Story & Lesson Highlights with Kay Durr of Fort Knox, Kentucky

We recently had the chance to connect with Kay Durr and have shared our conversation below.

Kay , we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, it’s been the little things taking my 3 and 4 year old to the park, watching them laugh and run around wild while I enjoy a few quiet moments to myself. It reminds me how important it is to slow down and soak in those simple, peaceful moments.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Kay Noel, a military spouse, mom of four, and the founder of Thrive Beyond the Uniform, a coaching experience designed to help military moms reduce stress, reclaim time, and reconnect with who they are beyond the roles they carry.

This mission started from my own journey of juggling deployments, motherhood, and full-time work while trying to hold everything together. I have a background in mental health counseling with over a decade of experience as a therapist supporting individuals and families through major life transitions.

But what truly shifted things for me was when I stepped into network marketing during one of my hardest seasons. What started as a way to cover daycare costs became so much more. My coach didn’t just teach business, she introduced me to personal development in a way that changed how I saw myself, my purpose, and what was possible. That experience, combined with my mental health background, laid the foundation for the coaching work I do today.

Through my signature Thrive PowerHour, I help military moms and spouses create sustainable routines, regulate their emotions, and reconnect with who they are beyond the titles, the uniforms, and everyone else’s expectations.

What makes my work unique is that it’s built from both professional and personal experience. Thriving in military life isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing what matters, with support, structure, and grace.

Right now, I’m expanding Thrive Beyond the Uniform into a full ecosystem of programs and resources designed to help military moms and spouses find peace, purpose, and identity through every transition.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
I would say my mom. She taught me the true meaning of work ethic and resilience. I watched her juggle two, sometimes three jobs just to make sure my siblings and I were taken care of. She never wanted to depend on anyone, not even my dad, and she made sacrifices that I understand on a deeper level now that I’m a mom myself. Her strength, independence, and determination shaped how I show up in every area of my life.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Honestly yes, probably every other month if I’m being real. There have been so many moments where I felt like throwing in the towel, especially when things weren’t moving as fast as I hoped or when life as a military spouse and mom got overwhelming. But every time I think about quitting, I remember why I started, the moms who need this work, my kids watching me build something meaningful, and the version of me who refused to settle for burnout. That always keeps me going.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
One important truth I’ve learned that not everyone agrees with me on is this: you can’t pour from an empty cup, and prioritizing yourself isn’t selfish, it’s necessary. Most people think you have to grind, push through, and always put everyone else first. I’ve learned the hard way that doing everything for everyone while ignoring your own needs only leads to burnout and resentment. Taking care of yourself actually makes you better at everything else.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I think people might misunderstand my legacy as just about helping military moms survive or manage chaos. But really, it’s about helping them thrive beyond the uniform, reclaim their identity, and feel like themselves again. It’s about creating space for peace, purpose, and joy even in the middle of constant change.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://beacons.ai/thrivebeyondtheuniform.com
• Instagram: @kaynoeldurr
• Facebook: Kartriceia Durr