Conversations with the Inspiring Katie Thompson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Thompson.

Katie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Three years ago, I moved from Louisiana to Texas to attend Texas Christian University. I’ve always been fascinated with fashion, not only the creative side, but the business side. The side that requires planning and organization and A LOT of industry knowledge. I’ve always been the color coded, super organized, planner girl. I love all my different colored pens equally and can never get enough! I dove head first into a double major of Business and Fashion at TCU, and quickly realized that I wanted to be more hands on in the business world and not so hands on in the fashion world. I started applying for smaller retail jobs and then landed one at Kendra Scott. Although it was just a sales associate job, I loved the story of the company and the way it all worked. I still do! Kendra Scott is one of those companies you look at and think, “Why the heck didn’t I think of that?!” My love for fashion began to grow working amongst women who encouraged me and complimented me daily. I still work there, and I love every minute of it. I truly consider my co-workers some of my best friends. They are part of the reason why I was recently encouraged to start my own fashion blog, and after perfecting the website, photography, and outfits, I did it! It is definitely one of my biggest accomplishments and something that I’m very proud of. My blog is my perfect dose of the fashion world that I needed to keep me engaged and focused while pursuing my business degree at school.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I truly believe that nothing good in life comes easy, and nothing easy is ever good. I constantly have to remind myself that I’m still learning every day and if there’s a day where I don’t learn something, it was a waste of 24 hours! In the blogging industry, there’s so many big names and so many role models to look up to. I think remembering who you are and being true to your own style is something that will always been important when it comes to blogging. It’s easy to compare yourself to someone who has 30,000 followers and an income to spend on designer items, but nothing easy is ever good. And comparing yourself just isn’t good!

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Katie Mai story. Tell us more about the business.
I am a new blogger in the Fort Worth area specializing in budget-friendly styles! I’ve always loved following big-name bloggers but realized that the industry was lacking budget friendly bloggers. As a college student, I don’t exactly have the funds to buy clothes all the time, so finding cute Target outfits or styling one item several different ways is something I have been doing for the past three years. My blog is just simply my platform to share my personal tips and tricks for girls and women like me.

What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
I think as women, it is always hard to dive headfirst into any role of leadership. We’re often intimidated or comparing ourselves to women already in roles similar to the ones we aspire to be in. But life is too short! In any industry, I think if you want something, just go for it! The worst thing that could happen is someone telling you no, or someone not reading what you’re posting. If you’re doing it for yourself and your happiness, those things will never matter and I think that’s important to remember!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.katiemai.co
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @katiemairethompson
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katiemaiblog/

Image Credit:
Naomi Ledford Photography

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