We had the good fortune of connecting with Katie Ernst and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katie, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
Service is my most important value! It can be so easy at times to fall into the loop of constantly striving for our own achievements, betterment, or the like. What brings lasting fulfillment and grounded joy, however, is being others-focused in how we carry ourselves. This doesn’t mean we should not value self-work or prioritizing the things that joyfully make us feel alive, but it does mean that when we shift our mindset to consider others in our work, the decisions we make, or even the simplest of daily interactions, true meaning can be found.

Prioritizing a heart of service, especially when I’m feeling down or am spiraling about trivial details that will work themselves out, often results in far more peace because it shrinks my worries and fosters genuine connection! At my core, it’s so important to me that others feel seen, thought of, cared for, and loved. If small acts in my daily life contribute to someone feeling valued, I consider myself successful—regardless of material accomplishments!

I live this value not only in my daily life and personal interactions, but through my art and my business! Writing is my haven, and through writing (and re-writing) my book, sharing long-form content in my business, and guiding others through their creative journeys as a coach, I’ve found immense catharsis! Vulnerability and service are partners. Leading with honesty invites others to do the same, creating a chain reaction of empowerment and inspiration. That ripple effect feels like the greatest service I can give through my work and expression!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My journey to embracing my identity and calling as a writer! I grew up writing songs, performing musically and in dance, making up routines to perform on the steps of my grandmother’s dining room, and coming up with business ideas I could practice with my dad around the house. In my heart and soul, my creativity was overflowing. Throughout many points of my childhood and early high school career, my dreams were even to be on American Idol and to attend Stanford’s music school so I could dedicate at least four years to honing multiple musical crafts and soaking up knowledge from those I aspired to emulate.

When it finally came time to decide on a university and tract to commit to, years of instability in my life led to one trajectory-altering click…business school: major in Finance. I still remember exactly where I was when I hit “accept” and the sinking feeling I felt in my chest and gut when I did it. I ultimately followed through on my promise to CU Boulder, making it through those four years immersed in numbers and analytics, somewhat successfully diminishing my creative voice—who was desperate to be heard.

As much as I had trouble feeling like “me” once I entered the “real world” and spent another four years working in finance and then for a tech startup, I always knew intuitively that I was headed back toward creative recovery and entrepreneurship, even when I had no clue what that would look like. Experiencing a spiritual reawakening during the spring of my senior year of college allowed me the space and opportunity to lean into my intuition for the first time. Once I did, the guidance to start writing again only became louder and louder!

At age 24, I was more desperate than ever to find my purpose, and one day was struck with an idea to start writing a book on a fated plane ride to Salt Lake City to visit a pal. My story started flying out of me, and the sense of aliveness I’d felt creating as a kid had returned! I’d always felt it in minuscule hits when I would sing, play my guitar, or write an occasional song (or part of a song), but this was different. I knew in my bones this would change my trajectory yet again…but this time, get me back on an aligned path!

Distilling the lessons from this part of my life could be a book all its own, yet I hope anyone who reads this knows and learns to believe that you can decide to chart new waters at any moment. It might not be dramatic leaps (my personal specialty), but can be accomplished in the subtleties of fortifying new levels of self-belief, choosing to seek out others who are chasing their dreams and getting in the room with them (even when you feel like the world’s most extravagant imposter), and simply trying something new and trusting your own gut.

Now, writing to me is like breathing. When I don’t do it, I feel like I’m missing air and a part of myself. Sometimes my brain can get quite jumbled and, while I have been known to be a chatter, writing is how I process. How I express. How I share the most intricate parts of me on paper for the world, for those I love, or sometimes just for my own eyes.

I want people to know about my brand and my story that I’m just being “me” in the purest form now. I do it for my own fulfillment, yes, but I also do it to inspire others to believe in themselves—to trust that they have everything inside of them to share their own stories with the world and with those they love through whatever vehicle calls out to them. I need people to know that I chose coaching after being a mentor of others and myself for nearly ten years and realizing that it can truly change lives, but ultimately, I was born to tell stories: to channel my hardships and joys through pen and paper (or, since it’s 2025, often my little laptop).

There were so many years my self-worth and self-belief were on the floor or buried under it. I had zero faith that my childhood dreams could be my grown-up dreams too. The only way I could test that theory and put it to rest was to try: to put words on a page, put myself in rooms that scared me, and take leaps of varying magnitude along the way. I promise that if I can, anyone else can too. And that’s the source of great joy in my life—to empower others to trust they can too!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
At risk of being a cliché Coloradan, I still argue that a picturesque local hike is a must-do. Even if it’s more of a “nature walk,” taking in the scenery and letting the nervous system relax in our beautiful outdoors is essential. Golden and Evergreen are my personal favorites for guests as they offer paddle boarding and swim beaches, tubing and swimming in creeks, and those easy-to-moderate hikes I mentioned. Plus, who doesn’t love western-style mountain towns filled with live music on creekside patios and endless brewery options? Conveniently, they’re both near Red Rocks, which is a Colorado icon and a spiritual experience waiting to happen! We also have a variety of smaller, local grunge music venues that host big names and radiate energy. Ogden and Bluebird are high on my list!

As a girl who used to live in New York City, I developed a bit of a jaded palate when it comes to eating out…but Denver’s foodie and cocktail scene has really stepped up since my childhood! For innovative but intimate fine dining, Alma Fonda Fina and Wildflower are must-visits imho, each with unique spins on their cuisines and really lively atmospheres. For speakeasy vibes or a cozy ambiance, Williams & Graham and Lady Jane in the Lower Highlands are my unequivocal go-to’s every time.

Randomly, I’m also a junkie for indoor mini golf, and Denver now has a couple of great options in Lower Downtown and the River North Arts District, which are so fun for a night out!

Lastly, choosing 1-2 day trips to the mountain towns off I-70 would be highlyyyy recommended for any friend visit! They can be busy, so I’d visit on a weekday if ya can, but how often do you get the chance to ride gondolas with sweeping views or meander through towns that look straight out of Switzerland (hint hint: Vail)?!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
It’s nearly impossible to pick just one, but I would love to dedicate my shoutout to my spiritual life coach of many years, Sandy Powers—the woman who guided me back to myself when I felt the most lost and who saw my purpose in me before I could see it in myself—she’s gentle, kind, thoughtful, and a spiritual powerhouse!

Website: https://www.kgcreativeenterprises.com/

Instagram: @kgcreativeliving

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-ernst-902150b0

Image Credits
Kathleen O’Sullivan
Kristina Vicario
Emma Pion-Berlin

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.