Sisters Succeeding: Tecoya Gordon, Delta Sigma Theta

In honor of International Women's Day, we thought what better day to continue our 'Sisters Succeeding" series than with Delta Sigma Theta, Tecoya Gordon.

Originally from Chicago, IL, Tecoya Gordon is a graduate of Howard University with a B.S. in Health Sciences.

Ms. Gordon reigned as Miss Black DC USA 2013, and has had the opportunity to work with several nonprofit organizations, school programs, and media events during her reign. In her professional career, she works as a Development Associate for Teach for America and was a Washington Redskins Cheerleader for four years. In her last year she acted as one of the team’s co-captains & was selected to represent the team as the 2013 Pro Bowl Representative in Hawaii. As a cheerleader she has been able to travel overseas to several countries including: Kuwait, Afghanistan, Djibouti and China and more.

She is also able to serve her community as an active member of her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, INC., and the creator of two black women empowerment instagram pages, Black Girls Reign and Black Girls Cheer.

Ms. Gordon currently lives in Los Angeles, CA and is working towards being an actress and model. In the future, Tecoya aspires to start her own organization, which will be centered around underprivileged youth interested in the performing arts. Ms. Gordon is certain through dedication, humility, and faith that all things are possible through Christ that strengthens her.

Her accolades are one to look up to as she has proven that you can strive for excellence in so many areas. Tecoya embodies what a well-rounded sorority woman looks like. Read more about her via our Q&A below!

1. What sorority were you a part of? Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, INC.

2. What was your experience like as Miss Black DC USA in 2013? It was truly an amazing and rewarding experience. I was able to do a lot of youth outreach, mentor young women, and public speaking events. It helped me create my own brand and voice in the DC area.

3. What are the ups and downs of competing in a pageant? When it comes to anything competitive, there are always ups and downs. Obviously, only one person can win, but getting to a National level can take time, money, and other levels of preparation. Once you are able to get past the humps, you are able to enjoy the greatness that comes with being in the pageant. You get to inspire young women, be an advocate for a cause you're passionate about, and join a sisterhood along the way.

4. What/who inspired you to start "Black Girls Reign"? After competing for Miss Black USA, I wrote down all of the things I wish I knew before competing and ways to get more women of color to enter pageantry. So I wanted to create a platform where black Queens could be highlighted and introduced to pageant systems and coaches that they may not have direct access to. At that time, Instagram seemed to have a large influence so I started a page. From there I held an event at Howard University to discuss pageantry, personal branding, and different pageant systems. I definitely plan to hold more programs like the first one on other HBCU campuses, as well participate in additional speaking engagements for our young women.

5. What's your favorite part of being a motivational speaker? My favorite part of being a speaker is being able to motivate and inspire. I grew up with self-esteem issues and experiences of bullying, so I like to speak to our youth about overcoming obstacles and encourage them to follow their dreams. I want each young person to have a better experience than I did.

6. Who's a blogger that inspires you? Charlene Walton, Textured Talk; She has done so much with her natural hair blog and truly inspires me with all of her work.

7. What was the most exciting part about being an NFL Cheerleader? The most exciting part about being a NFL cheerleader is being able to hit the field with 30+ amazing women in front of over 50,000 screaming fans. The rush that you get as a dancer on the field is unmatched. Some of us also get the opportunity of visiting our troops and performing overseas, which is beyond rewarding and a humbling experience.

8. Tell us your Secret Steal? Besides being on every retail stores email list (sad I know, lol), I love Amazon. That's where I order books, decor, appliances, etc. And if you go to Best Buy they will match their price to anything you see on Amazon. So make sure you price match!

9. What has sorority life taught you that you've applied in the real world? Sorority life taught me what it means to put in work and be a leader. My chapter put on about 90-100 programs a year and to do that proper planning and great execution were required. I still use a lot of our planning methods in my career and enforce a lot of the leadership skills I was taught as well.

10. If you can be on stage performing with anyone- who would it be? I would love to dance behind Beyoncé, Janet Jackson, or Missy Elliott. I love their shows, the choreo, and overall performance. Being able to dance with any of those women would be a dream come true.

Thank you, Tecoya!

Sisters Succeeding: Sharon Bui, Frill Clothing Company

This 'Sisters Succeeding' post is big. Like, Shark Tank BIG.

North Carolina State University Chi Omega, Sharon Bui, partnered up with Kate Steadman to form Frill Clothing Company and now they are scheduled to appear on the television show, Shark Tank, on
March 6​th at 9/8c on ABC!

Shark Tank is a reality television program, which allows aspiring entrepreneurs to make business pitches to a panel of investors. “We are delighted to appear on Shark Tank,” says co founder Sharon Bui, “this is huge for promoting our business and we can’t wait for America to see us pitch our pride and joy to the ‘shark’ investors.”

Frill Clothing is a startup clothing company, located in Raleigh, NC. The thought of Frill was first conceived when Sharon Bui, a member of Greek Life at N.C. State University, realized there was no way of buying fashionable clothing she was required to wear for formal sorority recruitment. Bui then joined with Kate Steadman, who was studying advertising with a minor in fashion at Appalachian State, and Frill Clothing was born.

While Frill Clothing is primarily targeted to sorority women who are looking to purchase affordable, yet stylish, outfits for recruitment, there are other items available on their online boutique. Frill is branching out to sell items such as jewelry, home décor, apparel and various accessories.

Frill is also an important member of the bridal community. Their skirts can be purchased for bridal parties to put on a new fashion forward spin on bridesmaid’s dresses. The skirts are stylish, affordable, and can be worn on multiple occasions. Frill has outfitted many wedding parties and the bride, as well as, the bridesmaids have been extremely pleased with the end result.

Bui and Steadman launched Frill while both were still earning their degrees, which have required a lot of hard work, and learning how to be financially resourceful. “The past couple of years we have learned what it takes to be an entrepreneur,” said Steadman, “it requires dedication but we enjoy coming to work every morning so the hard work pays off!”

Be sure to catch Frill’s episode of Shark Tank on ABC this week!

Sisters Succeeding: Cami Fannin

We love hearing about sorority girls succeeding and hearing about the wonderful things Cami Fannin from TCU is doing is no different. Cami Fannin is an Alpha Delta Pi at TCU and this past summer she decided to create her own service project, "Just Makes Cents". Check out the Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/JustMakesCentsservice

Cami's service project came to life on January 7th, 2015 and she has been fundraising to raise money through coins to donate to an underprivileged community of girls. There they will learn to count, save and spend their money wisely. This is an education service project focused on combating poverty and encouraging girl power and independence.

Cami feels that her efforts through the "Just Makes Cents" mission is a great way to encourage other Greek women to follow their dreams and help others at the same time. We couldn't agree more!

Are you or a sorority sister you know succeeding? Submit their story and high resolution pictures to secret@thesororitysecrets.com for a possible feature.

Sisters Succeeding: Meghan Pearce

Photo Credit: Barbara Sullivan

Meet Meghan Pearce.  She's a 5^th generation Phoenician (from Scottsdale, Arizona) with a unique connection to family-- and to business.  Not only has Meghan's family lived in Arizona for 5 generations, but they also owned one of the oldest family run businesses in the state.  She was raised with the idea of working hard towards what you believe in, and going the extra mile whenever necessary.  It takes a strong family unit to run a successful business together; Meghan always valued the importance of family, in addition to a strong work ethic.  Not only does she hold herself to a high level of integrity; she's a lot of fun too.  Her warm and outgoing personality lights up a room.  Meghan found a way to utilize 3 of the things she loves most in life (entrepreneurship, family, and socializing) and tied them all together... creating her very own dream career.

Meghan attended the University of Arizona, where she joined Gamma Phi Beta.  Greek life provided her not only with lasting friendships, but also with the feeling of family while away at college.  She enjoyed holding positions such as social chair, living in the pretty "pink house" on campus (yes, their house is pink!), and loved meeting new people.  Shortly after graduation, Meghan began working at a public relations firm.  The firm marketed and put on events for the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association, and the Lupus chapter of Arizona.  This was the beginning... she started to get her feet wet with nonprofits.  The feeling of gratitude that Meghan experienced after working these events left a significant impression; there was a deeper meaning.  The people, the lives, the impact it made.  Nonprofits were making a difference.  As a former social chair and a natural social butterfly, Meghan began to see the potential to connect the two.

Shortly after, Meghan began working for St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation, which led to being asked to work at Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation.  Once she began working at the children’s hospital, Meghan knew that her life had been forever changed.   She was both inspired & compelled to give back, witnessing first hand the challenges that families who have a child suffering from a chronic or life threatening illness endure.  The need was there; and Meghan was determined to start her own company to help them.

We sat down with Meghan, to get the scoop on how she came to be the CEO of the Pearce Family Foundation, and created the Angels Around Us grant.

1. How long have you been involved with charitable work? 

I have been involved with charity work since I was a little girl. My father used to have my mom, sister and I help pick up trash on the highways every spring, which was a part of a recycling program he created. He also had us assist with passing out Thanksgiving turkeys to his employees who worked in the warehouse during the holiday season. I remember always feeling that warm and fuzzy feeling inside after hearing how grateful the employees were to be able to bring home a turkey to their family.

2. What sparked you to start your own 501(c)(3) public charity? 

I spent about two years coming up with the idea, but what motivated me to start was seeing how cancer affected a family friend close to me. Their whole life was turned upside down, and the only goal they now had was to go into battle with cancer and fight with all of their might. Life doesn’t stop when you're dealing with a chronic illness. They had two battles to focus all their energy and time on; their sick child, as well as surviving day-to-day struggles. I was also getting the entrepreneurial itch instilled by my family to start my own company. My great grandfather started his company on his own-- what once was a feed and grain store turned into the only Coors beer distributorship in the Southwest after Prohibition ended. Since I could not take over the family’s company, I wanted to create my own.

3. What is your dream goal or accomplishment? 

I dream of being a large foundation that not only helps families in Arizona who have a child suffering from a chronic or life threatening illness, but also being able to help families from all over the country. I hope to be able to grant more families the full grant amount every month. I want to be invited as the Pearce Family Foundation to the “Stand up to Cancer” event, as well as to be a recognizable name nationwide.

4. What are your 3 must-have beauty products?

• Mac Powerpoint eyeliner, in engrave
• Maybelline Volum’Express Colossal Mascara, in glam black
• CeraVe hydrating cleanser 

5. What is your schedule typically like day to day?

I get up in the morning and have two things: a cup of coffee, and a mini bagel from my favorite local bagel shop (they come in a dozen to a bag, I freeze one and have one in the fridge). I check my email from my bed, drink my coffee, and watch my favorite morning show... The Today Show! I have to start my morning off with Matt Lauer and Al Roker.  I've been watching them since I was little, it's tradition.  Then, I head into my office. I am normally doing a bunch of things; checking emails, entering checks into Quickbooks, making lunch appointments (with potential nonprofits or people I hope to be working with in the future).  I also do one of my favorite things, which is sending grant applications to families who are in need of our grant, Angels Around Us.

My day is also always different.  One day I'm practicing skeet shooting (we are having a skeet shooting fundraiser in October), others I'm helping garden at St. Vincent de Paul. I love ending the day with a Zumba class and a home cooked dinner. My mom is an amazing cook... I'm trying to practice every chance I get! I think it is important to know how to make yourself a healthy meal. Going out is great, but nothing beats looking in your fridge and coming up with some type of yummy (and free) meal!

6. What are the ups & downs of being in the philanthropic industry?

There are struggles for sure.  Being a “newbie” to this industry makes it tough because no one knows who you are. There are over 30,000 nonprofits in Arizona alone, which is why you have to make yours unique and your own. I feel with my history of working at St. Joe’s and Phoenix Children’s Hospital, I have a good start with where I want to take my foundation.  It's tough, there's a lot of competition. Every foundation wants to "do good,” so you have to think outside the box and separate yours from the rest. The up side though is that you are giving back to your community and helping those in need-- no matter what, you're making a difference. When I tell people what I am doing and for who, they are so intrigued.  I can tell I'm doing something unique, it will grow more in time.

7. If you can have anyone's closet- who's would it be?

Two people; my grandmother Charlotte Pearce, and Audrey Hepburn. Both of these women grew up in a time where dressing up was necessary, whether you were going to dinner or to the grocery store. My grandmother would wear her jewels while shopping for dinner. I respect a woman who acts like every day is an affair to remember. If she was still around today, I would beg to borrow from her closet. I am lucky to have a few of her treasures.

Audrey Hepburn is the epitome of classy; I can only imagine how organized and perfect her closet must have been! Every girl loves a simple yet flattering black dress, and Audrey put that on the fashion map. The LBD is still the go-to look when you "have nothing to wear".

8. How did your collegiate sorority experience make you the person you are today?

Being involved in Gamma Phi Beta gave me the confidence I needed to be able to talk to anyone, and to hold a conversation. Recruitment was great practice for learning how to talk to strangers, and be able to get to know someone in 2-3 minutes. I feel I have a good judge of character now, and can tell whether or not someone is who he or she says they are. I enjoyed every moment of being an active. Life is meant to be spent, not saved, which is why I try to live every day to the fullest and to do things that make me happy!

9. Name 3 things in your purse that you can't live without.

1. EOS chapstick in summer fruit
2. My iphone5s
3. My sunglasses {by Victoria Beckham or Karen Walter}
4. One more- I always, always, always have a water bottle with me! I probably drink 3-4 water bottles a day :)

10. You have helped many families and children through the Angels Around Us grant. Tell us about the moments that made the biggest impact on you.

A family that inspired me to start the grant program was struggling last December with bills and life stresses. I hadn’t fully come up with the grant system, so I did not have an application or anything in place yet. My mom and I decided it was time to introduce the grant idea to friends and family by holding a holiday party.  Everyone brought a gift card for the family. They have a 15-year-old girl who has bone cancer in her arm that has come back twice. The mom has also been sick, so she was only working part time, and her husband had been having a hard time finding work. The bills were piling up, and they did not know how they were going to have a Christmas for their family. I rallied behind them, and we ended up raising about $3,000 in gift cards for the family. The mom kept saying, “why would people help us who don’t know us?" After, she looked at me and said, “what you are doing is going to change people’s lives."  Right then, I knew I was on the right path for the foundation.

Another family we just recently helped were the Acosta’s. Their truck was in the shop because they needed a new transmission. They have a son who was born without a lower jaw, and I met them when I worked at the children's hospital. The mom got in touch with me and told me what was going on.  She came to my office with her son, and filled out the grant application. She was practically in tears the entire time. She told me she was just about ready to sell all her furniture in order to pay for her transmission. I immediately pushed the application through with my committee-- I went down to Sanderson Ford [a local dealership] and paid the remaining debt for the family.

Those moments are why Angels Around Us has been created. We aim to eliminate the extra stress life throws at you. I am so grateful to have this in motion, so I can step in when I am able to and give back to Arizona families in need.

11. What is your #1 advice for people that are interested in the public charity industry?

First off, if you want to start a nonprofit-- congratulations! Giving back to our community is life changing and worth every step of the way. Find people you trust, that you can rely on to stand by your side when you need advice. Being in the nonprofit world isn’t the most glamorous occupation. You’re the one setting up your events and cleaning up at the end. That's a small price to pay when you see the reward. I would never give up or go back to any other occupation; I find happiness and peace knowing I am helping those who have no where else to turn.

This is one of my favorite quotes, it's something I believe to be very true: “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth” -Muhammad Ali

 Thank you for sharing your story with us, Meghan! Connect with the Pearce Family Foundation by visiting their website.

Sisters Succeeding: Bryanne Lawless

Starting your own company is not easy- it takes hard work, dedication, and patience!  A firm believer in the power of cross collaboration, Bryanne Lawless has simultaneously operated 3 different types of businesses but with similar synergies that can be applied across the complete spectrum of marketing and PR. She has developed and implemented creative and unique marketing and PR strategies and proposals that cover industries such as hospitality, fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. Bryanne has extensive industry contacts developed through her regional experience of over 8 years with deep relationships within Southern California. She also garners an industry wide reputation of creating, organizing and implementing small to large scale events that complement client outlook and overall message. A Kappa Kappa Gamma Alum, she now is the Managing Partner of BLND Public Relations, Located in Los Angeles. 

The Sorority Secrets sits down with Bryanne to get the ins & outs of the PR industry, how to get started in the industry, the ups & downs, and her #1 advice to people that are getting into the industry!

1.    How long have you been in Public Relations?

I’ve been in PR and Marketing since I was a child to be honest. I’ve always been quite the talker and putting things together just comes naturally to me.

2.    What sparked you to start your own PR company?

I was working at a local newspaper and found that when I was speaking with clients buying ad space that they had no one helping them with getting the word out and doing PR/marketing for their companies. More than one of them told me that they would love help in that area, and began to ask for my advice. Huge companies had huge agencies representing them but there wasn’t a PR firm in the area representing the local brands.

3.    Who's your dream client?

My dream client is someone who knows what they want. Their branding is on point or they are willing to have us rebrand them. Branding and aesthetics are really 90% of your business now a days and it makes our job so difficult to sell and pitch something that we know is bland. People who often flip flop back and forth on ideas or never see something from Start to finish make our jobs much more difficult.

4.    What are your 3 must-have beauty products?

My Daily Routine :

Purity Face Wash – By Philosophy – My skin is always so clear and fresh with this stuff

My Clean and Clear Oil Free Moisturizer –Never too oily and always keeps me moisturized

Smolder MAC Liner and The Orange Covergirl Lash Blast Mascara

5.    What is your schedule typically like day to day?

one: Wake up around 7am to take my maltipoo, Benzo, out for a quick walk to the beach.

two: Head into the office by 9am

three: Conference calls, client meetings, pitching, writing, social media, Emails

four: Leave the office around 6pm

five: This is where it’s choose your own adventure:

    Option 1: Head to the gym (if possible/hopefully)

    Come home and pour myself a glass of red wine and maybe cook some dinner or order some thai!       Plop myself on couch and enjoy some RHOOC

    Option 2: Client Dinner or Event

    Option 3: Drinks/Dinner with the girls for a catch up sesh

6.    What are the ups & downs of being in the PR industry?

It’s a high stress job but the happiness that it brings you when you land a big press placement for the client or have an amazing event is undoubtedly worth every minute of stress. I always tell interns when they start that they will know within a week whether PR is for them or not. It’s not something that grows on you and it’s not something that you get over. You either LOVE it or you hate it. That’s it.

7.    If you can have anyone's closet- who would it be?

Definitely Khloe Kardashian. She is AH-Mazing! Like her, I’m also not the skinniest girl in the room so her stuff would fit me! I’d pick Kate Moss or Leighton Meister but I mean, Let’s be honest mama ain’t fitting into their wardrobes.

8.    What do you like to do in your free time?

Honestly I don’t have a lot of free time. I work A LOT. Having your own business is not easy! Any “free time” I come across is time that I MAKE happen. I love going on quick vacations. I was just in Cabo for 4 days and it was AMAZING.. .However even on vacation I find myself working quite a bit.

9.   Name 3 things in your purse that you can't live without?

My Smith’s Rosebud Salve Lip Balm

My iphone-OBVIOUSLY

MY Sapphire Credit card-The only thing I buy anything with.. I live for the points..Makes me feel less guilty.

10. What is your #1 advice for people that are going into the PR industry?

Make sure you intern somewhere first in college before you declare it as your major so you KNOW that it’s something you love. The business is hard and you really have to be passionate about it for it to work. There is of course things you can learn and grow from - but you really have it or you don't. And there's no point in forcing yourself to fit into someone else's mold.

Thanks again to Bryanne for sitting with us!  Feel free to reach out to Bryanne for any questions!

Sisters Succeeding: Jordan Bosstick

Whether you're a Republican or a Democrat, we all have different opinions and views on things- well we want you to meet Miss Jordan Bosstick.  Jordan is a recent graduate from Arizona State University that decided to start her own political social network called, Volkalize!  Volkalize is an unbiased, political social networking site where all point of views are welcome!  Volkalize has been doing amazing since her launch and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to interview Jordan and find out more about her, her career, and how she stays fashionable without wearing conservative suits all the time!

Read her interview below and make sure to check out Volkalize.com!

1.What sparked the idea of starting Volkalize?

"I LOVE politics, but everybody knows the media is crazy biased. News is either right wing or left wing. It is SO hard to find news with both sides of an argument. So I decided to create Volkalize.com: an unbiased, political social networking site where all points of view are welcome, because anyone online can contribute to the debates. I believe in grassroots efforts and the power of spreading information through the Internet. Our tagline is ‘People Power Discussion’ because people create the topics, provide the facts and opinions, and are responsible for spreading political information virally through the Internet."

2. Who is your biggest fan?

"Definitely my Dad. He encouraged me to stay politically informed from a young age. He is very opinionated! Volkalize provides an outlet for politically opinionated people to create their own articles and debates, and my dad is literally OBSESSED. He posts articles all the time. I am turning him in to a social media expert!"

3. What sorority were you in and how have your sisters helped you with Volkalize?

"I’m a proud Arizona State University Kappa Alpha Theta! My sisters have been so supportive. All of them helped me promote the Volkalize.com launch last May.  Beyond actually using the site and promoting it on social media, just chatting with my sisters about business, politics, and life keeps me motivated."

     4. Your thought on Politics and the younger generation- what do you hope to achieve through Volkalize?

"The younger generation needs to become more involved. The government affects our education, healthcare, safety, money, and pretty much every other aspect of our lives. I get frustrated sometimes with the apathetic youth. We are lucky enough to be members of the free world, and we should act like it. I hope Volkalize.com inspires my generation to educate themselves, stay politically engaged, and encourage others to do so as well."

     5.  What are some things you like to do when you're not working?

"Horses, yoga, and Pilates. I work out at least 6 days week. It’s the hour I set aside for myself each day to sweat and focus inward. Wine nights with my boyfriend, Nico, also keep me sane during the craziness of running an Internet start up."

     6.  What are 3 different beauty products you can't live without?

"#1 CHAPSTICK. I AM OBSESSED. My new fav is Coola liplux (‘peppermint & vanilla’).

#2 I love my Skin Stick (‘meyer lemon’) -- It’s basically chapstick for your body. I take it everywhere. It smells like lemon and instantly moisturizes. A must have for anyone that has to travel a lot, like me. Traveling dries out your skin, so skin stick keeps my skin from getting crackly.

#3 The Dry Brush – I like to keep my hair long and healthy. Literally every day I wake up its dreaded. I only use the Dry Brush. I REFUSE to use any other brush they damage my hair."

     7.   Winter is approaching- what is your favorite winter wardrobe accessory?

"I’m in San Diego, so winter for me means 65 and mostly sunny. Boots, bourdeaux colored nail polish, and lots of leather detail for any outfit."

     8.   Politicians are dressed very conservative- how do you mix it up and make it fun??

"THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE. People in politics need to style it up a bit. I like to give a business look a little edge. I love finding a blazer with some leather detail. I also add tons of jewelry and accessories. Think Helmut Lang if you’ve got the $$ -- But I find great edgy stuff online on Nastygal and Revolve."

     9.  What are some things you learned from being in a sorority that has helped you post college?

"In Theta at ASU we liked to keep it classy and stay professional. My sorority sisters taught me to surround myself with positive driven people, because the saying is true you are who you hang out with. All my sisters encouraged each other to strive for success in everything they do. We networked with each other and support each other in all of our business endeavors. I am so proud of all of my sisters."

     10. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

 "In 5 years I hope Volkalize.com will be the main platform for political discussion. I’d like to get more politicians using the site to communicate directly with their constituents. We just got our first Congressional Candidate - Carl DeMaio – using the site to chat with his constituents in San Diego."

     11. You love to workout- what do you do and how do you have time to workout in your busy schedule?

     "Running a business, trying to stay fit and healthy, and have a social life takes serious planning. I’ve picked up most of my tricks from The Skinny Confidential. To be honest, it just takes commitment and the willingness to work out early in the morning or late at night."

       A special thank you to Jordan for taking the time to interview with us!  Be on the look out for more upcoming information on Volkalize! 

     Happy Wednesday, everyone!

Sisters Succeeding: Kat Tanita from With Love from Kat

                       

This West coast girl makes her big move to New York City shortly after graduating from college to pursue her dreams in fashion, design, and blogging.  After 2 short years of being a New Yorker and now a full-time Fashion Blogger, invitations to New York Fashion Week, showrooms, and luncheons with other NY fashion bloggers is an everyday thing.  

The Sorority Secrets sits down with Kat Tanita to get the ins & outs of being a Fashion Blogger and how sorority life helped her get to where she's at today.  Read Kat's Interview below!

"Looking back, I think I was subconsciously prepping for the career I have now since I was in high school.  Before writing With Love From Kat full time, I worked at Calypso St. Barth and Saks Fifth Avenue, interned at interior design firms in college, and then, after earning a degree in design, did PR and social media for a start up jewelry company in NYC.  With Love From Kat showcases my passion for decor, fashion, and travel.  New visitors to my blog can expect to see plenty of photos showcasing my signature style which fuses elegant-yet accessible high/low fashion, along with regular decor inspiration, travel advice and collages featuring my latest must have items.  It's a site that provides good living for the savvy, sophisticated girl."  

1. How long have you been blogging?
      "I've been blogging for almost 3 years.  I started blogging right after graduating from college."

2. What/Who Inspired you to start a blog?
      "In college I was a design major so I was constantly working on different art projects.  When I graduated, I found myself missing the creative outlet that my classes provided.  I started researching blogging (the first blogs I looked at were Cupcakes + Cashmere and Fashion Toast) and realized that a blog would be the perfect creative outlet for me."

3. What sorority were you apart of and what was your favorite part about being in a sorority?
       "I was a Kappa Alpha Theta in college.  I loved being a part of such an inspiring, smart group of women!  It was a great way to meet people and made my college experience so fun."

4. What's your favorite part about being a New Yorker?

    "New York is extremely stimulating - there is literally always something to do, something to see, someone to meet!  Everything about this city inspires me - I couldn't imagine living anywhere else!"

5. Who's a blogger that inspires you?

     "I'm really inspired by Carin Olsson of Paris in Four Months.  She's incredibly mature and sophisticated for her age and moved to Paris to follow her dreams.  She documents her life traveling through Paris and all over the world with the most beautiful photographs."

6. The ups and downs of being a fashion blogger?

     "There are so many ups to being a fashion blogger.  My favorite part is getting to meet people that I've looked up to for years - magazine editors, authors, photographers and designers.  I love what I do and besides being occasionally tired I can't really think of any major downs to my job!"

7. NYFW just ended- what is your favorite part about attending NYFW?

    "NYFW was a whirlwind!  I absolutely loved attending the Rebecca Minkoff show - she had live music and every outfit that came down the runway was completely wearable.  I also loved catching up with blogger friends who flew in from around the country."

8. Tell us your Secret Steal?

      "I am a huge fan of consignment and vintage stores!   And I love a good sale - Shopbop and Nordstrom always have great sale items."

9. What has sorority life taught you that you have applied in the real world?

      "Being in a sorority taught me how to get along with all different kinds of women.  I feel like I can relate to almost anyone in some way or another which is a crucial skill to have in the fashion industry - or any industry for that matter."

10. If you can have anyone's closet- who would it be?

       "I would love Rachel Zoe's closet - can you imagine?!  Or Olivia Palermo's closet - she does such a great job of mixing high and low fashion."

A very special thank you to Kat for sitting down with us and sharing us her story.  Remember ladies, every girl can succeed, just have to follow your dreams and {keep going}! 

Happy Thursday!