Katie in her HKXPB collection! — Katie in her HKXPB collection!

Katie Sands, aspiring Broadway actor turned successful digital content creator, is a contemporary powerhouse. Katie gave us an inside look at her life as a content creator and the responsibility it holds in times of social injustice. Alongside sharing beauty and fashion tips on her blog, Katie also dedicates her time to supporting causes and organizations that she cares about. She is currently the youngest board member at “Make A Wish Foundation” and is using her platform to raise awareness for mental health, which is close to her since being on her own mental health journey. We talk to Katie about her collaboration with Phat Buddha, an activewear brand, and how she is dedicating a portion of the proceeds to support the JED Foundation, a foundation dedicated to mental health awareness. Inspired? We are too. Read our interview below to get the details of Katie’s creative and philanthropic outlook.

Where are you based?
NYC

Digital content creation is one of the more popular emerging industries in terms of mainstream relevancy. What did you aspire to be as a child? When did you realize digital content creation was a viable career option?
I always wanted to be a Broadway performer. As I got older I realized I wanted to be on the production side of theater, either in customer design or sound design. I never wanted to be a digital creator. The more I put my passion for costume design and styling out into the blogosphere… I kind of became one by accident.

You have a strong background as a writer, working for the Huffington Post as a fashion/lifestyle writer and eventually went on to found your business/blog Honestly Kate, INC. Can you tell us a little bit about the journey and Honestly Kate?
I created Honestly Kate in 2017 as a platform I could use to reflect my journey as a young woman navigating the ins and outs of New York City. I started my blog as a side project during my second year at the William Esper Acting Conservatory. I knew so many people trying to pursue their dreams in the Big Apple. And let’s face it, they all wanted to look good because you never know who you may run into — whether on the subway, at a job interview, or just out for the night with close friends. From the beginning, it’s been my goal to inspire girls to curate their own futures and let them in on my fashion and beauty secrets along the way. The brand has since evolved into a full lifestyle brand.

You then went on to become an On-Air Style Host for Amazon. How did you get approached by Amazon? What are your thoughts on larger corporations now reaching out to influencers?
I think it’s great for larger corporations to reach out to digital talent because it means they are moving with the times not against it. I personally wasn’t reached out to for the position. I auditioned.

Your content and area of expertise cover fashion, health, and beauty, three industries adversely affected by COVID. As a fashion enthusiast and insider, what are your thoughts on the current state of fashion in terms of sustainability, fast-fashion, designer, and the impact of COVID-19. What do you think the future of fashion entails?
It’s ever-evolving. It’s all about polling your personal audience to see what they are interested in connecting with and what they are not. Nobody is interested in high fashion editorial content that is difficult to relate to anyone but even more so in this climate. I’ve seen so many brands pivot in really creative ways and I can’t wait to see what brands do for NYFW.

You have recently partnered with Phat Buddha. Can you tell us a little bit about this partnership?
I met Alissa Benishai, the founder of Phat Buddha, on a panel in November and I was immediately drawn to her story and passion. I’ve been a fan of Phat Buddha for a long time, and after learning the story behind the brand, I knew for sure I wanted to partner with her on something big.

Can you explain how the online “creation” community works with Phat Buddha and you and your followers?
Our partnership started at the beginning of the quarantine in NYC on March 15th. We decided right then and there that we weren't going to let the climate affect us. Instead, we were going to use my virtual platform as a plus and have my audience insights tell us exactly what they wanted and what they felt was missing in the market. Our fittings were virtual. The collection is solely based on my audience polls — everything from the fit, Pantone colors, and fabric. This is the way of the future and we did it in record-breaking time without forfeiting the sustainability of the collection. I hope my audience knows how imperative they were to the process and that they helped our collection come to life.

That’s great that you are giving back a portion of your proceeds to the JED foundation for mental health awareness. Why is this important to you?
My new capsule collection #HKXPB with Phat Buddha is donating a percentage of proceeds from sales to the JED Foundation, which is an incredible organization that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults. The line is inspired by my own journey with mental health awareness advocacy and getting out of my own head. I wanted to bring my audience along for the entire design process so that they had something to look forward to during this very difficult time.

Can you talk about your role as the youngest board member of the Make A Wish Foundation? What inspired you to get involved with the Make A Wish Foundation?
I believe that in order to feel good, you must do good. Philanthropy has always been a huge part of my life, and over the years I’ve recognized the power it has to completely change lives and make the world a better place. For me, the most important part about being an influencer is having the power to influence and I believe we should use that power to help others. It’s so important we all share a little bit of what we have with those around us, especially those in need. I joined the board of Make a Wish Foundation, which grants wishes to children diagnosed with critical illnesses because I feel it’s important we give back to our communities and to use all the power we have to influence others to do the same.

Many occupation sectors have been hurt as a result of COVID; however, it seems the content creation industry has remained relatively unscathed. How has COVID affected you personally and professionally?
I tried to use this time at home as a way to offer my mental wellbeing something special. I tried to use this time as an invitation to slow down, to reconnect with myself and my family, rather than continue with my go-go-go fast-paced life. I used the past few months to try and live a simpler life and learned to be kinder to myself and those around me that aren’t as fortunate to have the space to be comfortable in both in my personal circle and in my work circle.

As an entrepreneur making a living from blogging and social media, the power of platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, etc. have been increasingly prevalent tools to speak on social injustices and many other issues. You have publicly spoken out against racial discrimination (anti-Semitism and police brutality). What are your thoughts on social media influence on the discussion of controversial topics?
Having a social presence comes great responsibility. Over the past few months, I have seen first-hand the far-reaching impact social media can have. Since the inception of my blog, I have committed to using my platform as a place to speak out about bigotry in all forms. The goal for me is NOT to create performative activism. Instead, I aim to continue to educate in order to inspire change. I have encouraged my followers to show up imperfectly (but authentically) because you care. Have uncomfortable conversations, be willing to do better, and make changes. Be brave and take real action. Change does not happen overnight. I want to remind everyone to be kind to one another and always show up.

How are you staying positive during these times?
I’m a firm believer that staying positive in all walks of life is the key to maintaining healthy self-esteem and feeling fulfilled. Plus, it’s WAY more fun to live life in positivity. I know… it’s easier said than done. Life can be stressful and unfair – there will be hardships and that’s a fact. But once you realize that your attitude can directly affect the way you perceive situations and can help get you through tough times, you won’t want to live life any other way. I practice being positive every day. I write lists of 10 things that happened during the day that I’m proud of, like exercise or staying away from people that bring me down. Being positive is a choice and it’s one you should make. Even science proves that by being positive, you can live a longer, healthier life. You will feel better and have more energy (sometimes the mind is the reason we feel fatigued). But most importantly, being a positive person helps you realize that you are a valuable person and have a lot to offer the world.

What is your motto in life?
If you want something ask for it. The worst someone will ever say is no.

To learn more about Katie Sands, please follow her via the below platforms:
iamhonestlykate.com
Instagram: @honestlykate

Katie Sands Is Giving Back In Style