Meet Trailblazer Kristen Baker

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Baker.

So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up competing in gymnastics, volleyball, soccer, and track and field. I was a Girl Scout all through school and was always attending outdoor camps and partaking in wilderness adventures. I attended the University of Oklahoma, where I studied environmental engineering. There, I was also a high jumper earning several Big 12 conference medals (seven out of eight appearances), all-academic and Dean’s Honor roll honors, and qualified for and competed in the NCAA D1 Track and Field Outdoor National Championships. I moved to Colorado Springs over five years ago and fell in love with the city, the people, the landscape, the community, and all the good that is happening here. I have had the opportunity to work with several non-profits, for-profits, and organizations and was a member of Leadership Pikes Peak Lnow! Class of 2017. Shortly after this class and a shift in my work environment, Mindful Mornings was born. Mindful Mornings is a community movement for the collective social good; which launched in October 2018 after I left my corporate job as an Environmental Engineer and Quality Specialist for a Manufacturing Company in order to pursue a life of more purpose. I aim to give back to others, young athletes, and to spread my love for being healthy and fit by nourishing the mind, body, and soul. Now I am a Certified Personal Trainer, Health and Wellness Coach, Corporate Wellness Consultant, and Pilates Instructor for my own business, Emerald Evolution; while also curating Mindful Mornings monthly events and looking to expand the cause with more local events. I am on a mission to get people moving, to amplify people’s strengths, and to encourage a life based on abundance rather than lack thereof. 🌅 I am inspired every day by the work that is happening in Colorado Springs.

Has it been a smooth road?
Of course, we always wish our new endeavors would be paved with a smooth road, but the reality is that is usually far from the truth. But I believe that is the beauty of the journey. Many times you learn the most from the trials, tribulations, and so-called “failures”. I also believe that as women we some times add or intensify to the struggles at hand especially because there is so much pressure from society to be more, have more, and do more. My advice for other young women on this journey is to trust yourself and to speak your truth. We do not have to do it all, have it all, and be it all to be worthy. You are perfect exactly the way you are, not the way society says you should be; and you have special and unique skills and passions that this world needs.

We’d love to hear more about Mindful Mornings and Emerald Evolution.
My mission with Mindful Mornings is to connect the people with the heart and soul to change the world with the content and community they need to make it happen. This is to be a gathering place for people who have a similar soul set, not necessarily a similar mindset. Our personal growth and the growth of the community is limited when you continue to surround yourself with people that think alike. Let us be like missioned, not like-minded. I am most proud that Mindful Mornings has really found its way into the Colorado Springs community. People are resonating with it, talking about it, and wanting to be involved. It is more than just your average once a month networking event or meet-up. It is a social shift for the better. People are not just meeting people, but they are connecting soulfully with others in the community. We value vulnerability, intention, and genuine relationship building.

For Health and Wellness coaching, I help with any and all health, wellness, and fitness needs, and I have a very eclectic background that makes my services particularly unique. I have been an athlete my entire life competing at the collegiate level. I also had four different coaches my four years at university, so I saw and experienced quite a few different coaching styles, approaches, and focuses. I am a certified Personal Trainer, Holistic Nutritionist, and Pilates Instructor. I believe that everybody is different, and everybody needs something different. With my knowledge coming from multiple areas, I offer comprehensive plans tailored to specifics goals. One of many reasons why my background better equips me than most is because it allows me to have a better understanding of functional training and how to make sure that we are building a strong body that can move and be active and not necessarily just hit a number on a scale. The key to a wholesome life and to being successful is working on your mind, body, and spirit; which I approach all my coaching clients with and you will see throughout my programming.

Do you feel like there was something about the experiences you had growing up that played an outsized role in setting you up for success later in life?
The fact that I was a member of Girl Scouts for far longer than it was cool. As a senior in high school, I was awarded my Gold Award. the highest honor and achievement in the Girl Scout program. I believe it not only instilled a passion for community service and giving back to others, but also this idea of the community rallying together for a greater good.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mindfulmornings.org/coloradosprings + www.myemeraldevolution.com
• Email: coloradosprings@mindfulmornings.org + kristen@myemeraldevolution.com
• Instagram: @mindful_mornings_cosprings + @myemeraldevolution
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MindfulMorningsCOSprings + https://www.facebook.com/myemeraldevolution

Image Credit:
Alexa Vossler – @alexavosslerphoto – http://alexaraystudio.com/
Missy Romero (Mindful Mornings Photos) – http://missyromero.com/

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