Profiles of Change: Katie Danziger

Since some of our listening audience may not yet know who you are, would you please tell us a bit about yourself.

I am a mom of three (16, 14, and 3), and as they say "Necessity is the mother of invention," which is what lead me to invent the nomie baby car-seat cover!

You are a great success. Because of what you've accomplished and where you are in life, what would you tell others to Inspire them today, regardless of where they are in their life?

If you believe in yourself, surround yourself with positive people who cheer you on, support and encourage you, but also tell you the truth when you need to hear it (gently). In addition, it's easier to be nice and help others, and when you need help people will want to help you.

We all know that inspiration can change lives. Can you share a personal story of someone who inspired you and made a difference in your life or a defining moment or experience that inspired you or changed your life?

I have always been involved in many different charities, and volunteer opportunities. However, when my littlest was born two months early, weighed only 2 lbs 9.5 oz, and she was in the neonatal intensive-care unit (NICU) for over a month, I came to respect, admire as well as be incredibly thankful to the doctors, nurses and social workers in the NICU for all they do for the tiniest and weakest babies. I had always been involved with the hospital, but after our experience in the NICU, I knew that was where my efforts and energy needed to be focused, and I wanted to give back, and make sure that others had a positive experience. Therefore, when I created nomie baby, LLC I decided that I would give a percentage of all profits to the NICU.

You make it look easy, but I'm guessing you've experienced challenges in your life. Can you share with our listeners how that has strengthened you to reach success? In other words, how do you overcome adversity?

Again, the best way I deal with adversity is to surround myself with positive, supportive and caring people who I know have my best interest at heart. I also try to learn from my mistakes, so hopefully I not only won't do it again, but can think of a better solution.

Everyone has ideas on how to improve their lives, whether it be a new job, moving to a new city, or finding love, but change can be a bit scary sometimes. Can you please share an experience with us where you "stepped off the ledge" with only faith, and took a big risk, based only on your belief that you would succeed?

A number of years ago I decided to pursue my love of acting. I was so scared of getting out there and making a fool of myself, being told that I was not good, and most of all of failing, but I was even more afraid of not giving it a try and waking up years later kicking myself, and wondering "what if?" Therefore, I took classes, which left me feeling so excited and energized every time I left, auditioned and had roles in a number TV shows, movies, and eventually got my SAG card. I loved the whole experience, and am thrilled that I gave it a try. Perhaps this experience helped propel me to go ahead with my idea for creating the nomie baby car-seat cover. I knew if I didn't give it a try, and years later saw the product out there, that I would kick myself, so I decided to go for it!

How can others do what you did?

It is important to realize that everything doesn't need to be done all at once, and taking things one step at a time makes it all much more manageable. It is also important to know your strengths and weaknesses, because this will help you figure out what you can do, and where you need to look for help and even spend more money. For example, if you are great at web design, but don't know anything about sales, you should look for others to help you with the sales.

What process, steps or exercises do you recommend that our listeners could do right now and each morning, to improve the quality of their lives?

Again, since you can't do every thing, and certainly not all at once, prioritizing makes it easier to determine what needs to get done right away, and what can wait. In addition, if there is something that is very important to you, and you be upset if you missed out, then put it in your schedule and work around it as you would any business meeting. For example, if you must go to the gym two times a week, write it down, or other things will come up. If you want or need to drop your kids off at school every day, then don't schedule anything to start until when that is done. Making lists that you can check off also help to make you literally see what you have accomplished.

What's the greatest joy in your life?

My kids, family and friends are the greatest joy in my life. I am so thankful for each of them, love spending time with them, and watching my kids in their activities, because there is so much pleasure, joy and accomplishment in what they are doing!

If you had to wrap up the wisdom of your life to leave as your legacy—call it YOUR BRILLIANCE—what important things that you've learned would you want to pass on to others?

Try to keep every thing in perspective, believe the glass is 3/4 full, see the best in people, and be as kind and good as possible!

If you had just one more thing that you could accomplish in your lifetime, what would it be?

It's hard to imagine there being just one more thing that I will accomplish, since I like to think that every day there are new accomplishments, even if they are small.

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You have been Wonderfully Blessed to come up w/ such a great idea!!

That would've helped my Parents alot in the Summer of 1970... I had to have Open Heart Surgery because there was a lack of "Fat" between the Heart Sac & Rib Cage. Dover General Hospital (NJ) found out & I was flown by a Medical Helicopter from Morristown Memorial Airport to NYC's Kids Hospital. Not a fun way to spend your 3.5 year!
Donor's "fat tissue" worked & I was put on Their "Blessed Donor Recepient List"!

The Holy Family Loves Donors & People Like You!

• By AJP117
• on 10/1/09 12:22 AM EST

Wow! What a great and inspiring story! It is so encouraging to see women taking risks, believing in themselves, and finding ways to incorporate family into their careers. It sounds like Katie Danziger has done that with intelligence, perspective and gratitude. Thanks for the interview.

• By LoriKlein
• on 9/22/09 9:10 PM EST

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