By 
Tess Kossow is an author, speaker, and Certified Fertility Coach. Her journey started when she left her job at CBS Chicago to start her own business, while simultaneously taking care of a brand new baby and writing a children’s book. “I’m Very Ferris” came out in 2020, and is the first in a series of books that focuses on In Vetro Fertilization (IVF) through the eyes of a child.
Shortly thereafter, Tess survived sudden cardiac arrest and began speaking about heart disease awareness in women. She was named the Inaugural Woman of Impact with American Heart Association and Go Red for Women in Indianapolis. Then at the start of this year Tess became a certified fertility coach with a focus on heart health.
How did you get to where you are today?
Determination, persistence, and resilience. My passion is to make a positive difference in this lifetime.
What do you think has helped you the most with your success?
The support I have from my husband. He drives me and believes in me unlike anyone else. I am a very competitive person by nature, and he never stands in the way of me taking risks and pushing myself. And our son is a mini-him so I am surrounded by love and happiness.
What has been the biggest challenge you have overcome in order to achieve your goals?
My self-doubt. It is hard to walk away from a successful career and start your own business from the bottom up. Let alone doing this while balancing motherhood and unexpected health challenges. However, I am a true entrepreneur and I know I am doing what I was meant to do right now.
What are you most proud of?
How quickly I can rebound and turn a difficult situation into a positive one. I am running again, I am healing from my heart diagnosis, and changing lives through my experiences and my story. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see my passion and purpose come to life through my business.
What are three pieces of advice you could give to our readers?
One: Block out the noise and trust the process. Two: You are enough. Three: People say they would die for their loved ones, but don’t forget to live for them, too. Be present, be in the moment, and be the best you, you can be today.
You inspire us, but what/who are YOU inspired by?
My son. He was a frozen embryo that passed genetic testing on the second go-around. And he is the only embryo that made it to a positive pregnancy. He is the strongest person I have ever met, and he’s only 4 years old.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Take it from someone who is truly on their second life. I never take days for granted anymore!
Instagram Linkhttps://www.instagram.com/tesskossow/
Facebook Profilehttps://www.facebook.com/tess.kossow.31
Holly Christy
Holly Christy is a local small business owner, wife of 20+ years, mother to tweens, and an entrepreneur. She holds an MBA, and uses her talents for writing, event planning, and making connections to grow her own business as well as those of her clients.
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