Amy Smith
Amy Smith
Power Hour Editing & Consulting
Independent Educational Consultant
Social Media Links:
Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/powerhourediting
Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/powerhourediting
Who is Amy Smith?
Amy Kossoff Smith owns POWER HOUR EDITING AND CONSULTING and uses her journalism and PR experience to help students find and amplify their own unique voices. She has an extensive track record coaching students to get to the heart of the story fast to stand out in the competitive admissions process. Amy graduated from Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism in the top 10% of her class. Her article on offbeat tactics students used to catch the eye of admissions officers won first place in the William Randolph Hearst “Pulitzers of College” journalism contest. Featured on The Today Show, ABC National News, and in The Wall Street Journal and New York Times, Amy is a prior national wire columnist. She authored an essay in Knowing Pains: Women on Love, Sex & Work in Our ‘40s and was featured in I Love Mondays…and Other Confessions from Devoted Working Moms. Amy presented at the College Education & Entertainment Summit and at the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication Conference. Married to Mitch for 30 years, Amy has three sons, graduates of Vanderbilt, Duke, and the University of South Carolina.
Please briefly summarize your life's journey, highlighting the significant chapters and pivotal moments.
Professionally -- I studied journalism, did a ton of freelance writing, including a national wire column, launched a PR firm, and published a Mom Blog about the tips & tools for the business of motherhood, ... all leading me to my favorite chapter YET! At Power Hour Editing & Consulting, I coach students on the college application process - research, writing, and more! Personally - married the love of my life almost 30 years ago, have 3 boys who I ADORE, and am SO excited to finally add a girl to the mix when my oldest gets married later this year!
How many children do you have, and what are their ages? (if applicable)
3 boys - Jake (27), Max (25), Noah (22), and a future daughter-in-law Jillian (27)
What were some of the challenges you faced and how did you overcome them?
Pivoting came easily to me, but shutting the lights on old ventures wasn't as easy.
What lessons did you learn about yourself throughout your journey?
I absolutely LOVE being a reporter - asking the kinds of questions that lead to a GREAT story you can't resist! I also learned that I way prefer working on projects that have a real, meaningful impact. That's something I always gravitated to.
What motivates you to keep going during difficult times?
I LOVE LOVE LOVE my students & taking them through a stressful process. My calm & positivity is critical, and it's unconditional.
How have you been able to prioritize your passion, purpose, and well-being alongside motherhood?
Great question! My professional journey evolved alongside my motherhood. While raising my kids, I ran my PR firm and only took on projects where neither channel of my life would suffer. I worked from home throughout, allowing me not to miss moments and avoid even a minute of a commute :)
How do you define self-care, and what does it look like for you?
Exercise + sweat; LOVE massages & found a GREAT place nearby; girls nights out!
Was there a time when you weren't aligned with your purpose or balancing yourself alongside motherhood?
I definitely had some moments. I remember one where it was 7:30 p.m., and a client was yelling at me because there was "noise in the background." It was my son's baseball game. Another time, I took a call standing outside my car with the windows cracked. Something about looking at my little ones through the window made me realize...I need boundaries!
What changes needed to be made in your life to allow you to live a life where you feel fulfilled?
Boundaries :) Understanding what "scope creep" means. I'm a perfectionist, probably why I LOVE editing :) And I constantly remind myself that PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION is key!
Share a moment of MOM GUILT, and what you do to manage it?
Those moments that I shared above, felt SO YUCKY! Literally a physical reaction. That's why they were MOMENTS I managed and made sure they weren't regular occurrences.
What's your greatest Mom Hack that you have learned thus far in your motherhood journey?
I LOVE spreadsheets!!! My Mom Blog, The MomTini Lounge, was all about THE BUSINESS OF MOTHERHOOD. I was known for my color-coded spreadsheets for carpools, activities, chores, etc. Structure - it helped a TON! And gave me MORE time for hugs & kisses & bedtime stories!
Why do you think it's important for women to share their journeys and inspire other women?
We are BETTER TOGETHER - I believe that! Why reinvent the wheel if someone else can show you how they constructed the wheel? Maybe that helps you spin yours better too!
What is one lesson or piece of advice you would like the community to learn from you?
Take bites & sips, not GULPS, as you build your business. Baby steps are totally ok! Organic growth lasts! I used to say, "What's HOT gets cold fast." Be patient with yourself, and never, ever stop learning!
Do you want to share your HERstory with The Next ChaptHER community? Click here to submit your information.
Follow us on Instagram @fullyinformedlifecoaching (link: https://www.instagram.com/fullyinformedlifecoaching to continue the conversation.
Make sure to tune in to The Next ChaptHER podcast (link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-chapther/id1670206410) for additional support and inspiration.