Meet Katie Ford | Creator, believer, & gift giver

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

Hi Katie, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I am from Gillette, WY, born and raised. To explain my background and upbringing would go as follows: Two incredibly amazing parents, who raised me and my siblings to be hard working, God fearing, self sufficient, care for your neighbors, and know family is most important. I watched my parents work so hard to provide for us and give us kids anything we’d ever need. After high school I had moved to Dallas, TX. I was over Wyoming (or so I thought). The grass seemed greener on the other side of the street. My dreams included city living, lavish, and fast pace lifestyle. I spent the next ten years in Dallas, falling down, growing, and figuring out who I was. After surviving a terrible motorcycle accident. It felt like God was telling me it was time to go back to Wyoming. Every time I had gone home it was getting hard to leave. I missed the mountains, the ranch, my family. I enjoyed things slowing down and spending time on things/people that truly mattered. I took the leap and rented a U-haul to move me home. It was scary, and there was a lot of uncertainty. It’s crazy when you get back home how that comforting that is, it’s something you can’t just find anywhere else. I’ve been home for five year nows. I currently have six jobs and run 3 non-profits. The tenacity and strong perseverance from my upbringing made me who I am today. Someone who has climbed literal and figuratively mountains to become the person I am today.

They say the Wyoming way is the cowboy way. If you get bucked off you dust yourself off and get back on the horse. That’s been my motto for life and I truly believe my background molded me into the woman I am today. Being back in the state and around the people who are my roots really showed me all the opportunities that were around me. Doors opened in front of me left and right. I even have the chance to help my father who runs the welding and fabrication shop my parents own. Working next to my father has been a lesson that has changed my life. I feel like I could continue to list blessing after blessing.

Wyoming, growing up I didn’t appreciate the true beauty of you… Now that I’m getting a second chance I will not take for granted time with family, views that take your breath away, and maybe the simpler way of life. The Katie I am today is someone who has quite the story, gifts to share in many realms, heart for Jesus, and the most beautiful place to call home.

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.
It’s crazy when I rattle off the list of jobs I have, and all the organizations and groups I am on the boards for. I have found a purpose almost in being able to juggle so many plates, while balancing having some type of a social life. The part I am most proud about is the people lives I get to be apart of. I am a high school volleyball coach, teach fitness classes at two different gyms, I am a PR Director a behind the scene talent agency, I run my father’s welding shop as his office manager, I dabble in freelance photography & web design, I am the president of a non-profit called the Wyoming Sportsman’s Group, I am the coaching director of a volleyball club, and I also the director of a girl’s summer camp called Defined. I almost get tired listing everything, but in reality giving to others has brought me life. Being a role model for young girls, being a part of the community, and giving back has made me who I am. Before starting my careers out of college, I was set on following the big money, living the lavish lifestyle. While I started to chase this ugly beast out of of college, I quickly realized how this life I thought I wanted actually felt really empty and lonely. The more I strived the less happy I became. This constant battle had me throwing my hands up in the end wanting to give up. But moving back to Wyoming sparked a whole new season of my life.
The biggest lesson I learned in college is its all about the people and connection you make in life. That piece of advice has shown true more than a hand full of times in my adult life now. The people I met and crossed paths with lead me to the doors that opened while giving me endless possibilities.

The thing I want the world to know about my story is we all have our troubles, pains, issues, but it’s what you do with them. We all make mistakes but what are you going to do with those mistakes. Will they be a crutch or will they be a ladder to your success. The name I use for my photography is Glimpse of the Good Life. That’s a goal I’ve managed to try to keep catching is all about the good life. I love sharing my gift of photography with everyone, letting them hold onto moments forever.

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?
Well if you are interested in exploring my city get ready to check out some epic landscapes and some awesome hometown spots. I would start the morning off with grabbing breakfast at either The Local or the Bagel Store. Then hit the road and go walk around Devil’s Tower. Then we’d head back towards Moorcroft and I would take you for a tour of our family ranch in

Weston County. We’d make sure to grab dinner at some local places in Gillette like The Coop, Pizza Carello’s, and Fiesta Tequila. Head west on the interstate to Sheridan, check out the shopping and breweries, then head up the mountain to go get a hike in. After completing a big hike we’d spend an hour at the salt sauna at Balanced Healing Salt & Sauna. In my opinion if you enjoy the outdoors, friendly people, and a slower pace of life, Wyoming is the place for you.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family and friends have always pushed me when I doubted myself. I am so thankful for the constant encouragement and love from them. My faith is something that I will always say how I’ve made it this far! My circle of fans is small but mighty and I’m forever grateful.

Website: https://glimpseofthegoodlife.zenfolio.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glimpseofthegoodlife/