Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Woodward.
Hi Katie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up in Orlando and have spent the last 32 years here. As the daughter of UCF Knights I knew I would eventually bleed black & gold. I graduated in 2016 with my Bachelors focusing on Hospitality from the Rosen college. Fast forward eight years later and I returned for my Masters in Hospitality.
My first job was at Publix as a bagger, cashier, and eventually opened a store in Longwood as an Event Planner. After 4 1/2 years at Publix I decided to pivot and enter the theme park sector with a focus on wedding planning. I was ecstatic to be selected to join Disney’s College Program Professional Internship with their Fairy Tale Weddings Department. Upon completing this internship and my bachelors I was stuck at a crossroads of where to go next. Unfortunately there was limited opportunities with the mouse in weddings and in general – with my passion for working in weddings solely dwindling.
With the help of some college friends I landed a position in purchasing for a Hospitality Purchasing Agency in downtown Orlando. During the two years I worked there I definitely got my fix of the downtown life as an early twenty something. – dabbling in different cuisines and becoming more adventurous with my palate.
Feeling like my creativity and skill set were underutilized in my current role and that I lacked support + direction from leadership, I started a food blog with the hope that this would be my escape into something else.
I started my page in early January of 2018 – with coworkers snickering as my “phone eats first” during lunch break or outings.
By summer of 2018 I lost my job and went through a horrible depression that lasted about 6 months. I can thank my old coworker and friend Jill for letting my retreat to her home in Tampa during this time, as I tried to escape Orlando.
During what felt like the hardest time to get an interview, I finally heard back Tijuana Flats, who decided they were going to create a role for me doing social media based on my social portfolio (which at the time was only my page). I was elated someone took a chance on me, thank you to my boss at the time Jill Ramsier and creative mentor Lisa Rowell.
From January 2019 to October 2020 I lived and breathed tacos and #TexMexForAll !
I was thankful to be able to step out and work for myself freelancing (in the middle of a pandemic no less) and never look back since. For over 4 years I have created and curated the content + feeds for multiple brands and myself, hosted events and everything in between for clients.
Some of my clients have even turned into family, like everyone at Broken Strings Brewery. Working there and eventually ending up behind the bar, was one of the best memories in my life. Forever grateful for everyone I met during my time there.
Today I am still doing my own thing, but thankful for my squad that assists + supports my endeavors. Especially my parents, best friends Natasha & Bianca, and boyfriend Tom. I wouldn’t be able to continue living the dream and doing what I love without my support system.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I am thankful to have supportive people in my corner, but I have definitely found my share of challenges. I struggled a lot with imposter syndrome and still do, but I’ve realized every day is a chance to become 1% better and that’s what I intend to do.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m most known for visual storytelling for brands and hospitality concepts, as well as events. I love curating the perfect theme, with immersive elements, indulgent bites and unique atmospheres. Bringing people together over delicious bites and libations is my favorite thing to do for fun and professionally.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success as being able to do what you want with your time. Success is being able to do something spontaneously, pursue hobbies and goals, quality time with those that matter to us, and feeling fulfilled in all that we do. I strive for more successful wins and being present daily.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Katie_eatz
- Other: Who Cut The Cheese Podcast
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Image Credits
Tom Egan
