We’re looking forward to introducing you to Katrina Howarth. Check out our conversation below.
Katrina, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I’d say a little of both — I have a path, but I allow room for wandering. My vision has always been rooted in creating beauty and joy, whether through painting, design, or my boutique. But I think the magic often happens in the wandering — in those spontaneous ideas, unexpected turns, and moments of inspiration that lead somewhere new.
Every step, even the ones that felt uncertain, has guided me exactly where I was meant to be. So yes, I’m walking a path — but I let it unfold like a story, one beautiful chapter at a time.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Katrina Howarth — an artist, designer, and founder of a whimsical boutique in Galveston that blends art, fashion, and fragrance into a dreamy lifestyle experience. My journey began as an oil painter; I’ve always been drawn to creating beauty that tells a story, whether through brushstrokes on canvas or ribbons and lace on a dress. Over time, my artwork evolved into an entire world — my boutique — where every detail, from the scent in the air to the packaging on a perfume, feels like stepping into one of my paintings.
What makes my brand special is that everything is created with intention and a touch of fantasy — original artwork, handmade flowers, feminine fashion, perfumes, and body care all designed to evoke emotion and nostalgia. I love hearing customers say walking into my boutique feels like entering a dream. That’s truly my goal — to create an escape, a place of beauty and joy, where art meets everyday life.
Right now, I’m working on expanding my illustrated collections, my signature perfume line, and my feminine dress designs — each inspired by my love of color, storytelling, and timeless elegance.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
I’ve learned so much about work from experience itself — from painting day after day, running my boutique, and creating everything by hand. But if I had to choose one influence, it would be my parents. They taught me the value of dedication, creativity, and doing what you love wholeheartedly. My father was an a civil engineer and builder, and my mother an artist had such an eye for beauty and detail — I think I inherited a bit of both.
Owning a boutique and being a full-time artist has taught me that work doesn’t always feel like “work” when it’s driven by passion, but it still takes resilience, consistency, and love for what you do. Every challenge — from painting to product design to meeting customers — has shaped how I see work: as a beautiful, evolving journey rather than a destination.
Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
Yes, I do — I remember when someone truly listened to me as I described my vision for my boutique before it even existed. I was explaining how I wanted it to feel like stepping into a painting — soft, whimsical, and full of beauty — not just a shop, but an experience. Instead of dismissing it as a dream, they really listened and saw what I saw. That moment meant so much, because being understood creatively can be rare.
It reminded me how powerful true listening is — when someone doesn’t just hear your words but connects to the feeling behind them. That kind of understanding gives you courage to keep creating, even when your ideas are different or delicate.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public version of me is very much the real me — just expressed through beauty, color, and creativity. What people see in my boutique or on social media is truly how I live and see the world. I’ve always been drawn to creating a sense of magic and wonder, and that’s exactly what I try to share — not something curated or manufactured, but a reflection of how I genuinely feel and experience life.
Of course, like anyone, there’s a quieter side of me too — the part that’s in my studio painting, designing, or dreaming up new ideas. But that’s still the same person. I think when your work comes from the heart, there really isn’t much difference between your public self and your private self — it’s all connected by passion and purpose
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
Yes — absolutely! There have been so many days I’ve felt that level of excitement, where I truly am tap dancing to work. When I first opened my boutique, I could hardly sleep the night before — I was so full of anticipation to bring my vision to life. Even now, there are mornings when I unlock the door, smell the perfume in the air, see the sunlight pour through the windows, and feel that same rush of gratitude and wonder.
Some of my favorite moments are when I’m setting up a new collection — whether it’s a fresh batch of paintings, new perfume boxes, or a dress design I’ve been dreaming up for months. Seeing it all come together in the boutique — that’s pure magic. Those are the days when I can’t wait to get there, to create, to talk to customers, and to see their reactions. It’s the best feeling in the world when your work still gives you butterflies.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.katrinahowarth.com
- Instagram: @katrinahowarthboutique
- Other: TikTok @katrina_howarth
Image Credits
Katrina Howarth
