Today we’d like to introduce you to Mindy Gorton
Hi Mindy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always wanted to soak up as much of life as I possibly can. I was born with a congenital heart defect called Tetralogy of Fallot, and that has instilled within me a passion for the congenital cardiac community, which is evident in my career path. I volunteer for two different heart camps: Camp Systole in Kansas City and Camp Del Corazon on Catalina Island, and I began my (second) career as a nurse in pediatric cardiology. I have since worked as a nurse navigator for adult congenital cardiology patients as well. I am active in the Kansas City chapter of The Adult Congenital Heart Association and seek to empower those with a congenital defect through education as well as being a resource.
Beyond what life circumstances threw at me from the beginning, I have always been a voracious reader. I began my bookstagram in 2019 after a friend encouraged me to bring my book reviews to the social media space. My instagram has since developed into being about more than just books, as I have interests in so many other areas. I am also a dancer and sub dance classes at Dance Fit Flow in the crossroads. I ADORE Kansas City and have expanded my social media outreach to include showcasing local spots for both young adults and families.
I am currently working on writing a children’s book for the congenital cardiac community, as well as have aspirations of writing an adult novel. I am a mom to two fur babies and one vivacious two year old daughter.
It’s hard to pigeonhole me into one category so I’ll just say this: I am a bookworm dancing through Kansas City with all my heart. And if that doesn’t sum up my very core, I don’t know what does. 🙂
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Life is rarely ever smooth. Obviously I encountered a setback from my very beginning when I was born with a heart defect. That was palliated by a shunt at two days old, then a full repair at 10 months. In 2015, while I was living in Los Angeles, I had my pulmonary valve replaced at the age of 27. But honestly, I would say these setbacks only made me stronger and instilled a drive in me to make cardiac education a large part of my life.
When I began my bookstagram in 2019, it blossomed quickly. Lately, with the IG algorithm how it is, it has plateaued and I have not seen the growth I’d like to. But I didn’t start my social media journey for the follows so I’m not sure I would call that an obstacle. Purely a challenge to keep learning how to grow and reach others through the social media space.
I started Kansas City influencing from scratch and just started creating videos while I was out and about and had to learn what stuck and what didn’t. That has led me to beautiful partnerships with local businesses that are going strong to this day. I’m very proud of where I have arrived from where I started.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
In the social media space, I am primarily a book reviewer and influencer for Kansas City businesses. I am most proud of my work ethics and ways in which I personally connect with others. I did not start my social media for the followers- I started it because I enjoy what I do. And that is something that will never change. My greatest hope is that I can help others whether that be through my own vulnerability in my life story, helping them to choose their next favorite read, or finding their next go-to spot in Kansas City. I hope that my authenticity speaks for itself and I hope that others find a relatable resource in what I have to offer the community.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
My family. I feel so rich in love from my husband, daughter, and two fur babies and that’s truly all I will ever need. Dance and books are a plus, but family is where it’s at.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifebymindyleigh/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561645657848
