We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cat Sherwin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cat below.
Hi Cat, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
I’ve always been a pretty optimistic person, but I’d say it mostly comes through adversity and the challenges and life experiences I have been through. Over my lifetime, I’ve developed a strong gratitude practice (often by going through tough things). No matter what is happening, there is always something good to find, there’s always something to feel grateful for. As the quote says “ the world is what you think it is” Serge King. What you focus on you will see more of; so you may as well make those things good.
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 am a Makeup Artist, Hair Stylist & Groomer in the entertainment industry. Like any career, some days will have it’s challenges, but still after over 20 years, I am very passionate about it and get excited about going to work. I love that no one day is the same, and it’s something that has taken me across the world, working with people from all backgrounds and cultures, from the person next door to high profile celebrities and public figures. It’s not a 9-5, Monday to Friday schedule, but I also really enjoy that I’m not stuck in a routine. I’m also trained as a Reiki Usui Holy Fire Master, which I think brings an element of calm and something special to my work. About 18 months ago, I started a spin off Instagram account from my main artist profile that covers all aspects of beauty from the inside out – it’s called @insideoutwithcat.
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?
Courage & determination – I believe this was super important in getting started, taking that initial leap of faith and keeping going. Communication and Listening have been key in working with creative teams and understanding what clients want across different countries and cultures.
Flexibility & Openness are also essential – often things may not go as planned and, especially in the creative fields, schedules can change quickly. Being adaptable and open to working with all people from all walks of life no matter what their background or beliefs is paramount.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
In my experience no good decisions happen when you’re stressed and overwhelmed and I’m less efficient. I’ve learned the hard way that pushing through when you’re not feeling centered never works. For me, I’ve found it’s great to step back a moment and take a beat (especially if I need to make a big decision and it’s not critically urgent to make that decision immediately). Mediation, EFT/tapping, and getting out for a walk in fresh air and nature, if only for a short time, helps refocus and recenter myself, so I can tackle things from a stronger more grounded foundation.
I’m a list maker, so if my head is spinning with many things to do, I write a list, because for me, it helps me clearly prioritize the most important tasks, and see what isn’t so urgent or that can be delegated.
I also try and make sure I get sleep as I’m more effective.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.catsherwin.com
- Instagram: @catsherwin
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cat-sherwin-6900a8167
Image Credits
Braden Summers, Michael Becker, Kat Page, Sonya Bowman
