Kathi Moore is an award-winning Costume Designer for film. She has been in the industry almost 20 years and is extremely passionate about working in this medium. She has done everything from managing 100’s of clothing stores, having her own boutique, and then wholesaling her designs to other shops. She is a stroke survivor. Brought on by birth control pills when she was just 24. Overcoming the challenge of being paralyzed just spurred her on to do more. Travelling the world has been her inspiration that led her down the many paths of learning one’s heart and the relevance that fashion would always play in her life. Working in film now fulfills her on so many levels and remains her focus to this day as does educating young women about the danger signs from above said pills.
If you could give your past self some advice, what would you tell yourself?
Never let anyone tell you that you are unable to do something. Whether it be learning how to walk again amongst naysayers, building a business out of pure dreams or trusting yourself enough to believe the impossible is in fact possible. Just do it. It all unfolds as it should.
When you first started your career how did you know you were ready and what made you start?
I didn’t know I was ready. I wasn’t sure I’d ever walk again but I learned from having a stroke that there is no time like the present. Life changes and one just needs to show up with a goal and be fearless in conquering perceived obstacles as they arise.
What is your favourite thing you do in your career and why?
Working in film has taught me how to go with the flow. There are no absolutes in this business. Being strong and adaptable are key. I love that my job allows me to employ my brain, heart, and creativity. This world has taught me so much about diligence and persistence.
What do you have going on that you’d like to share?
Serving a massive stroke from birth control pills is a subject I feel strongly about sharing. Who would have thought that it could happen to a very healthy 24-year-old? The fact is it does. Still to this day. I wish I’d known that the crippling migraines I was experiencing just prior were a severe earring sign of what was to come. I’d like to share my belief that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. Doctors are wonderful but listening to your heart is powerful. I’m thankful I had my stroke. It was a huge reminder to me of the great love and support I was surrounded by through friends and family. I didn’t look back after that experience and climbing the second highest mountain in Southeast Asia was not only a goal but a fantastic metaphor that I use in my everyday life now. Belief in oneself is paramount in all aspects of being here now.
Do you have a mantra or phrase that you live by?
I sure do and in fact it is also tattooed on my body lest I forget. On one wrist is the word ‘faith’. Soon to come is the word ‘truth’ on the other. These two words mean a lot to me. I believe if you speak your truth unabashedly you can trust and have faith that all will be right. I was taught by my beloved parents early on that my word is all I have. This lesson has served me well. I know very well that I am in charge of my destiny. I’m aware that there will always be people that won’t believe in your dreams or goals. That’s ok. Because I do and I won’t stop until I achieved them.
What keeps you motivated on a daily basis?
Silent pain. Although I was eventually able to walk again, I still have to deal with tremors on my left side and the feeling of my body split in half. A dear friend calls my shaky and painful limbs, “my dancing arm”. This embodies embracing what could be seen as a deficit as uniqueness and a bold reminder that life can change on a dime. It’s empowering to me that I did not succumb to being handicapped. I chose to instead become even more fierce in following my goals. Life is indeed what you make it. We may not know what’s around the next corner. But it’s ok. Dream big and do it. You won’t know until you’ve tried. I feel blessed to have undergone hardships and learn what I was made of.
