Katelyn Wood is the creative force behind the lifestyle brand of Love. Luck. Kisses & Cake. Starting as a Blogger in 2009, Katelyn's love for design quickly turned into a full time passion project & in early 2014 she expand her brand into a popular line of American made stationery & giftable goods. Her delightful designs and contagious happiness have made her brand standout to celebrity clientele and top sites like Martha Stewart and The Today Show. The perfect combination of drive and passion, Katelyn brings grace and gratitude to a brand that celebrates the everyday and encourages us to brighten the days of those around us.
How has your life experience made you the leader you are today?
There are so many things that make a great leader. Communication & community are pillars that I try to focus on. Volunteering & getting involved with local organizations has been something I have been doing since I was a young woman. My Mother taught me to lead by example & I really think that sharing-in & supporting your own community makes an important statement. For my Shop products that means using local vendors & resources whenever possible & for my Blog that means sharing designs & work from other creatives that are doing amazing things. When you share in your success with others you naturally create a support system of HAPPY vendors, customers, friends, followers & fans.
How has your previous employment experience aided at LLKC?
I would say that all my past work experiences have helped guide me to where I am today. After finishing my B.S in Businesses at Santa Clara University - I started my professional career in marketing analytics. Having a very strong numbers background has been a huge asset to running my own company.
What have the highlights and challenges been at LLKC?
It's hard to pick any specific highlights because everyday I get to do something creative is a good day! I will say that seeing one of my products in Martha Stewart Living Magazine within my first year of business was extremely high on my list of pinch-me moments.
One of the most challenging parts is trying to balance all the roles that go with running a business on your own...but nothing can beat the feeling of pride & accomplishment when you see the results of your own hard work pay off!
What advice can you offer to women who want to start their own business?
Go for it! You only live once & you will never regret pursuing something that fills your heart with happiness.
What is the most important lesson you've learned in your career to date?
My mantra is to "Pursue passion, practice patience & act with positive purpose".
How do you maintain a work/life balance?
I tend to work everyday but have found a good rhythm in taking breaks. There are times when you just naturally get burnt out & when I get an inkling of that feeling I get up & change my scenery. My husband and I will go out for a drive or try out a new restaurant - anything to mix-up our normal day-to-day work life.
What do you think is the biggest issue for women in the workplace?
I think the best thing we can do as women is to support each other. We all benefit when we lift each other up to a higher standard.
How has mentorship made a difference in your professional and personal life?
I have been lucky enough to receive encouragement, advice & direction from many people in my life. Having a support group that you can openly share your frustrations with & celebrate in your success is really important.
Which other female leaders do you admire and why?
There are so many amazing female leaders that I look up to.
First & foremost the generations of women in my own family have been very inspirational to me & have certainly helped shape the path that I am on today.
In the lifestyle segment I am in total awe of Martha Stewart. I don't know of any other brand that has been able to successfully differentiate across multiple platforms.
I also very much look up to female public figures who use their influence & voice to support others. I am particularly fond of the work that Ellen & Oprah do & I applaud celebrities like Angelina Jolie & past starlets like Shirley Temple & Audrey Hepburn who have brought worldwide attention to global causes & organizations.
What do you want LLKC to accomplish in the next year?
At the end of the day I want to create & share things that make people happy & inspire moments of connection & meaning. My hope is to continue to grow my brand in carefully considered ways & I am excited to see how it changes & evolves.