Today we’d like to introduce you to Kat Hayes.
Hi Kat, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started my career in my hometown, Lafayette, Louisiana. I received a Bachelor of Arts from University of Louisiana at Lafayette, driven by a love for communication and storytelling. Stories shape who we are, and I’ve always been drawn to work that feels meaningful, where I can use creativity to connect people and make a difference.
I launched my career working with Festival International de Louisiane on their first and only fully virtual festival experience in 2020. After college, I moved to Texas to keep growing both personally and professionally, taking on new challenges that helped me find my voice as a marketer and storyteller.
I’m so grateful to the Houston community, especially to the former owners of Pampered Pet Resorts, for supporting me as I grew my professional skills and put down roots here. Their encouragement and trust gave me the space to experiment, learn, and find confidence in my abilities. That experience shaped my career and my sense of belonging in a city that has continued to open doors for me.
In 2023, I made a big leap by switching careers into EdTech, hoping to make an impact in an industry that was all-new for me. Not long after, my position was eliminated during company-wide layoffs. It was a hard moment that shook my confidence, but it also became a turning point.
I took that time to rebuild, working with local Houston businesses as a freelance marketer, sharpening my skills, and rediscovering what I love about this field. Each project reminded me why I love storytelling: it connects people, amplifies voices, and creates meaningful experiences.
That journey, filled with challenges, learning, and community support, led me to a new chapter in my career.
I now work in EdTech, helping to expand access to special education services in K–12 schools. This role allows me to combine my passion for meaningful work with the skills I have honed over years of marketing, storytelling, and resilience. My path has not been linear, but it has taught me that curiosity, adaptability, and connection are at the heart of both personal and professional growth.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In 2023, I moved into EdTech, looking to grow in a new field, but soon after, my position was eliminated during company-wide layoffs. Losing that role was a difficult experience that challenged my confidence and forced me to rethink my career path.
At the same time, I was grieving the loss of Ellen O’Connor, one of the former owners of Pampered Pet Resorts and a mentor who had supported me from the very beginning. Losing her guidance and friendship made that period even harder, but those of us bonded by her impact came together to support each other.
That experience taught me resilience, the importance of community, and the value of perseverance. It reinforced how meaningful it is to work in ways that connect people and uplift those around me.
Ellen was one of those people that used her resources to help others any way that she could. Because of her, I now approach life with the resolve to do just that, and accepted my current role in the hopes of making an impact for students with disabilities.
During a time of great uncertainty in Special Education, I’m proud to work for an organization expanding access to essential services for vulnerable students so they can receive the education they deserve.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I support small businesses part-time as a freelance marketer, helping with content strategy, social media, email marketing, and website designs that drive real results.
I balance my freelance work with my full-time role in EdTech, where my company supports special education students and the schools that serve them.
What sets me apart is my ability to combine creativity, strategy, and empathy, delivering messaging that resonates and makes an impact. I’m proud of the work I do to amplify voices, support communities, and help organizations thrive.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I’ll be moving to Brooklyn, New York, on to my next adventure in the new year. I’m so grateful for everything Houston has given me, and I’m excited to embark on a new and exciting journey with my family.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kathayespr.wixsite.com/kathayes
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kat-hayes/
