Owensboro native Mary Katherine Wathen has joined forces with Cecilia Pappas, Erin Van de Voorde, Maria Spears to launch West of Perfection — an innovative company that strives to help others be the best version of themselves. Services range from coaching and consulting to online and in-person community courses.
The four entrepreneurs are veterans in the coaching and mentoring industry, boasting more than 65 years of experience among them. Saying they were compelled by Christ, the group discussed dreams and visions for women and decided it was time to formulate a plan that increases a sense of self-worth in women.
“We are ladies in our 20s, 30s, and 40s, and we have coached and mentored women ages 17-73,” Wathen said. “West of Perfection is a community where we can have elevated conversations and work through relevant topics women struggle with today.”
Thompson said their services are perfect for individuals growing tired of more “stuff” and seeking something that will last. She added that those uncomfortable with who they are and looking to grow with women sharing similar struggles would benefit from West of Perfection.
Services are primarily targeted at women; however, Wathen said men could undoubtedly benefit from their online courses. The programs aim to instill confidence in people and inspire them to converse with others on a deeper level.
“We have a heart for building a community of women where we can live a life free from the shadow of perfectionism,” she said. “We want to show what is possible when women collaborate rather than compete.”
The name West of Perfection carries a deep meaning to the group, constantly reminding them of their purpose.
“In the old days, churches always would face east, so when you would sit in the pew, you would be west of the altar. You are west of Jesus. You are west of perfection,” Wathen said. “We are not called to be perfect; we are not called to be our savior Jesus Christ; we already have a perfect savior. We are called to be next to Him, to be just west of Him.”
This February, West of Perfection will host their inaugural in-person event, craftily titled the Galentine’s event. Slated for Feb. 5 in Nashville, the luxury event for women is chocked full of lattes, charcuterie, smoothies, cocktails, and more.
“We want to begin with the most important thing to us: community. We all learned in 2020 how desperately we need each other and how important it is to be in a community, in-person, with one another,” Wathen said. “This Galentine’s Day event is an idea to take this community to the next level and launch you into a new chapter of your life. We believe more stuff is not the answer for a more purposeful and peaceful life, but intentionally working on what is holding us back or focusing on how to take it to the next level.”
Wathen said she and Spears also share a podcast called Girl, Water your Grass, where they discuss the various means to enhance one’s life and how God’s dreams are of a larger scale.
To learn more about West of Perfection or register for the Galentine’s event, visit their website here.
“When we take off the pressure to be ‘being perfect,’ life is so much more fun,” Wathen said. “We are unable to step into our calling if we are fighting to be perfect in everything we do. Our tagline is ‘perfection redefined.’”
