In a world where life’s twists and turns often define our paths as women, Khatereh (Kathy) Yavari’s journey stands as a testament to being an incredibly strong woman of resilience, transformation, and unwavering pursuit of wellness. From her early career in international banking, real estate, and marketing to her current endeavors in health coaching and wellness retreats, she has navigated a remarkable path shaped by personal difficulty and profound self-discovery. 

Kathy left her home following the Iranian revolution. The country went through a number of changes, thus causing a mass exodus to other countries and continents. Her international school closed down and people were placed under strict Islamic laws and restrictions. Looking back on that challenging transition,  “My uncles lived in Boston at the time, so my parents sent me to live with one of them and his family, to pursue my education and opportunities.” 

Kathy’s professional evolution took an unexpected turn when she faced health challenges and became the primary caregiver for her father who was battling cancer. Diagnosed with fibromyalgia herself, she experienced firsthand the critical role lifestyle choices play in health and well-being. Her transition into health and wellness was very personal as she witnessed how crucial a healthy lifestyle was in managing her own condition and supporting her father’s health.

Despite immigrating to the US at the age of fourteen amidst turbulent times in Iran, Kathy adapted with resilience, embracing the challenges of a new country and ultimately flourishing in her career and personal life. Raising three successful sons and caring for her father are among Kathy’s proudest achievements, testifying to her strength and adaptability. However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought its own set of trials. Juggling family responsibilities and grieving her father’s passing, she found herself in a period of profound sadness and with her youngest leaving for college, she suddenly had an empty nest. “I lacked a sense of purpose and felt a huge void inside.”

Throughout her journey, Kathy’s resilience and internal motivation were guiding forces. “I was my own support system. My grief and sense of loss gave me the motivation to figure out a new path for myself. I was determined not to let myself sink. The disheartened person I had become wasn’t who I was by nature, so I looked at ways to pull myself up again.” This determination led Kathy to pursue certifications in Ayurveda and lay the foundation for her current pursuits in integrative nutrition and wellness coaching. Kathy is a Certified Nutrition Health Coach from the world renowned Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN), and also enjoys practicing her expertise as an Ayurveda Specialist.  She has served as a facilitator at the World Happiness Summit in London and helped organize conferences with the international wellness organization, Wellbeing at Work. She states, “I love helping people improve their lives by strengthening their mind, body, emotional and spiritual well-being.”

Lifelong international travel and experiencing diverse cultures has enriched her love for others, leading to her unique career path. Kathy was easily able to travel throughout Europe while residing in Switzerland and working as a statistician with the Bank for International Settlements. She has also earned an MBA in international finance. Eventually, Kathy was able to find balance between her analytical mind and her innovative creativity, while exploring her entrepreneurial abilities by developing her own business, White Orchids Wellness. Find her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/whiteorchidswellness

Drawing from her own experiences, she offers valuable insights for those navigating their own paths to personal growth. She advises, “Don’t look externally for happiness. It comes from within.” Kathy emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and pursuing passions as fundamental to finding purpose and happiness. “Spend time getting to know yourself and uncovering what motivates you. Volunteer to do work that you’re passionate about.”

Currently, Kathy is focused on crafting workshops and wellness retreats (one coming up in Turks and Caicos in November 2024)https://oculustravelandwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Turks-Caicos-Retreat-2024.pdf. Looking to the future, she envisions expanding her coaching business internationally, hosting workshops, and fostering global connections through her love for travel and wellness. She will be co-hosting a podcast with other coaches centered on happiness and purpose.  Kathy is multilingual, speaking Farsi, English, French and Spanish. Beyond her professional pursuits, she finds solace in skiing, Zumba, and plans to rekindle her passion for painting—a practice that enhances mindfulness and presence. 

Kathy’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of resilience and the profound impact of embracing life’s challenges as opportunities for growth. Her story serves as an inspiration to all who encounter obstacles on their own journeys, reminding us that with determination and a commitment to wellness, we can navigate life’s uncertainties and emerge as stronger, more fulfilled individuals. And, while finding her calling in helping others, she says, “As an empath, nothing gives me more satisfaction than creating pathways for those who feel they need guidance.”