Kathryn (Kat) Mansur
Kathryn (Kat) Mansur is a public relations specialist with one of the brightest smile ever. I love seeing her work because she is passionate about what she does. I could go on and on about all of the things that Kat has done, but I'd prefer to let you get to know her for yourself in our interview below! Enjoy!
Where do you work? What is your occupation?
Public Relations - Full-time beauty publicist that also works in fashion events and social media. I am contracted full-time through an agency based in Los Angeles, Light Years Ahead (
) where I work remotely as a publicist for national beauty/lifestyle and consumer product clients.
I also work in Kansas City on several projects and events. I am the Director of Media for Kansas City Fashion Week (
), co-founder of Go Blog Social (
) and serve on the board for several non-profits focused on fashion and art including Kansas City Fringe Festival “Fringe Fashion” and The Arts Asylum. I also occasionally write for my personal blog, Everyday Chic Style (
), which is all about living a stylish life, while on a budget.
Who have you worked with and/or worked for? Who would you like to work with and/or work for?
I started my career as an intern and assistant in New York City. This is where I truly learned about the PR industry and garnered my passion for working in beauty and fashion. I worked at a fashion PR agency/showroom and as a production assistant, where I had the opportunity to work on the Tiffany & Co. Holiday advertising campaign and a multitude of major fashion brands. Although it was a starting point, these experiences truly shaped my career path and my skills.
From there, I worked for a small PR agency based in Kansas City where I was the first PR Coordinator to join the two-person team. This opportunity challenged me to multi-task and manages multiple projects for clients in the hospitality, retail and entertainment industries. I helped launch store openings, coordinated on-site events, managed social media and worked with the media. My favorite client to work with at the time was Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, because it involved styling opportunities for photo shoots and TV segments.
Nearly two years into working at the agency, I was offered a unique opportunity that I couldn’t pass up. Working with entrepreneurs and start-ups interested me and motivated me to become self-employed. I never expected for it to happen so early on in my career.
Now, I work with national beauty and skincare beauty brands through an agency I am contracted through based in Los Angeles. My favorite part of the industry is getting to test new beauty products and learning about the upcoming trends. Beauty and fashion really go hand-in-hand and it has been a fun industry to work in. I’ve also had the opportunity to travel for beauty launches and attend expo trade shows, which is a definite perk! This job also allows me the opportunity to work on the other projects I love, like Kansas City Fashion Week.
What was your motivation behind starting your career?
I’ve always seen the potential for Kansas City’s fashion industry to evolve, and knew I wanted to focus my career in this market. After experiencing agency life and gaining the skills I needed to go off on my own, I kind of just took a giant leap of faith. It seemed like everything fell into place once I set my mind to just go for it.
How do you balance your business and personal life?
It’s tough. Some days (and weeks) I work long hours and then have to go to events in the evening. Especially during KCFW events, I am home only a few short hours! Luckily, my fiancé is incredibly supportive of everything I do. I wouldn’t be able to do anything without the support of my friends and family! An easy tip to balance business and personal life on a daily basis is to stick to a schedule. Pencil in time for things like going to the gym, grabbing coffee or drinks with a friend, etc. It’s important to do those things and if you don’t make time, it won’t happen.
Where do you find inspiration?
Working from home, I often get creative “mind blocks.” I turn to Pinterest for instant visual inspiration. I’m kind of obsessed! I also have a real life inspiration board that I (literally) pin clippings from magazines, inspiration quotes and other pretty things. Being surrounded by things I love is always a source of inspiration. And when that doesn’t do the trick – I head out for fresh air, a little coffee and sometimes, a shopping trip!
What is your biggest dream or aspiration?
Is it crazy to say that I feel like I am living my biggest dream? I have a few other big things I’d like to do and achieve, but right now am appreciative of everything I already have. I’ve also become more interested in giving back to the community and would like to devote more time to charitable work.
What fashion story describes you in a nutshell?
I’m all about accessories. So, a LBD, statement necklace and pair of heels in a bold color are my go-to.
Who is your style icon?
I’ve always loved Audrey Hepburn; she is a classic to me. Olivia Palermo, Miroslava Duma and Jenna Lyons are current favorites that I love to follow and often attempt to re-create their looks, which are the perfect mix of modern and feminine.
How would you describe your overall style?
Modern, yet ladylike with a mix of classic and trendy pieces.
Name your favorite pair of shoes.
I just picked up the J. Crew, Etta pump (in metallic gold), and can’t stop wearing them.
Who is your favorite designer? Why?
Must I pick one? I love the personality of Oscar de la Renta and the fact that his gowns are the most gorgeous. I also have a personal love for DKNY, Tory Burch, Kate Spade and other designers that keep in mind the modern, working girl.
What is your favorite fashion publication? Why?
I am constantly reading magazines for work and my favorites are Allure (for beauty, of course), ELLE, Marie Claire, and Vogue.
Where is your favorite place to shop?
I do a lot of online shopping. Zara, Piperlime and ShopBop.com are favorites. I occasionally stop by J. Crew and Ann Taylor, but also love a good Target find!
What career advice do you have for TheeFashionStories readers?
Find what you are passionate about and go for it!
If you could relocate, where would you move? Why?
I love my hometown of Kansas City and couldn’t imagine living anywhere else at this moment. I still hold a special place in my heart for New York City and do my best to travel there at least once a year. I also often travel to Los Angeles for work and love it, but couldn’t imagine calling it home.
Do you have any upcoming events or projects that TheeFashionStories readers should be on the lookout for?
Right now I am gearing up for the planning of Kansas City Fashion Week’s spring events. I also am the getting ready to make a few exciting announcements for Go Blog Social’s next conference.
How can TheeFashionStories readers contact you?
You can contact me via Twitter at
or Instagram @
. I am also available by email at kathryn.mansur@lightyearsahead.com.Thank you for an awesome interview Kathryn. You are an inspiration to many. I hope to one day be as successful as you are. It is awesome to see someone thrive doing what they love. I wish you more success and great times. You are fabulous and this interview was pleasure!
Much Love,
Jas