Check Out Kat Uyenco’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kat Uyenco.

Hi Kat, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

I was born on the beautiful island of Cebu, Philippines, and my family immigrated to California when I was only 8 years old. I grew up in San Jose, CA, and moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career as a makeup artist.

In 2002, I landed an Executive Assistant job and started working on unscripted and stage shows. Eager to learn about the business and kick down the doors in the industry, I juggled multiple positions. Whether it was working as an assistant, make-up artist, talent coordinator, or anything in between, I made sure to be a Jaqueline of all Trades.

With hard work and dedication, I worked my way up the ladder, working for networks such as VH1, MTV, NBC, CBS, Netflix, Hulu, WeTV, TLC and Lifetime. After working years to climb the ladder of success, I am now an Executive Producer and Showrunner on shows such as VH1’s “The Surreal Life: the Reboot” and “Family Reunion: Love & Hip Hop Edition”, WeTV’s “Waka & Tammy: What the Flocka”, and “Grown and Gospel”.

I currently reside in Los Angeles and enjoy a strong work/life balance. As much as I’m the first to caffeine up with coffee for a busy production day, I find ways to incorporate yoga, meditation, cooking, the beach, spending time with my family & friends, fashion, travel, and being of service to others into my lifestyle.

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?

As with most of life, the road has been a roller coaster. How to we grow without learning through our mistakes and challenges right? Life is not fair, but we have to navigate our way through our own lives the best way we can and do what’s best for our own well-being.

Being a woman of color in a white male-dominated industry, I have to be resilient and fearless. Many times I’ve had to force myself into “the boys club” and find a way to be seen and heard.

Equal pay and title to our male counterparts is a struggle that myself and my other female colleagues go through as well. This has BEEN a struggle since the beginning and continues to be one that we continue to fight for.

Being a freelancer, I’m always faced with the unknown and what the next project or where the next check is coming from. So I have to be of sound mind and body and learn to have faith that it will all work out as long as I continue to do the work.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a freelance Executive Producer and Showrunner specializing in Unscripted Television. As an Executive Producer, I produce, direct, write, develop and am responsible for assembling the right team to execute a successful show. In my 20 years in this industry, I’ve produced a variety of shows for networks such as Netflix, Hulu, VH1, MTV, NBC, CBS, WeTV, TLC and Lifetime. Hit shows such as “The Surreal Life”, “Bling Empire”, “Growing Up Hip Hop”, “Love and Hip Hop Family Reunion”, “Little Women Atlanta”, “Black Ink Chicago & New York”, “Kendra on Top” to name a few.

My most recent accomplishment that I’m proud of is coming full circle in my career. From Executive Assistant on the first “Surreal Life” for VH1 20 years ago to becoming one of the Executive Producers on the reboot of “The Surreal Life” which premiered just last month. It’s made me reflect on the long journey of hard work and perseverance to get to where I am now – from humble beginnings to humble successes.

I don’t think there’s one thing that sets me apart from others. We all have our strengths and weaknesses and we all have different producing styles and it’s all subjective. But what I do pride myself in is always conducting myself with integrity, kindness and good leadership. I value and nurture relationships behind and on camera and run a set that is a fun, creative, positive and inclusive working environment for all.

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Yes absolutely!

We are all experiencing and have been affected by a GLOBAL pandemic…together. Along with everyone all over the world, I realized I was more resilient that I thought. But that couldn’t have been accomplished without the help of the community, my family and friends, faith/mediation and the generosity and kindness of those who were able to give and be of service. It showed me how good we can be to each other and how we should continue being that way.

I’ve learned to be even more grateful for everything I DO have – a roof over my head, food on the table, clothes on my back and surrounded by loved ones. These are the necessities, everything else is a want, not a need. This crisis helped me differentiate between the two and simplify and focus my life.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katwithabang/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=4HfDhULyu7GmN_1eDySFEg

Image Credits
Photos by Cornell Josey