Today we’d like to introduce you to Katherine Jackson.
Katherine, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
For the past nine years, I have worked in retail as a Visual or Visual Merchandising lead. I dedicated a substantial amount of time and energy towards creating, redesigning, or merchandising new trends. As a Visual Merchandising Lead, part of my role was to support and open new stores. As a result, I would work 8-10-hour days rather that was starting the day off as early as 5 am or leaving past midnight on others. I thought that if I worked this hard, I would undoubtedly move to a district-level position, but in fact, I kept hearing the same thing, “Keep working hard enough and there could be something for you.” To say the least, the stress and intensity lead me to move into a similar role with a different company, but the results were essentially the same. I worked just as hard and left every day physically and emotionally exhausted. In 2018, three months after getting married, I lost my job because I relocated. You would think due to the stress and being undervalued, this may have worked out for my good, but like most people, I stayed because I was comfortable. I wasn’t ready to leave.
Fearful and full of anxiety about what I was going to do next, I tiresomely applied for over 86 jobs in three months. That’s 86 resumes, applications, phone calls/emails. I attended every job fair and job ministries–spoke to church members, applied to jobs at different churches, talked with friends, family, strangers, and I could NOT get hired anywhere. I should inform you that I have my bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Science with an emphasis on Fashion Merchandising. I graduated Manga Cum Laude, was inducted into 6 Honor programs, and I lowered my standards and applied for desk/restaurants jobs, and still no luck. Everything I had ever worked hard for came crashing down right in front of me!
Later on, I found a small part-time job at a boutique, it was at that moment, God birthed ideas in me that I had not tapped into yet. I worked at this boutique and it was amazing! The slow pace allowed enough time for me to get a feel of what it’s like to run your own business. This is where the idea of starting something of my own originated from, but it was just that, an idea. I worked there for a few months and I was laid off. Bittersweet because I fell in love with new talent, I did not know I had: marketing/photography. However, I had to go back to dreadfully applying for more jobs, but to my surprise, God was doing something new. At the very beginning of my marriage, I had to juggle continuing doing something with fashion and decorating all while growing as a newlywed. Now, I am thinking, how can I take everything I’ve ever learned in my years of retail and my time in college and put it to good use. I have to create my own job, and that’s what I did.
In this moment of clarity, I knew I was/am good at “making things work.” I want to share my passion for decorating and styling looks on a budget. Show the world that it is possible to decorate a rental or small space without having to spend a lot of money or it’s possible to look classy and feel confident just with simple styling tips.
In August 2018, I conjured up the courage to start my styling business profile on Instagram and at the end of January 2019, I launched my New YouTube Channel, both under JustbeingKatherine. Anything I have ever done creatively was so recognizable that people would naturally say, “This looks like something Katherine has done.” That is enough to know who I am. My brand is authentic and creative.
Has it been a smooth road?
Oh no! I am learning everything on my own! I am learning how to run a business from scratch, take great, quality photos, film and edit videos, market my brand, engage with my audience, all while being a newlywed. Every day is different, and most days I question myself as to what in the world am I doing?!
Pretty much, I am still at the beginning stages of this business, and I have a long way to go but I know that through Jesus, all things will work out for my good. He has already equipped me. My job is to trust Him, continue to learn, make mistakes, and surround myself with other great creatives.
“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me.” Psalms 138:8
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
JustbeingKatherine is a Home Decor and Fashion Styling service dedicated to decorating and bringing life to a small area in your home/rental. The mission for fashion is to style looks for the modern day women who want to look sophisticated and be comfortable.
Over the last eight years, I completed a four-year undergrad program, moved from the Midwest to the South, and recently got married. Through those experiences, I was repeatedly able to transform my residence into a space that made me feel peaceful, welcoming, cozy, & safe. I have a niche for finding affordable decor items, and I have a passion for transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.
The difference between a decorator and designer is that my business model does not include services to structurally change or remodel your home. My focus is on decorating a specified area in your home. I can use seasonal decor, paint, DIY projects, and art to decorate your room! I am also more affordable.
How does this work?
You will choose a room(s) [preferably 1,000 sq. ft or less] that you want me to decorate. I’ll handle acquiring all decor items for your vision, based on a mood board that you’ve approved. Then, give me a budget, and I will transform your space from what it is to what you envisioned.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Coming from Chicago to Houston, there is a huge difference with how people treat one another. Everyone is very nice. The sense of community and diversity is exceptional!
What I least like about Houston is the traffic and how far it takes to get anywhere!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: JustbeingKatherine
- Other: Youtube/JustbeingKatherine
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Image Credit:
Katherine Jackson
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
