I have the pleasure of presenting Karen Schmidt to The Faces of Lake Country. Karen and I met many years ago when we both participated in a program by Christie Marie Sheldon, Love and Above. Karen brings her spiritual empathy into her daily life and work activities. Her intuition and knowing has helped her maneuver through many of life’s “obstacles.” Karen is generous in nature and fun at heart and she wants to bring Joy into as many lives as possible.
Karen Schmidt has lived in Waukesha County her entire life and graduated from Waukesha South in 1978. Her first position was as a manager at Aquatic Emporium “The Fish Store” and after that she opened The Good Earth, a spiritual bookstore. The book store was her dream manifested, helping her personal growth and connecting with incredible people. She worked for ProHealth Care in medical scheduling and currently is employed by CarMax, in the remote sales team. Karen currently lives in Hartland and is involved with the St. Anskar’s community. Her passion is purebred dogs. She currently has 2 Standard Longhaired Daschunds that she bred, and a rescue Standard Poodle. She has STANDARDS!
About Karen Schmidt
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have a wonderful partner, Chris French, and he has 4 (now adult of course) children! John, Kate, Sam and Janie who all graduated from Arrowhead. John, Kate, and Sam are triplets and they all got married last year, that was a whirlwind!
Q: Please tell us about your life and what you do (whether working in our community, a business owner, volunteer, etc.). How did you choose that path?
I am so grateful to be a part of this community, and in my role now, it is incredibly fulfilling to get a phone call, help a customer find the right vehicle, get their financing approved and arrange the pick up, all in a very quick and efficient manner. I recall one transaction where we completed an entire home delivery set up in about and hour and fifteen minutes. So fun!
I am also on the Board of Directors for the Badger Dachshund’s Club, a non-profit organization, and frequently participate in Specialty Dog Shows with my award winning dogs!
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
After working in sales face to face for 26 years in retail, I would have never guessed how rewarding remote sales could be. We really are able to connect over the phone and that means a lot to me. I worked at the local CarMax for 3 years before starting my remote role.
Q: What was the most difficult challenge in getting to where you are now or in your life?
The bookstore, self employment, definitely was the challenge. I learned a lot and very often wish I could have done things differently, but the people and experiences made it all worthwhile.
Q: What is the most rewarding part?
Aquatic Emporium for sure. Eighteen years getting to know people, selling them an aquarium, advising them on selection of fish, care, maintenance is a very long and drawn out process. Watching kids grow up and then bringing their children in, so rewarding. I do miss it quite often, it was so incredibly special.
Q: What are some of your future goals? Do you have anything exciting coming up that you would like to share?
I am planning to re-visit the bookstore experience in some way. Connecting people was the best part of that, and I would love to organize some type of group/get together experience for fellowship and monthly meditation. I miss that the most. Group energy is so powerful!
I also would like to become a You Tube influencer to inspire people to “Enlighten up” and be happier! Additionally, I already have my own domain name “Organized Metaphysics” where I plan to share and motivate others. Movements are started by “just one thought.” As a Reiki 3 Master, I plan to work on providing healing energy utilizing my own special technique I developed, which focuses on internal healing and energy clearing. I want to have fun, contribute to our community, share my knowledge and experiences, and oh, yes, become financially independent!
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in doing something similar to what you have done/are doing?
Pick your passion and do lots of investigating, and research!
Karen Schmidt & Our Community
Q: What is your favorite thing about our community, favorite thing to do, or something unique about our community that you love? (Feel free to share as much as you’d like!)
Nashotah Park, such a beautiful place just a mile from where we are, the dog areas are awesome and hiking trails very peaceful and pretty….
Q: Who is an interesting person you’ve met here in our community, and how have they inspired you?
I also do Reiki Healing, and my dear friend Linda Zealley Morrison, who was my teacher, was in the area for quite a while. Unfortunately, she passed in 2019, but so amazing and so helpful for me on my journey. I miss her very much.
Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cocktail shop, or restaurant?
Belfre Kitchen in Delafield. My niece Sheyanne Manthey is the GM and I know it’s a popular place, always busy.
Q: What 3 words would you use to describe our community?
Quiet, lovely, comfortable.
For Fun
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
My mother, Barbara, and I won a mother daughter look-alike contest in Greenfield at the Taste of Home store in the early 2000’s.
Q: What is your favorite book, TV show, movie, poem, or song? Why?
Movie, Star Wars. I was in my late teens when it was released and it was the beginning of a real advancement in special effects. I loved the score, John Williams is an absolute genius, and there are many themes and lessons to get from it. May the Force be with you!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My partner Chris. He is so wise, thoughtful, and caring. A terrific father, and best friend.
Q: If you were a drink (can be a coffee drink, alcoholic, non-alcoholic, etc.), what would you be?
Hot chocolate, for our never ending Wisconsin winters…
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be with? Why?
Donald Trump, a brave and dedicated President for the People. He has withstood unbelieveable opposition and has stayed strong despite it all. “MAGA!”
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Drive through all of the 50 states.
Q: What makes you the happiest?
My dogs, and don’t forget the cat!
Q: Any general life advice you would like to share?
Take care of yourself, in Body, Mind and Spirit, and meditate daily!
Where to Find Karen Schmidt
Email: karenrenz@earthlink.net
Phone: (262) 391-7346
