Today we’d like to introduce you to Katy Mae Turner.
Hi Katy Mae, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, I was always a creative kid. I would use construction paper and Scotch tape to take whatever my mind could think of and make it a reality. Music and theatre were also big pieces of my life, having a platform to grow confident and express myself through. As I grew up, I began creating skits on YouTube with my friends and editing silly pictures on my iPad. Some of the content started to take off, and I grew a passion for the ability to entertain and post online for anyone to see.
After finishing high school, I moved to Baylor University in Waco, Texas to pursue a Bachelor’s degree. Baylor has a very strong and cohesive social media presence, and I decided as a freshman that I wanted to work with them and learn from the team. That summer, I sent an email to the Director of Social Media explaining what I wanted, and after applying, I got an internship. The two years I spent learning from that team shaped my perspective on content creation, community interaction, and what it truly means to be a digital communicator.
Since that internship, I have gotten to work across the beauty, technology, entertainment, and lifestyle industries, creating content for a wide variety of companies. Now I’m living in LA and working for JS2 PR to create content for food & beverage businesses, along with growing my personal platforms on TikTok and Instagram. Getting to use my creative muscles on a daily basis to interact with people around the world is something I never would’ve imagined myself doing growing up, and I am so thankful for the life I have today.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Absolutely not. The best piece of life advice I ever received was that nobody gives a f*ck about you. This sounds cynical and depressing, but for me, it’s what inspires me. I know exactly who I am and what I’m capable of, and the only way to let others know that too is to show them.
My entire life, I have had peers, and even adults look down at me. This opened a door for doubt to creep in, and for years, I battled depression that consumed my life. I struggled to find a purpose to keep going every day, and it only took moving 650 miles away from everything I have ever known to reshape my outlook on the world.
Pushing myself to live in a new environment with all new people and experiences helped me see just how beautiful each day on this planet is, and taught me not to take anything for granted. There is kindness and beauty in every corner of this Earth, we just have to be willing to look for it.
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?
As a digital creative turned communicator, my ultimate goal is to uplift myself and others. The world is wide and full of stories to share. Finding ways to break through the noise has become more and more difficult, and my work throughout the years and growing my toolbelt of skills is what helps me stand out. Being creative and having unique ideas is one area, getting people’s attention is another, and I live at the intersection where those two meet.
What sets me apart is that I don’t think I’m physically capable of slowing down. Having a new project to work on, or event to go to, or friend to connect with is what not only keeps me going, but keeps me inspired. We live in an era where we have the entire world at our fingertips, and not utilizing that is simply a disservice. Email the person you want to connect with. Make that project you dream about a reality. Live the life YOU want to live, because the only person standing in your way is you.
What are your plans for the future?
Recently, I finished my formal education and earned my Master of Arts in Public Relations & Advertising from the University of Southern California. While my time in the classroom has come to an end, I believe in the importance of continued growth and learning throughout life.
As I move into this period of my life and career, I want to share more of what I’ve accomplished and am capable of. On Instagram @ByKatyMae, I’m working to expand my portfolio to not just show my work, but also highlight my creative process from brainstorming to producing.
When it comes to sharing my personal life online, I create content on Instagram @KatyMaeTurner and TikTok @GlutenFreeCrocs, and I invite you to follow along on this journey with me. 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.katymaeturner.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bykatymae
- Other: www.instagram.com/katymaeturner & www.tiktok.com/@glutenfreecrocs
