Our Friend of the Week - Kimberly Hard Washington
Your City: St. Helena, CA
This Southern belle has traveled the world over as a yogi, a DJ, and a wellness coach to name a few. Kimberly landed in Napa Valley last Fall with her family and has wowed us with her southern cooking and hospitality. And of course, she's turned us onto her health and beauty must-haves.
Kimberly's What –“I can't live without my Natural Calm Anti-Stress Drink. It's magnesium-based and is an amazing cure for stress, stomach and sleep issues. Another favorite is Strongwater. They have some kick-ass bitters that can magically turn any cocktail into a health elixir. And finally, I'm obsessed with chewable probiotics. I've suffered from digestion problems and I absolutely hate to swallow vitamins. Rainbow Light Gummies are genius and help my stomach.”
FRIEND OF THE WEEK: 11 QUESTIONS
WEBSITE: Be Well International
- Nickname The children in my family, all 15 nieces and nephews refer to me as, Auntie Mimi. I was also nicknamed DJ SecretAgentPussycat by my friend Holly during a trip to Ibiza, Spain, which seemed to stick after a DJ phase in my twenties.
- What’s your short story? I'm one of six sisters, born in Germany and lived for many years in Atlanta, Georgia. I started my first business, a wellness spa at 23. It was always in my soul to be an entrepreneur. By 25, I had my first daughter, Stella Bleu, now a hipster teenager whom I adore. A few years later I discovered my calling through the path of yoga and meditation and began teaching and opened my first yoga studio, Space Space, which also served as an art gallery. I can't explain how good it feels to spend the entire day barefoot, stretching and helping people discover the delicate balance between the breath, body, mind and spirit. I spent the following fourteen years dedicated to being a conscious mother and developing multiple wellness spas, yoga programs and other good health related businesses. After all these years of being single and holding out for my soul mate, I ended up marrying my best friend whom I've known for fifteen years. In 2015 we got married, moved to Napa and I gave birth to our beautiful daughter, Margaux Lilou, now six months. "In the now" I'm a wife to my best friend, a mother to two beautiful girls and adapting to a new life in Napa. I'm getting back on my path to empowering others through teaching yoga and meditation while getting myself back into shape. Fortunately, I've been able to take a break from the hustle of my business to focus on my family, which keeps me in a place of daily gratitude.
- What’s your jam? It's funny that my teenage daughter Stella loves the exact same song, "Bizarre Love Triangle" by New Order. It's been my tune since 1986. It delights me to hear her getting ready for school and playing this every morning in the bathroom.
- What motivates you? To go to sleep each night knowing in my heart that I made the effort to help others even with a simple act of kindness. My philosophy is that it's contagious and we have the ability to affect millions by just being a loving and giving human being. I once bought coffee for two people in line behind me at a cafe and I watched these two people do the same for the others behind them. I call this moral elevation, that warm and fuzzy feeling you get when you’re in the presence of true human goodness. It's a natural high that makes you want to behave more altruistically towards others.
- Who do you think you’d have great friend chemistry with? I feel like I'd really vibe with Herman Hesse, the Swiss German poet, artist, and writer of the beloved Siddhartha. My favorite Hesse quote, “It is not our purpose to become each other; it is to learn to see others and honor them for who they are.” I also feel like Arianna Huffington and I could be good buddies, I love her character and insight on the world and life. I've met her a few times, she's really approachable and genuine.
- What qualities do your favorite friends have in common? Authenticity, selflessness and downright fun!
- What’s the smartest, most inspiring, awesome thing you’ve read, watching or listened to lately? The movie, He Named Me Malala. It's a story about a young Pakistani girl who was attacked by the Taliban for speaking out on education for girls. This movie is a reminder that we each have the ability to be the change we want in the world.
- What whets your appetite? Well, considering I'm now six months post pregnancy and struggling to get back into my clothes, I'm trying to take it one day at a time. Living in Napa Valley and being surrounded by great food and wine pretty much sucks right now. I'm nursing too so I really have to be conscious of what I'm eating and drinking. The pleasure department is very sore topic but since you asked…I crave a night of lychee martinis at Hakkasan in San Francisco, hot chocolate croissants from Bouchon Bakery, sushi from Hana in Santa Rosa, and cheese dip from El Azteca in Atlanta. Ok I have to change the subject! Oh and the apple fritters from Buttercream in Napa.
- What’s next on your To Do List? File 2015 taxes, which makes my stomach sink just thinking about it and I have procrastinated down to the wire with just a few days left. Ok, subject changed!
- How are you friends with Gina + Amy? It was just after my move to Napa that my dear friend and fellow southern gal from Atlanta, Lydia Mondavi introduced me to Amy. I knew from the first moment we met that we'd be good friends. She has a very warm and inviting personality and a radiant soul. I recall having lunch together over the summer when she was telling me about Gina and wanting to launch The What. It's amazing to see what they have accomplished in such a short time. I continue to be inspired by both these ladies and look forward to their weekly read.
- Who would you nominate for our next Friend of the Week? My friend Jewel, former Visa executive who left her job to become a trainer for Marathon runners. She is now a medical miracle after having a massive stroke last year at the age of 45. She pushed herself to recover and is now 98% back her old self. She is now educating doctors at Stanford on her personal recovery program. She's pretty badass!