Interview: Katie Runnels on Healing, Honesty, and “Imperfect Beauty”

Katie Runnels writes through songs. The Flagstaff-based singer-songwriter has spent years turning introspection into melody, blending emotion and purpose with a rare kind of clarity. Her latest single, “Imperfect Beauty,” isn’t just another release; it’s a reflection of everything she’s learned about self-acceptance, vulnerability, and the courage it takes to start again.

After releasing her debut Reality Cloud in 2010, Runnels stepped back from music to focus on teaching and building resources for students with ADHD. That chapter changed how she understood people — and herself. Now, she’s returned with a new sound and a mission that reaches beyond music. Through Imperfect Beauty, both the song and the movement, Katie is encouraging others to embrace their flaws and find power in authenticity.We caught up with her to talk about the story behind Imperfect Beauty, the lessons she’s carried from the classroom into the studio, and what it really means to make art that heals.

1. “Imperfect Beauty” feels deeply personal, yet also universal. When did you first realize that your own healing could become part of your art?

First of all, thank you for this opportunity to be featured in your publication. I am very honored. To answer your question, I think I intuitively knew it when I wrote my first song. I knew that writing and playing music helped me to feel better through self-expression. I did it for myself. And it has just evolved over time. 

2. You’ve said that “Imperfect Beauty” isn’t just a song, but a movement. How did the idea grow from a single into something that could live beyond music?

I healed through self-love and self-compassion. When I was reflecting on coming back to music, I wanted to spread the message that helped me heal emotionally. I thought it would be a perfect combination: music and education and branding. 

3. The song carries a kind of calm strength. How do you approach writing about pain without letting it consume the work?

I write about anything I need to release. It might consume me at the moment, but after processing it, I am able to let it go. I turn some of those thoughts into songs. I use my inner-muse and my intuition to decide what pieces of writing I turn into something I will record and publish. 

4. You spent years teaching and developing resources for students with ADHD before returning to music. How has that experience shaped the way you create now?

I realize now that everything I create–wheter it be notebooks, lessons, or music, it is all an educational tool. I believe with my whole heart that music changes people. We can learn lessons through music. I don’t write music with the intention of teaching a particular lesson. I write and play music because it is an inner urge and something that brings me ultimate joy and happiness. That said, when people hear my music, I know they can learn from my story, my honesty, my vulnerability. Hopefully, it will touch something within them that needs to be touched. 

5. Many artists talk about perfectionism as a creative block. What does imperfection mean to you, both as a person and an artist?

For me, perfectionism is having a fear of not being good enough–mostly in regards to what society regards as “acceptable.” This concept holds true in my daily life and in my creative spheres. Many people simply don’t try anything new because they are afraid that they will fail because it is not good enough. When we have self-love, and we are okay with “failure” we are free to try new things, learn, and grow. Many times, “perfectionism” is a false concept of not making a mistake. The truth is, we all make mistakes because we are human. When we can accept our humanity, love our humanity, we can start to learn and grow. I hope that answers the question adequately.

6. The production of “Imperfect Beauty” leans into space and atmosphere. What kind of sound were you chasing, and what did you want listeners to feel rather than just hear?

I wanted them to feel an ethereal, calm, peaceful, feeling–with the overarching feeling of unconditional love and acceptance. I was aiming for something “heavenly” and fairy- like. 

7. You’ve gone from folk-rock roots to a more ambient, soulful sound. Was that shift intentional, or did it happen naturally as your life changed?

It was both. After my divorce and a few other sudden and tragic events, my life shifted in dramatic ways. I was no longer the person I was pre-marriage and pre-divorce. I started listening to different genres of music, I started taking risks and having new experiences in my own life. I wrote this song with my acoustic guitar 20 years ago. When I decided I wanted to record it, I meditated on what I wanted it to sound like. And I wanted it to be magical sounding, electric sounding, and experimental. And it turned out exactly how I wanted it! It was an experiment. It took 2 years to evolve. I am really happy with the outcome, and I could not have made my vision come to life without my friend, Nic Leo. I told him what I was hearing in my head, and he helped me make it come to life! I have to give him a shoutout!

8. After stepping away from music for some time, what finally pulled you back? Was there a specific moment or realization that said, “It’s time”?

After my divorce, my entire reality shifted. I had poured my life into my marriage and made my husband happy. When that ended suddenly, it was a wake-up call for me to return to my heart. Music has always been my first love. I finally wiped the dust off of my guitar and started playing music again. Since then, it has been a steady progression of following my dream again. It is the silver lining to a lot of heartache in my life. 

9. You often write about vulnerability and resilience. Do you find it easier or harder to be vulnerable as your audience grows?

This is a very interesting question. At first, being on social media really scared me–mostly because I seek a life of peace and I don’t feel the need to be outwardly validated. That said, the name of the game when it comes to being a musician is the need to be seen and heard. Over the last few months, as I practice being myself on camera, it has gotten easier with each day. The size of my audience does not change my ability to be vulnerable. What makes it easier is my practice of being vulnerable–and knowing that it is helping people. I have a student who told me that my podcast has literally changed her daughter’s life (who is in college). As I tell my stories, as I model how it is ok to be imperfect, it is helping young women to feel validated and more loving towards themselves. That one story made me realize I am doing the right thing, and I will continue to live honestly and authentically in the spotlight. I will not try to be anything other than who I am organically. And I know it will help change lives for the better!

10. You’ve mentioned that music for you isn’t about chasing trends, but creating something that matters. How do you define success now?

I will NEVER chase a trend. Chasing trends is simply not in my DNA as a human being. I abhor the idea of chasing trends. If I start a trend, I am ok with that, but I won’t start it with the intent to start it. It will just be a result of me being me and living honestly.

I define success now the same way I did 20 years ago:  personal growth, inner-peace, and living a life that brings me personal fulfillment, and impacting just one life in a positive way.

Monetary success will come as a result of me living the life I want to live on my terms: following my passions, facing my fears, taking risks, improving my skills musically, and ultimately making the world a better place.  I rest in the knowledge that I will be the exact same person with $20 million or $20 thousand in my pocket. I will keep doing what I am doing. Money comes and goes. Our souls are what matter. Our peace is what matters. 

11. What do you hope someone takes away from listening to “Imperfect Beauty” for the first time?

I hope it elicits an emotional response that will lead to the release of those emotions that will lead to lasting personal growth and healing. I want it to trigger something in their life that needs love and healing. And I want them to walk towards that healing as a result of hearing my songs–any of them. 

12. Finally, what comes next, musically or personally, for you and for the Imperfect Beauty movement?

I am about to release a new song called “Stolen Love.” It is a love song. Like “Imperfect Beauty,” I wrote this one many years ago. I am excited to finally be recording it. Furthermore, very soon, I hope to transition into making music full time–using music as a platform to promote my other causes–my Imperfect Beauty podcast, the book I am currently working on, and brand. Ultimately, I want to have a yearly Imperfect Beauty festival that brings together women of all ages, sizes, and backgrounds, to embrace their imperfections, promote mental health, and celebrate women entrepreneurs and musicians. That is the plan! It is exciting to see it unfold. I can’t wait to be spending more time in the studio.