The Feature: Kathleen Adams on keeping going
INTRO
I first met Kathleen when she came in wanting fresh new branding images to help launch her fertility law practice. Then she needed help with her website, which did you know I do those too! And so I did hers. THEN we did a creative photoshoot together that was rooted in simplicity and creativity, and THEN we hung out and she took me to a super cool mini art crawl and I hope for that to happen again.
There are so many things I want to say about this lovely human, but the first thing is that she is the real deal! I love seeing what she shares on her LinkedIN about her practice and philosophy. As someone who struggled with their fertility I am always in the sidelines cheering on Kathleen as so many more need to hear what she has to say and even more so could really benefit from her help.
So without further ado, please meet Kathleen Adams, Vancouver Fertility Lawyer and total badass!
What’s the coolest thing about what you do for a living?
Honestly, the coolest part of my work is helping to build families and being even a small part of bringing new life into the world. As a fertility and surrogacy lawyer, I guide people through one of the most personal and life-changing journeys, and seeing them reach their dream of parenthood is incredibly rewarding. I love celebrating each client’s unique background and making sure they feel truly seen and supported along the way. Of course, not every moment is glamorous. There are plenty of emails, research, and paperwork involved, and sometimes I’m helping clients through tough moments when things don’t go as planned. But knowing that all those efforts help someone become a parent is unbelievably cool.
What’s one piece of advice related to your business that you
left behind and are so thankful you did?
Early in my career, several well-meaning people suggested I shouldn’t specialize in fertility law. They thought a niche like that was too risky and I’d be better off in a more traditional legal path. I’m so glad I didn’t listen. Trusting my instincts and pursuing my passion for fertility and surrogacy law turned out to be the best decision I ever made. Specializing aligned my career with my values and let me devote myself fully to work I truly care about. By leaving that advice behind and following my own path, I’ve been able to help more families in meaningful ways. Every day I’m grateful I chose this journey. It’s led me to a fulfilling career that I absolutely love.
What has gotten in the way of you being fully,
unapologetically you, and what changed?
I’ve always operated close to 110% fully! I love to dress up, make art, and be silly. Even when it’s inconvenient, actually, especially when it’s inconvenient. What got in the way was other people’s comfort with that. When you’re in the presence of someone, and you feel you have to monitor yourself or shrink your interests to fit the room, that’s a mismatch. Identify it, and then bounce without delay (within reason; not every relationship is something you can or should walk away from, but many are.)
If confidence was a texture, a colour, a sound, what would yours be?
Confidence is the heel that doesn’t soften its step for the floor.
What would you say to the version of you that almost didn’t book the photoshoot?
I’ve never met her, so: “Nice to meet you. Michele’s rad. Trust her vision and yours.”
What surprised you most about seeing yourself through someone else’s lens?
Some of the best photos from the shoot aren’t “performative.” Some are quiet, in-between moments. If I carry that mentality into my business, sometimes you need to sit back and let other people do their thing.
As a music lover I like to ask people what song(s) represents you and or your business?
My work is in fertility and surrogacy law. By the time my clients find me, they’ve already endured some of life’s hardest parts, and sometimes, real loss. But I get to be a part of their story where joy comes back. The song that captures that for me is “Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World” by the late Israel Kamakawiwoʻole (Braddah IZ), a man who knew both profound grief and profound love, and you can hear every bit of it in his voice. It’s a song that says: dreams do come true. That gets me every single time.
What do you want other entrepreneurs to stop waiting for?
“Perfect is the enemy of the good.” I spent too long waiting until an email was airtight, a post was flawless, a decision was certain, and the truth is, good enough and moving will outpace perfect and frozen every time. It’s fine. Just keep going.
What’s a ritual in your business that nobody sees but you couldn’t do without?
A good sleep! 7 to 8 hours, minimum.
Where can people FinD You?
kjadamslaw.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleenjkadams/
TikTok, YouTube & Pinterest: @FertilityLawKath
Thanks for Reading!
Hi, I’m Michele Mateus, award-winning photographer based in Vancouver, BC creating bold, evocative, portraits with an editorial flair for people who want anything but ordinary.
If something here hit the right note, let’s talk!
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