We were lucky to catch up with Katrina Luther recently and have shared our conversation below.
Katrina, 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.
Let’s start at the beginning. I grew up on a farm outside of Colony, Kansas. Our small, but big hearted town has a population of around 300 people. You learn a lot in a small town. Everyone knows everyone, you get involved in all the sports and activities your heart desires. My parents instilled in me at a young age that I could do or be anything I set my mind to. I knew the things I was most passionate about: the outdoors, my family, my friends, helping others, fashion, animals and adventure. I am an adventurous soul with a very outgoing personality, and a lot of love to give. It didn’t take long to realize I wanted to become a fashion designer. I would always dress to impress, look at all the magazines and news articles of celebrity events and what they wore, and had this creative side ready to share with the world. I took a leap of faith and moved to Kansas City to attend the Art Institutes international of Kansas City to pursue the career of my dreams. There comes a time in everyone’s life where it clicks, the question of why am I here and what is my purpose? What is the reason I do what I do? For some it comes with a career change, a heartache, a loss, a life decision. For me, it came in the form of health. Life felt like any other ordinary day, until one Friday in the Spring of 2016. That afternoon on a car ride filled with loud singing, and laughs, soon led to the unexpected. In the back seat of my dad’s truck with my two brothers beside me, I had a Grand Mal seizure followed by a mini stroke. My life was soon turned upside down, and would only continue to get worse. I woke up later in a hospital bed with loss of speech, unable to write, unable to stand. I was so weak, and continued having multiple seizures a day. Little did I know this would be my new normal for months. While in the hospital someone lifted me up from the bed to place me into a wheel chair. At that moment, the thought entered my mind that I didn’t want to keep going. I didn’t have the strength to keep my own head up straight. I never thought that would be something I would think, but in those moments it feels like you are in such dark place with no light at the end of the tunnel. Fast forward through the many months ahead, with several treatments and medications, and a lot of faith, I was me again. Not the me I was before, as now my whole outlook on life was forever changed. My health was fully restored. This isn’t always the case for people. I am lucky to have made a full recovery. It just goes to show life is so short and we never know how long it is that we have. My new purpose for not only Fashion Design, but life in general was clear. Do what makes you happy, because life is to short. Inspire others to do what makes them happy. Create a life and work that leaves an impact, and even when you are gone, it will continue to do so. Don’t wait for that something to happen that makes you realize your purpose. I later went on to graduate top fashion designer portfolio, with a Bachelors in Fashion Design and a Minor in Fashion Marketing. I became a part of the Under Armour Brand Team focused on developing collegiate licensed Women’s, Youth, and Infant & Toddler apparel. Created my own label Katrina Marie Fashions, that I continue to design into and show in a multitude of runway shows. Got married and moved into a beautiful home with our two dogs Ellie and Harlie. Home is where the heart is, and that is where I do the majority of my Katrina Marie Fashions design work. The support I have from my family and friends is truly a blessing. One night after a runway show, a young girl approached me with a small sketch book of designs she had created. She wanted to show me her work, and let me know she wanted to be a designer just like me. In that moment I knew I was doing exactly what I was meant to do in life.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Since launching Katrina Marie Fashions, the development of intricate designs has expanded into a wide range of product lines in correlation to fashion. For local runway shows I focus on Evening Wear pieces with the hopes of being featured at a red carpet event one day. I love the creative freedom I have when designing one of a kind pieces that tell their own story through design lines, fabrications, and textiles. Katrina Marie Fashions online website keeps you up to date on all of the latest designs, and any upcoming runway shows my collections will be featured in. It is a goal to expand from online into storefront locations across the globe. Coming up this November, I will be debuting “Enchanted Dreams”, a collection that will be featured in the Runway Review a Christian Micheal fashion experience, located inside the brand new Sobela Ocean Aquarium at the KC Zoo!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Find something you are passionate about and go all in on it. You can do anything you put your mind to. Explore all aspects of the career you are going into and take those opportunities to learn and expand your knowledge. Networking and meeting others along the way is one of the things I love most about my career. Life is short, so don’t wait to start living it. Don’t be afraid to try new things, as every step you take is one step closer to reaching your goal. Most importantly, continue to have a positive outlook on life, and be the best version of yourself.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
One of the best things about being a fashion designer is the people you work with and meet along the way. I love getting to know others and learn about their work, and sometimes partner with for runway shows. An accessories designer is always someone I look to work with to really bring my designs to their full potential on the runway, while also showcasing their talent as well. It is also fun to collaborate with local artists to create a sketch or painting that in turn is printed on the fabric I use to create my designs. Any photographers looking to showcase their work, I have beautiful designs ready to be captured. I am also here for anyone wanting to learn about the fashion industry and more about what I do or how to sew, just know I am an open book and willing to help in anyway I can!
Contact Info:
- Website: katrinamariefashions.wixsite.com/gallery
- Instagram: Katrinamariefashions
- Facebook: Katrina Marie Fashions
- Linkedin: Katrina Luther
Image Credits
Luther Photography Visuals By Ev Crush Model Studio
