Life Advice From a Small Town Girl Making It In The Big City

This girl does not sit still. She's a small town girl from Mississippi who's taking this big city by storm. She's a blogger, yogi, marketing guru, and hair & makeup artist. Ladies, meet your Atlanta inspiration of the week: Katherine Riddick.

So Here's a Little Background...

Katherine grew up in Tupelo, Mississippi- down the street from where Elvis Presley was born. Because her dad was a pastor, her family moved around every couple of years.

When I was little, I hated moving around so much and starting over; but I think those experiences allowed me to be open to trying new things and embracing new challenges.

Upon graduating high school, Katherine initially enrolled in Ole Miss to study business because she wanted to own her own hair salon. She withdrew half way through her college career to get her cosmetology license. She then moved from NYC to North Carolina, before ultimately making the decision to go back to Ole Miss and finish her degree.

I enrolled in the journalism program but found out the school was creating a new program that consisted of PR, marketing, and business called Integrated Marketing Communications. I loved this major and all my classes were so fun and interesting.

Katherine knew she wanted to move to another big city after graduation, but wanted to stay in the South to be closer to her friends and family. She soon found a job in Atlanta working as a media planner at an ad agency. She packed up her bags once again and moved to the Peachy State. 

Starting over and moving is always exciting and terrifying at the same time. In Atlanta, I've been so lucky to find amazing friends and communities full of support and love.

Taking Control and Building a Life to Be Proud Of

As it's her custom to never sit still, Katherine had been living in Atlanta a little over 2 years before she got the urge to make some changes in her life. She made a decision to be bold and enrolled in teacher training at CorePower Yoga; renewed her focus on pursuing her freelance hair stylist and makeup artist goals; and began contributing to Verbal Gold Blog.

I started practicing yoga and just really fell in love with it immediately. I'd never found a workout that helped me relieve stress while also becoming more aware of my thoughts and goals. I set a five-year goal of doing teacher training. Then, I met a friend who was already training at CorePower, so I decided there was no time like the present and to just take the plunge. It's been one of the best decisions I've ever made.

While working on completing her Yoga studies, Katherine also began growing her hair & makeup connections. In addition to working with a freelance team, Make Me Up, Katherine works with a variety of clients, photographers, and began branching into the Atlanta film industry this summer. All while also putting that marketing degree to good use working as a consultant, helping businesses reach their fullest potential.

We made it to Friday y'all 🙌🏻🍾 Wedding season is kicking off and I'm so excited to start working with @makemeupga and @ariana_chedgy tomorrow! 👰🏻 💒 Contact us about on-site hair and makeup for weddings and special events! ❤🎉

A post shared by Katherine Riddick | Atlanta 🍑 (@justcallmeginger) on Feb 17, 2017 at 11:17am PST

I have four different jobs right now. With every one of those jobs, I help people and I get to work one-on-one with them. I get to make a difference, whether big or small, in people's lives every day- and that's what I love. That's what makes me feel alive and that what I'm doing matters to help make this world a little better.

Life Advice From a GirlBoss

Y'all I'm so excited it's finally Fall!! 🍂 I love when it cools down and I have an excuse to change up my makeup routine! 🙌🏻 💄 Check out my fav Fall makeup trends I used to create this look on @verbalgoldblog #linkinbio bag from @prettythingshoarder 📸: @mrsdooleyface

A post shared by Katherine Riddick | Atlanta 🍑 (@justcallmeginger) on Nov 3, 2016 at 3:07pm PDT

Curtsy: If you could, would you go back and change anything? 

I really feel like every choice and decision we make leads us to where we're supposed to be. Only by taking chances and taking risks, do you end up where you're supposed to be. If you never try, you'll never know. I've lost way more nights of sleep to regretting things I didn't do, than I have to fearing the future for the choices I've made.

Curtsy: What advice do you have for people who are unhappy with their careers, or still trying to figure out what to do with their lives?

Sometimes trial and error is the best lesson you can learn. You never know what you do or don't like until you try. When I moved to New York, I didn't try to do as many things as I would've liked because I was afraid of failing and not being perfect. Thankfully, I've been able to let that go some, and it's allowed me to be open and try so many new things. Figure out what makes you feel alive or happy and go from there. Mine was helping people and that's at the root of all the jobs I enjoy.

Where You Can Spot Katherine

Katherine spends a lot of time at the CorePower Yoga Studio in Midtown, as she is now the Assistant Manager there. When she's not teaching/working/slaying, you can catch her at pretty much any restaurant in Inman Park or Decatur.

A perfect night starts with cocktails at Leon's Full Service. Then, dinner at 246 and dessert in the form of a "Boozy Coke Slushie" at Victory. You can basically find me anywhere that serves good food and drinks with my friends.

Last Words of Wisdom

Katherine says that life is all about taking risks, trying new things, and seeing what sticks and makes you feel like you're living an authentic life. Her advice to anyone trying to figure out what they want to do is to ask yourself: "What makes me happy? What do I enjoy? What makes me feel alive?" Whatever that is, find a way to make a life where you're able to do that. Check out some of her work on the Verbal Gold Blog or on her Instagram page. You can try out one of her classes at Core Power Yoga- newcomers always get their first week free! If you are interested in getting in contact with her for any marketing consulting services or need an awesome hair and makeup artist, you can email her at [email protected]. This gem is also renting her closet out on Curtsy. Curtsy is in app that allows girls to rent designer fashion from other girls in their neighborhood.

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