The Foundation of This Haus

Technically speaking, June 2nd is Kathryn’s birthday. 

But over the last two years, I’ve started celebrating her one day early — on June 1st.

Because on June 1st, 2021, I began working for her.

Full stop: that sentence still feels CRAZY to type. The younger Tess that existed five years ago would not believe that fact if you had told her. Some days even now, I still can’t believe it — because being in Kathryn’s orbit feels similar to a fairytale. 

For instance, you know in Cinderella how The Fairy Godmother swoops in at the absolute perfect time, in all her magical glittery goodness, and rescues Cinderella from despair? How The Fairy Godmother reassures Cinderella that she is worthy of love, and then she helps repair Cinderella’s broken dreams?

Well, Kathryn has done that for me.

Twice.

Maybe three times.

Actually, now that I’m thinking about it, she does that almost every day. 

And I know I’m not the only person who feels this way about her.  As manager, I’ve seen with my own eyes the messages you all have sent about her, about the impact she has had on your lives. 

Here are some of my favorite lines from you all: 

 ➡️ “KB doesn’t know this, but we’ve been BFFs for about 10 years. I have FOUND myself through her loving, holistic, magical approach.” 

➡️ “Kathryn welcomes every human with open arms (wings? 😉) and helps each person feel welcome.”

➡️ “Kathryn made me fall in love with how FUN the practice could be! She has been a guiding light for me when I got too wrapped up in my own ego. 'Thank you' doesn't seem like enough... but, THANK YOU  (maybe shouting it will help?😂).”

➡️ “As both a fellow teacher and student, I always find myself inspired and full of joy at the end of your classes. Thank you, Kathryn, for the heartfelt and authentic way you guide gatherings… Thank you for unknowingly guiding me here.”

➡️ “I have been following your classes for the past 6 years and have always enjoyed your radiant energy, your humor, and the ease with which you share deep learnings. Thank you for sharing it with us.” 

➡️ “Kathryn, I am so grateful for your amazing presence in my life. I started practicing with you over ten years ago. Your practices have helped me get through so much. I've been reflecting on the different classes I did over and over again during hard times, and it's been so lovely, knowing that you were there for me helping me connect to myself during heartbreak, loss, all of it.”

So, I think we’re all in agreement when I say with absolute confidence, that Kathryn’s magic is REAL. And with that Fairy Godmother energy inside of her, she waved her magic wand, and she gave us Haus. 

I can so easily recall the first day she reached out to me about it. (And yes, I remember that exact date, too — May 14th, 2021. 😉)

She explained to me what she wanted to do — create her own multifaceted online space — and asked me if I had any interest working for her. 

*Cue: me running around, jumping, and screaming my head off. The joy very literally came pummeling out of my body and vocal cords that day. My dad witnessed this moment, and he still talks about it to this day.

(However, if I’m being 100% honest, Kathryn could’ve told me she needed help mowing the lawn, and I probably still would’ve reacted with the same level of excitement and disbelief.)

In preparation for my first meeting with her, I took to my journal with this question in mind: “What does Kathryn mean to me?” 

This is what I wrote: 

“Kathryn is a twin flame. A kindred spirit. She makes me feel seen and understood. She, too, appreciates mythology, lore, and legends. She, too, finds comfort, release, and peace in the supernatural, the otherworldly, the unknown. Kathryn reciprocates the respect I feel towards her. She feels like an ally, a trusted co-conspirator, a role model, but most importantly: a friend. We’d fight together. We’d encourage growth and confidence in each other.” 

A picture of my journal entry from 2 years ago. (Color-coded, because I can’t help myself.)

During the two months that followed that initial meeting, we developed the concept of Haus of Phoenix, and we brought on our graphic designer, Stephen, as our 3rd teammate (love you, Stephen😘).  Our small but mighty “Team Hot Bird” was complete.

What I recall most from that creative and hectic whirlwind before we launched Haus was how trusting and open Kathryn was. She wanted ALL of our ideas on the table. She encouraged Stephen and I to be honest, and she expressed her constant, unwavering gratitude for us. She never saw us as employees. She always saw us as her partners, her team, her family. (She still does.) 

How the majority of our Team Hot Bird meetings look — I. am. the. luckiest.

Two years later, her nurturing presence and authenticity are the foundation of this Haus. She brought together this diverse and inclusive group of renegades; this supportive community; this Haus that has become our home.

And every day,

every. single. day.,

she cares about us. 

She takes our thoughts and feelings into consideration.

She moves with all of us in mind.

She teaches from a place of listening. 

She shows up for me, for our tiny team, for her people, and for this Haus.

So, Kathryn, with all of that being said, please allow me to speak for everyone when I say we are TRULY so grateful you were born. 

Thank you for all the wishes you have granted. For all the dreams you’ve helped sow into reality. For all the hearts you have lifted from the depths of despair.

Happy Be-lated Birthday to our real-life Fairy Godmother. 

(And happy 2 year anniversary. 😉)