Meet Katie
Transformational Coach & Podcaster
Welcome. I'm so pleased you're here!
"I always wanted a big family and from as early as I can remember I wanted to be a Mum.
Being a Stepmum was never something which had crossed my mind… and if it had then I probably would have swiftly decided it wasn’t for me.
I'm a recovering perfectionist and having a family which is "half your own" and "half someone else's" wouldn't have been on my childhood wish list.
But over a decade ago (with a three year old son in tow from my first marriage) I met HIM!
I knew after a couple of dates that this was IT. That heart thumping, butterflies fluttering, nothing-will-ever-be-the-same-again kind of love that I thought only came in movies (I'm fully aware how cheesy that sounds but it is how it felt.)
The fact he had two young daughters was an added bonus in my eyes. I’ve always loved kids and I was excited about building a friendship with them. I knew it would be bumpy and there would be ups and downs but looking back I was spectacularly naïve about some of the issues that might come up!
In the beginning it was an absolute rollercoaster. Incredible highs and painful lows.
I felt lost, lonely and had no-one in my life who really 'got-it'. I felt out of control of my own life and powerless to create the happy, fun loving home I’d always wanted for my family.
Turns out I’m not the only one who felt like this.
Across the globe in little corners of the internet I found pockets of kind, caring women who wanted nothing but the best for their families. And almost all of them were finding it hard. Whether it was their own complicated feelings, difficult Exes, guilt ridden partners, tricky kids, or just the sheer overwhelm of the admin, it became obvious that this role, cast as the wicked outsider in fairy tales since the dawn of time is a hugely misunderstood and emotionally complex position.
Apart from well-meaning (but in reality useless) advice such as 'love the children as your own' there was little support for Stepmums who wanted to do a great job without losing themselves in the process.
I wanted to do something.
So here it is. A space, for us to be seen, supported and strengthened. A community built on compassion, connection and courage.
I hope you get something from this and I’d love to hear what you think,
Katie x
Katie & Dom
Katie and Dom met in 2013 and have plenty of experience of the ups, downs and everything-in-betweens of being part of a Stepfamily.
They are uniquely placed to view complicated family dynamics from all perspectives having experienced being Stepmum, Stepdad, Stepchild, Bio Mum, Bio Dad, Wife, Husband, Ex Husband, Ex Wife and of course Mum and Dad to two "ours" children. (It's a lot, they know!)
The inspiration for Stepmum Space came unsurprisingly, from their own experiences, mistakes and learnings along the way as they created their own family, both with children from previous relationships.
Katie and Dom are both passionate about changing the cultural narrative around Stepfamilies and offering better support and roadmaps to all members of Stepfamilies.
Together they created the couples workshop, ensuring the experiences of both Stepmums and Dads are recognised, while also considering the wider family dynamic.
We understand how tough it can be and we are so glad you found us.