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 is so much more than just a name for me—it’s a reminder of my own journey and the power of transformation. My spiritual path kicked off in a little place called the Lotus Apartments, where I started diving into the magic of intuition and reconnecting with myself. Fast forward to creating this coaching program, and I learned about the lotus flower’s incredible symbolism: it grows through the mud—through the mess and challenge—before blooming into something beautiful, one petal at a time.
That hit me hard because, honestly, my life has been a lot like that: full of muddy, tough moments, but also full of healing and growth. Like the lotus, I’ve come through all of it, layer by layer, and finally bloomed into a life that feels purposeful, joyful, and me! One of my favorite mentors, Thich Nhat Hanh, sums it up perfectly in his book No Mud, No Lotus, which is pretty much the heart of what I believe: with resilience and intention, we can turn our struggles into something downright amazing. This name feels like a celebration of what’s possible when we embrace the messy and trust that our most beautiful moments are yet to come!
What do I do?
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I help creatives reconnect to their inner voice—the one that’s always known the way. From this space of deep self-trust, life opens up: creativity sparks in how you approach your work, relationships, art, and daily choices; purpose becomes less about what you do and more about how you live. If you’ve been feeling stuck in the gray, I’m here to help you break free—so you can move through life with clarity, vibrance, and a renewed sense of meaning!
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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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Once upon a time, I was stuck in a corporate career that drained my soul—but now? I’ve traded the spreadsheets for spontaneity, the meetings for meaning, and the “shoulds” for a life that actually feels like mine. I’m all about embracing adventure, finding joy in the little things, and creating a community where women feel empowered to do the same. Whether I’m booking a last-minute trip, indulging in some much-needed self-care, or having deep, soul-filling conversations, I’m here to remind you: life is meant to be lived—fully, boldly, and on your own terms.
Why This Matters
I’ve been right where you are—stuck, unfulfilled, wondering if life was supposed to feel this meh. But I also know the magic that happens when you take the leap to heal, reconnect with yourself, and start living in full color again. It’s not just about confidence—it’s about creating a life that feels deeply aligned, joyful, and yours.
I’m passionate about this work because I’ve lived it. I’ve felt the shift, watched my closest friends transform, and spent years mentoring and guiding others through their own awakenings. My soul is always reminding me that my true calling is helping women like you see your worth, trust that inner wisdom of yours, and build a life that actually lights you up. Because you deserve nothing less!
