Katie Ernst
CEO and Founder of KG Creative Enterprises and The Lotus
Hey there! I’m here to be your guide and cheerleader as you explore your purpose and tap into your creative flow! I totally get what it’s like to be on the journey of discovering what lights you up (especially when you’re feeling stuck and frustrated), and I’m all about making this process fun, engaging, and (yes!) a little silly. My superpowers? Leading conversations that are equal parts encouraging and empowering, designed to make you reflect deeply while also bringing some laughs along the way. With 8 years of mentoring experience in both educational and professional settings, I realized it was time to merge my spiritual discoveries with my passion for helping others ignite their full potential. So, let’s make this journey of self-discovery a whole lot of fun and seriously transformative, together!
How it all started…
During the height of the pandemic in May 2020, my best friend and roommate at the time encouraged me to revisit my spirituality. Growing up in a religious yet tumultuous household, I had always struggled with the idea of spirituality tied to religion—it just didn’t resonate with me. She shared a similar background, and while we both deeply respected those who found comfort in religion, she invited me to explore the idea that spirituality could be about forging a deeper connection with myself and a higher power in a way that felt authentic to me. That conversation sparked something profound within me—a quest to truly understand intuition and a relentless drive to follow its guidance. I longed to create a life where my external reality matched my internal desire for passion, adventure, and purpose.
I started this journey with simple manifestation and visualization exercises, asking myself: What do I want my life to look like in three months, six months, and a year? Over time, this practice evolved. I dove into extensive research, engaged in countless philosophical conversations with friends, returned to therapy, hired a spiritual life coach, and began making bold moves away from the aspects of my life that left me drained and unfulfilled. Two years after graduating, I quit my corporate finance job without a clear plan, moved back in with my family, and pursued mission-driven work opportunities in Southern California.
This led me to a remote startup role, where I honed many of my creative and relationship-building skills and even started my own team within the company. But after some time, I realized I had overstayed my welcome—from both a spiritual and personal growth perspective. Deep down, I knew I had bigger dreams bubbling up, and my dissatisfaction grew impossible to ignore. By then, I had relocated to New York City—a move high school me had always dreamed of making to pursue life as a writer. While technically fulfilling parts of that dream, I couldn’t shake the nudge from Spirit, urging me to leave the big city life and my startup job to wholeheartedly embrace the calling on my heart.
Irony struck in the summer of 2024, when I was laid off from that company, leaving NYC and finding myself back at home with my family—again, but this time under entirely different circumstances. Despite the unexpected twists, I’ve never felt more grateful or driven to pursue my purpose in all its nuanced, multi-faceted glory. Serving others, especially women, has always held a sacred place in my heart. I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound ripple effects that happen when we heal together, support one another, and live out our dreams side by side.
Why The Lotus?
The name The Lotus holds deep personal and symbolic significance for me. My spiritual journey began in a serendipitous way at the Lotus Apartments, where I first explored the concept of intuition and self-connection. Years later, as I began creating this coaching program, I accidentally learned of the powerful symbolism of the lotus flower: it must grow through mud—through difficulty and challenge—to bloom fully, petal by petal. This metaphor resonated deeply with my life’s journey, which had previously been marked by consistent adversity and profound challenges. Like the lotus, I’ve risen above those muddy waters, healing layer by layer, paving my own path, and finally blooming into a life filled with purpose and joy. One of my favorite spiritual mentors, Thich Nhat Hanh, captures this beautifully in his book No Mud, No Lotus—a truth that reflects not only my story but the essence of this program. It’s a reminder that with resilience and intention, we can all transform our struggles into something breathtakingly beautiful.
What do I do?
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I help spiritual girlies unlock their inner potential by blending intuition with purposeful action. My coaching is designed to guide you through reconnecting with your authentic self, rediscovering your passions, and aligning your personal and professional life with meaning and fulfillment. Whether you’re seeking clarity or a creative spark, I offer a supportive space for you to cultivate confidence, creativity, and deep purpose.
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Creativity is at the heart of everything I do, and as a writer and musician, I constantly feed my soul with these outlets to stay inspired and challenged. Through writing, music, and other creative endeavors, I stay grounded and energized—always growing and evolving. These passions not only nourish my spirit, but also allow me to show up for my clients with fresh perspective and a renewed sense of energy.
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I used to be stuck in a corporate career I knew was inherently wrong for me, but now I embrace a life full of adventure, fun, and meaning. I love living with intention and am passionate about creating an encouraging, empowering community where women can thrive. Whether I’m on a spontaneous adventure, indulging in self-care, or having deep conversations with like-minded souls, I’m all about living life in a way that feels authentic and full of possibility.
Why This Matters
I’ve been where you are—feeling stuck, unfulfilled, and unsure how to move forward. I’ve also seen the profound transformations that come when we take the brave step to heal and reconnect with ourselves. It’s not just about confidence; it’s about building a life that feels purposeful, joyful, and aligned with who you truly are. I’m passionate about helping other women experience this shift because I’ve lived it myself and witnessed its impact on the lives of my closest friends. While my eight years of mentoring students and immersion as a leader of the program at my alma mater speak to my professional qualifications, my true calling is empowering women to see their worth, trust their inner wisdom, and embrace a life that lights them up.
