Kellie Harriden is an author, speaker and infertility advocate. She is fast becoming the face of infertility and hope to many in the fertility field, or for those struggling with their own infertility.

In 2019, the 2^nd edition of her book, Long-Awaited Child, was published under Ocean Reeve Publishing. In her book Kellie shares her emotional eight-year journey to have a family with her partner, Ian. During these years they went through many unsuccessful IVF cycles, where they eventually had to look outside this option and research foster care, adoption, egg donor and surrogacy. Her story is definitely one of resilience and adventure.

Kellie has been a guest speaker on many podcasts around the country, and in 2019 became the founder of Sunshine Coast Fertility Expo.

Kellie, you wear a number of hats in your career at the moment – tell us a little bit about what you do and how you make it all streamlined to work for you as you are a business woman, author and mum?

Initially my dream was to write and publish a book about my own journey, plus to also give hope to anyone facing similar struggles. At the time I never thought much past that, however my business has naturally evolved and fallen into place from there, and I feel I am doing exactly what I was destined to.

My twins, Bane and Daya, are now at school, so I make these the hours I work on my business and write (my next book). Outside school hours my first priority is being their mum, and I get a lot of enjoyment spending time with them, plus also being available to take them to outside school sports and activities. I have worked very hard to make my business a success, however I now feel very blessed to be running my own business and one I am very passionate about.

What made you decide to start up The Sunshine Coast Fertility Expo?

When starting to plan the launch of the 2^nd edition of my book, Long-Awaited Child, I knew I wanted it to be more than a book launch. From my own experiences, I realised there was a need to bring fertility specialists, therapists and like minded businesses together in the one space, hence I decided to incorporate the expo at my book launch. It was a way to test the waters as to how an event regarding fertility would be received. I was overall extremely pleased with the number who attended plus the feedback I received afterwards.  The beginning of this year I also held a small fertility information evening in Noosa. The next Sunshine Coast Fertility Expo was due to be held in September this year, however due to the uncertainty surrounding Covid-19, the expo has been postponed to early next year.

How important is networking and bringing like-minded women together?

I thoroughly enjoy getting out and networking. The Sunshine Coast is full of amazing, motivated, businesswomen who are all very supportive of each other. I am extremely grateful I can now call many of these women my friends. For anyone in business, I believe networking is one of the most important things you can do, and it is because of this, it has helped cement my name in the fertility field.

Tell us about some of the success stories of the Expo and how this has impacted the local community?

I feel holding the Fertility Expo & Events has helped lessen the stigma around infertility. I never claim to be an expert, however following my own experiences and research, I believe I am instead the facilitator for such events. I am very passionate about providing a safe and nurturing space, where those struggling to fall pregnant can do some research for themselves, plus talk to specialists in many different areas of the fertility field. I know for myself during the years I was trying to fall pregnant I felt very alone and out of touch with information, to have such an event would have made a huge difference to my experience and also my mental wellbeing.

Typical feedback I received was; they appreciated the opportunity to speak with experts and fertility specialists, plus also consider other options outside what is often classed as the norm.  I feel at the end of the day, if I have helped just one person or couple through their journey then I have done a good thing.

And what’s next on the agenda for Kellie Harriden?

Since deciding to move the Sunshine Coast Fertility Expo to early next year, I am taking this time to further market my book, Long-Awaited Child. I am extremely proud of my story and all we went through to finally have our family. With infertility affecting about 1 in 6 Australian couples, I truly believe it is a book to be read by anyone facing the uncertainty of infertility. I am also starting to write my next book that I hope to have published early in the new year.  On top of that I have also recently added a shop, Pineapple Tribe, to my website where anyone can purchase from a large range of fertility gifts.  For those who are not aware, the pineapple is a worldwide symbol of hope and friendship for those struggling with their fertility.  I also have a few podcasts coming out over the next few months. With these I will continue to share my message of hope and resilience.

Favourite book and why?

The Resilience Project by Hugh Van Cuylenburg. I listened to this as an audio book when I was driving up to my visit my parents in Hervey Bay. The whole way there I was a mixture of laughing, crying and being totally inspired by Hugh and his stories, which I could so relate to. I look forward to seeing him on stage in November.

What do you do in your spare time?

I enjoy spending time with my twins the most, and try to catch up with friends or visit family in Hervey Bay when I can.

Who do you look up to and admire?

Even though she may not be aware of it, I look up to & admire my mum most of all. She is a very special woman who completely loves her family and is kind & thoughtful to so many. I also have a lot of admiration and respect for those who are every day dealing with the struggles to have a family. It is definitely something where you do not fully understand the heartache and emotional rollercoaster of it, unless you have experienced it for yourself. I have connected with, and been a support person for many, and to see their determination is something to admire.

To find out more about Kellie and Long-Awaited Child head to:

Website
https://www.kellieharriden.com/

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/Long-Awaited-Child-by-Kellie-Harriden-941761295989438/