Today we’d like to introduce you to Katherine Proano.
Katherine, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Of course, so I am a 29-year-old, Miami fashion/lifestyle blogger, with a passion in journalism, advertising and philanthropy. My first couple of years in college I spent styling for Mercedes Benz Swim Week and famous artist for their music videos. I then held my own fashion show for Montce Swim, I did everything from production, to finding the models, venue and partnered with a local charity. During this same period, I was in college handmaking costumes for festivals like Coachella and EDC which sold all around the U.S.
I realized during this time that I had a keen eye for fashion and that I wanted to do something with this talent. I worked with many women in the industry who believed in me and encouraged me to share my talents with others. So, I decided to create a blog to share my fashion tips, but I also wanted my blog to reflect on who I was. I was determined not to have the typical fashion blog, but to also use this platform to empower young girls with my own stories or experiences that I had learned from my mom; someone who played a big role in my life.
I now proudly can say that I have built a platform both on my blog and Instagram where I can use my voice to empower younger girls as my mom empowered me.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not always been a smooth ride. I came at a young age from South America with my mom who was a single mother working two full-time jobs to provide for me. She did a really good job at hiding the financial struggles we faced at the time. I am so proud of my mom; she came to the U.S and made the American dream her own. She barely spoke English and worked as a waitress.
Growing up watching my mom struggle without ever compromising her morals was so empowering to me. At one point we lived in a motel and I shopped for all my things at a local thrift stores. Fast forward years later my mom speaks six languages, started her own company and has traveled all around the world. It was not always easy for us when we first came to America and that’s something I will never forget.
I have also suffered from anxiety since I was young. In 2018 I suffered from my anxiety more than ever, this year was probably the most difficult year for me, I stopped doing things for myself and I started to second guess everything I was doing. I am a very reserved person with my problems, so I just pretended everything was fine, but inside I was really struggling. My anxiety caused problems with my relationship, with writing and even taking care of myself. I was able to manage my anxiety through writing, working out and the support of my fiancé, family and friends.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
Sure, so as I mentioned my blog Saving Fashionista is a platform where I share my personal stories about suffering from anxiety, share advice for people going through a break-up and career advice. I also share my favorite skincare brands, fashion trends and how to be healthy.
While launching my blog, I started growing my personal Instagram @kat.proano and that landed me collaborations with brands such as Drunk Elephant, Lulus, Lancôme, Akira, Pretty Little Thing and many more.
Plot twist – I also have a fulltime job as an Account Supervisor at Zimmerman Advertising, one of the top agencies in the U.S. I help manage clients like La-Z-Boy and two nonprofit accounts. During my time there I have ideated concepts for La-Z-Boy’s ambassador, Kristen Bell and strategically reached our clients goal of 1 million fans on social media. Working at an agency helps me stay up to date with advertising tactics and blogging helps me stay on social media trends.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Yes, I probably wouldn’t have been so hard on myself initially. I learned that I am not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, so I don’t take negative opinions personal. When you’re constantly posting on social media, to some people you may seem annoying, I learned to tune those people out.
I would also go back in time and not doubt myself as much. Sometimes when making content videos I think “ugh this video sucks, you can see the bags under my eyes” but then I just post it. EVERYONE has bags under their eyes if they’re recording content after working for 9 straight hours.
Most of the mistakes I have made or tricks I have learned, I talk about freely. I learned to share my tips; I never want to be a blogger that keeps her success secrets to herself. If you meet anyone who DMS me or that has met me, they can tell you how responsive I am when they have a question regarding how to make a blog or what tips I can share for them to get some goodies from brands. I always say there are plenty of goodies to go around.
If I can share anything today it’s that that God has a purpose for everyone, and you just have to find yours. I learned to speak from the heart rather than trying to the typical “cool blogger”. People will relate to you more than you can ever imagine, if you are real.
I know it’s a cliché, but everything I have done has led me to where I am supposed to be. I am a big believer in energy and what you put out will come back around.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.savingfashionista.com
- Email: savingfashionista@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/kat.proano
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