Although a relative newcomer (arriving in Florida in 2013 and very soon thereafter to UCC), Anji Kat quickly sealed her status as a consummate musician, demonstrating the talent, skills and obvious joy of music, qualities that define and strengthen Unity’s music ministry.
“Chance” brought Anji and her husband Walt Kozikowski (now a Sunday volunteer with the Unity Tech Team) to Clearwater when he received an unexpected opportunity to move back to Florida from Iowa. Walt had previously attended UCC, and because he spoke very highly of Leddy, the couple knew this would be their new church home. Having been an active member at Unity of Cedar Rapids, Anji was grateful to continue involvement in Unity. In short order, she experienced a life-changing event in being exposed to the emPower Posi Fest. Encouraged by Sue Riley to join the choir, when an opening occurred in the band, she was offered the position, the result of which an elated Anji says, “I cannot begin to tell you how enriched my life is by serving UCC in this way!”
The nickname “Anji Kat,” given to her by her grandfather, a self-taught jazz drummer for nearly 50+ years, also serves her well as a stage name, easier to pronounce than her Polish last name.
Growing up in South Dakota, showing musical aptitude from a very early age and writing poetry at age 9, Anji, inspired by her grandfather, took advantage of every opportunity to perform in concert and show choirs throughout her schooling and into her adult life, singing with local jazz musicians and taking piano and guitar lessons.
Although music has always been a priority, a passion, Anji, after obtaining a Master’s degree in Health Promotion and Wellness Management, devoted more than 20 years serving as a Wellness Coach, Yoga Instructor, and senior-level Worksite Health Promotion expert. An E-RYT 200 (Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher) with Yoga Alliance, she remains involved in helping people achieve optimal well-being, teaching Hatha Yoga on Wednesday nights at Peace Cottage and facilitating healing retreats including yoga, music and a variety of self-education methods. 2016 retreats include Briar’s Patch in Sedona, Prairiewoods in Iowa and Villa Sumaya in Guatemala.
Anji’s workshops, keynotes, concerts and retreats, playful, magical and mystical experiences, are based on self-love, empowerment, acceptance, radical self-care, spirituality, adventures in creativity etc. A classically trained vocalist, she also offers vocal coaching to singers, performers, public speakers or to those wishing to simply improve their singing for maximum enjoyment. Options are available at her website SingingSpirit.us
An inspirational singer/songwriter and motivational speaker, Anji is obviously very busy but always welcoming. Her website is updated regularly with new performances. After her debut CD “That’s Who I Am,” and “the incredible experience of recording with Daniel Nahmod,” Anji wanted to keep the momentum going and is currently raising funds to return to his studio to record a second CD exploring the theme of Love. Love offerings can be made on her website.