Merry Mary-Marthas: Chats with Catholic women exemplifying the feminine genius in the world and in the home.
Meet Kate Frantz,
founder of Thy Olive Tree
Kate Frantz is the founder of Thy Olive Tree, where she self-publishes Catholic books, runs a market featuring books from nearly 25 independently published authors, and recently launched the Fiat Self-Publishing Academy to teach authors how to publish good, true, and beautiful books through the lens of the Catholic faith.
Tell us a little bit about yourself – your family, hobbies, experiences, education, etc., basically anything you’d like to share.
I’m a Catholic convert, wife, and mom to three kids (ages 5, 3 and 10 months). I live in Michigan and openly wish I could live someplace warmer! I have a Masters in Public Health from the University of Michigan and worked in various health positions for 5 years before starting my Catholic business. Many people don’t know I used to be a Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist helping people to quit smoking!
What is your apostolate? How do you bring truth, beauty and goodness to the world? How did your ministry/apostolate begin?
I bring truth, beauty, and goodness into the world through books! My ministry began shortly after my conversion (2016) and birth of my first child (2018). I was looking for a Catholic baby memory book I could use to document her important faith and developmental milestones. I couldn’t find what I was looking for, so I set out to design it myself. I loved the process of self-publishing so much that I decided to start selling the book and creating other faith-filled resources.
From there, I started a market where I sell Catholic books from nearly 25 independent authors.
In February, I launched the Fiat Self-Publishing Academy, where I teach authors how to publish good, true, and beautiful books through the lens of the Catholic faith.
What have you struggled with and how have you managed to balance the interior life of Mary, with the exterior life of Martha? Tell us about your practice of prayer and any special devotions you have, and how this supports/enhances your apostolate.
I converted, became a mother, switched careers, and had two more children in a span of a few years. Navigating all this “newness” was challenging. I had a lot of guilt about desiring to start a business while also caring for young children. I still struggle with work-life balance but am slowly getting better at it! I constantly pray for God to show me His Will and to direct my path. I have a strong devotion to the Rosary and try to pray frequently for guidance on how to be a good wife, mother, and business owner.
4.Where can we learn more about you, your apostolate and new projects?
I sell beautiful, Catholic books on my website at thyolivetree.com
I teach authors how to self-publish good, true, and beautiful books through the Fiat Self-Publishing Academy. The Fiat Self-Publishing Academy is full of resources to help authors, both those looking to self-publish and those who have already published and need marketing support. The Academy includes a course, live online events, sixteen incredible instructors, directories to find Catholic editors, book cover designers, illustrators and more, a list of printers, discounts with service providers, a growing community for peer-to-peer support, and other digital resources. It is THE place to be if you are a self-publishing, Catholic author! Sign up to receive free Catholic self-publishing tips here.
