic coaching and the lessons I've learned along the way, ultimately highlighting the ongoing nature of discovering one’s purpose.

Takeaways

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Purpose and Journey
03:39 The Evolution of Purpose
12:44 Key Milestones in the Purpose Journey
21:47 Awakening to Self-Care and Healing
25:40 Exploring New Realms of Wellness
32:49 The Awakening: Coaching as a New Path
39:49 Facing Grief: A Mother's Battle with Cancer
45:04 Legacy and Purpose: Lessons from Loss
50:56 Embracing Motherhood: A New Chapter
51:43 Navigating the Sperm Donation Process
54:53 Family Health Crisis and Personal Reflection
57:48 Coping with Loss and Grief
01:00:44 The Impact of COVID-19 on Personal Life
01:03:40 Health Challenges and Endometriosis
01:09:53 Facing Surgery and Embracing Change
01:18:59 Navigating Menopause and Therapy
01:20:55 Transforming Purpose: From Helping to Being Useful
01:23:48 The Power of Voice and Energy in Healing
01:26:42 Embracing Change: Human Design and Coaching
01:28:08 Unexpected Health Discoveries
01:37:25 Training as a Funeral Celebrant: A New Purpose
01:41:19 The Journey of Purpose: Continuous Evolution

Sound Bites
"Purpose is a journey, not a destination."
"You have to care for yourself before you can care for anybody else."
"Leave a little room in your heart for the unexpected."

I am so grateful for your listens, kindly can you please rate, review and share this episode with someone who may need some support their journey with purpose or going through a challenging time. This is a story of hope.

Follow me on Insta:  https://www.instagram.com/normaokellysystemiccoach

For a 90 min strategic coaching session book here:

https://calendly.com/normaokelly/90-min-systemic-coaching-session