We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Katie Unicorn. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Katie below.
Katie, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I began my career as a designer in Landscape Architecture 15+ years ago, fresh out of college with bachelors degree in hand. I always knew I wanted to be in a creative field from very young. Particularly one that helped people and their quality of life. Landscape Architecture seemed like the perfect fit… However, after 15 years in the industry, I was in constant burnout with no end in sight. So many of the projects I was working on felt like soul-less developments, churning out project after project for the sake of progress. And no matter how hard I tried, it felt like I wasn’t really making a difference. I got into this industry to help incite ACTUAL positive change in this world. To inspire people in their lives through their environments around them. As time went on it became more and more obvious that this was not what I had gotten into this career to do. I was asking myself ‘What are we really doing here?’ ‘How are we helping?’ It was a constant uphill battle and I was exhausted.
After giving everything to my career, the Landscape Architecture industry had effectively sucked the life out of me. I was completely creatively drained and felt like my joy had been snuffed out. It was at that turning point I decided to take things into my own hands, or risk being stuck in this cycle, forever working for someone else’s vision. I definitely didn’t have all the answers up front – that is a myth many try to sell. Instead, I purposefully lived my way into the answers, by taking massive action. I knew going out on my own was the only way forward. I started with what I knew, Landscape Architecture and design. I stepped out as a first time entrepreneur at the age of 38, forming my first company and brand, Katie Unicorn. I started taking on design clients of my own, continuing to fine tune the business and what I wanted Katie Unicorn to be.
Through much trial and error, many failures, pivots, doubts, and soul searching, I lived and worked my way into my purpose: That I am here to inspiring and embolden people to make room for Whimsy in their homes and your lives. What do I mean by Whimsy? Whimsy is about giving ourselves permission to live our most authentic lives. It is making room for joy in every aspect of our homes, through intentional design, to create a space that is uniquely YOU.
Now, I’m taking everything I learned in the design industry, and bringing it to you through home and garden design, one space at a time. I design on camera so you can follow along to achieve the home of your dreams.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I feel deeply passionate that the greatest gift you can give this world is letting your light shine as bright as possible and sharing your unique gifts. There is no one like you. The world needs you EXACTLY as you are. There is this modern misconception that everything needs to look and be the same. So much of our individual personalities have been lost and we have forsaken prioritizing joy in our lives and homes. I’m here to inspire you to celebrate what makes you uniquely you. This is where the idea of whimsy comes in. It’s an idea rooted in silliness, in joy, in giving oneself unapologetic permission to take up space, and live your most authentic life by celebrating what makes you uniquely you.
Starting the Katie Unicorn brand has allowed me to begin to realize this vision of mine, to inspire whimsy in people’s lives and within themselves. It has allowed me to pivot into interior design, along with my extensive knowledge and experience in garden & public space design. Now, I’m taking everything I learned in my 15 years as a Landscape Architect, and bringing it to YOUR homes. I focus on designing one space at a time, with a goal to celebrate the client’s unique personality in each space.
I design on camera sharing everything on my Instagram page, so you can follow along to achieve the unique spaces of your dreams. I feature budget friendly solutions, DIYs, and helpful tips. With a particular focus on highlighting as many local makers, products, and women owned businesses throughout my designs as possible. I use my own home as a canvas, and work with clients to help them achieve the homes and gardens they have always dreamed of.
Come along with me as I show you how to ‘Make room for Whimsy.’ ®
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?Everything takes time: So much more time than you think it will. And the more you fight that, the more miserable you will be. Big moves only come from lots of small moves. Focus on putting in the daily work to foster real sustainable growth and avoid burnout.Do not forsake the journey for the destination: Things do not happen overnight. You will arrive where and when you are supposed to get there. Make sure you are living your life along the way.
Trust yourself. Have unshakable faith in your intuition. It will undoubtedly lead you on the right path.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?My husband, hands down. He has been an incredible source of unconditional support and stability. As a serial entrepreneur himself, he has been able to provide me with much needed perspective and advice on my journey. He has been my rock and safe space through this roller coaster ride of entrepreneurship.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.katieunicorn.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katieunicornofficial/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-unicorn/
- Other: Blog: https://www.katieunicorn.com/blog
Image Credits
Cyndi Dawn @cyndidawnstudios Natalie Goff @natalie.e.goff
