SHOUTOUT HTX
We had the good fortune of connecting with Katie Park and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Katie, how do you think about risk?
I think most people that know me would agree that I am a risk taker in my professional life and in my personal life. Not everyone has the luxury of doing what they love, and it happens to fit into corporate America or a high-paying career. At the end of the day, you really must ask yourself what will make you happy in the long run and then chase after it.
After 12+ years of pursuing a creative career path, it surely has had its fair share of ups and downs but ultimately after all this time I can confidently say I love doing what I do, and the hard work and perseverance is finally paying off.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I graduated college with a Bachelors of Fine Arts from University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. In 2013, I moved down here with my younger brother who was about to begin his career working as an engineer in the oil and gas industry. Free-spirited and open-minded, I completely underestimated what it would be like to start all over again, especially in the nation’s fourth largest city filled with mostly engineers, consultants and medical professionals. My first professional job after school was a Photographer Professor who specialized in film photography… what good was that going to do me in Houston? Needless to say the first few years were extremely rough, not only figuring out what I wanted to do but how I was going to get my foot in the door and still eat and pay rent.
Once I realized what I was good at and what I actually enjoyed I was able to create a plan and see it through. Never assume you know everything, always acknowledge you have something to learn and just keep going. I’m a believer in following the signs. Everything happens for a reason and the world revolves around the relationships you make. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, who make you a better person. Treat someone how you want to be treated, with honesty, respect and integrity and this will go a long way! People want to work with people they enjoy being around and this can carry you a long way.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
OMG WHERE TO BEGIN!
This city was designed for the adventurous eater. I would definitely spend some time in Chinatown in Ballaire/Sharpstown or Asiatown in Katy. Growing up in a multi-cultural household, I grew a deep connection to my Korean roots which includes all the incredible eats! Malaysian food at Phat Eatery, Korean shaved ice at Sul Bing Su, hot pot at Happy Lamb Hot Pot and getting dim sum would definitely be at the top of my list.
Depending on the time of year and whether we’re doing wine, cocktails or dive bar, I adore Julep, Camerata’s, Lola’s Depot, Lei Low’s, The Oak Room, Better Luck Tomorrow and really any ice house, which Houston has no shortage.
I do also love to get dressed up and dine at special places like Turner’s, Bludorn, MF Sushi, Squabble and Nancy’s Hustle… I could go on. Clearly I love to eat!
Herman Park, Miller Outdoor Theatre and Galveston are all places nearby that I love to escape too and one of these places would definitely make the cut.
Now if I had a fellow diver visiting for the weekend we’d be rig diving in the Gulf or booking The Fling and doing a liveaboard dive trip to the Flower Gardens Marine Sanctuary. Believe it or not, there are beautiful coral reefs, shipwrecks and marine life in the Gulf, it just takes some time to get out into the big beautiful blue!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The one person who comes to mind is my business partner and mentor Josh Governale, Founder of The Governale Group. His guidance, experience and outlook on work/life balance has inspired me to not only go after what I want but also to believe that it is possible. There are three things in life that most people spend all their time doing: working, family and sleeping. Life is too short and unpredictable to dedicate your life to something you don’t truly enjoy or believe in and for the first time I know believe that this is possible. Success comes in many forms and it is all about how you define it for yourself.