Katherine Tinsley Isn't Slowing Down
Katherine Tinsley is a journalist with a fascination for pop culture and beauty. She’s lent her editorial talents to the likes of Live the Process, TheKnockturnal, and Good Housekeeping. Currently, Katherine is wielding her pen for OK Magazine and making her mark as a content creator. Chances are you've caught a glimpse of her strutting down the red carpet or popping up on your TikTok feed.
Her stint as a multifaceted writer has allowed her to blend her passions seamlessly into her storytelling style. But this is only the beginning for the Chicago native, as her career is just getting started.
What were some of the challenges you faced breaking into the media industry and how did you overcome them?
KT: “I guess the greatest challenge is patience and faith in God's plan. I graduated college in May of 2021 —and although I freelanced A TON in a diversity of industries — I didn't start working full-time until April of 2022. Aside from that, I think it can be somewhat frustrating at times because people have an assumption of what my experience would be because of race or how I should approach my career because of how I look and where I come from but I've had no adversity thus far primarily because I believe I was truly meant to be where I am and do what I do.”
“I also don't see my race or my gender as a barrier to entry or as a metaphorical ceiling. I show up as Katherine and I believe I can grow because I am authentically myself. Like I said previously, I never pursued this or even studied this, so God aligned everything in such a dynamic way.”
You've lived in both New York and Chicago. How would you compare the two cities in terms of opportunities for emerging writers and media professionals?
KT: “I think both of those terms are extremely broad. You can write anywhere and you can pursue a media career from anywhere since what is considered to be writing professionally and what is considered to be media are both pretty huge umbrellas. I think the question someone would have to ask is what market are they interested in working in? What topics do they wish to cover, what people do you want to have proximity to? I think that is the difference.”
“Every city has an industry or industries that mold it, but I will add being in New York pre-Covid and now post-Covid the pandemic greatly changed being required to be here and many of these roles (including mine) are now fully remote and people have relocated to growing markets such as Miami, Detroit, Nashville, Dallas etc.”
I understand that you're currently pursuing an MBA. Congrats! What motivated this decision and how do you believe it will contribute to your career goals?
KT: “There's so much I am working on that I can't really talk about just yet, but the world will have to just wait and see and know that I will give God the glory.”
How are you managing (or planning to manage) the juggle of your roles as a writer and a student?
KT: “Honestly, prayer. I don't start school until May, so I won't know how my day to day will change until I begin the process.”
Shifting gears, I'd love to know more about you outside of your professional life. What's your favorite restaurant in Chicago? Favorite place for take-out?
KT: “Favorite restaurant in Chicago depends on genre and season. If the weather is PERFECT like a nice 68 degrees or 72 with a breeze Pizzeria Portofino with a seat on the Chicago River. For soul food Virtue in Hyde Park is such a hot spot it's like winning a lottery ticket when you can get a reservation.”
Are there any places on your travel bucket list that you’re particularly excited about?
KT: “Mexico City is on the top of my list.”
What's your favorite way to unwind after a busy day of work? Any shows you're currently binging?
KT: “I love a good telenovela or of course BRAVO! Gotta love the housewives!”
What niche side of TikTok are you obsessed with currently?
KT: “I don't know if this is a niche but women being authentic and honest! I see how many people front for the internet or crave attention from people they perceive as important. But seeing women juggle mental health, work, family life and themselves will always be refreshing and motivating.”
Lastly, if you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself in 2020?
KT: “Appreciate this time! I honestly loved quarantine, I had been stuck in New York for college and I was able to just come home and build memories with my family. At the time lockdown started my nephew was 3 and we were able to spend quality time with him. There are so many special memories I got to share with him and so many hours I was able to pour into him that I am so grateful for. It was a hard year and a dark year but you have to find the light within the darkness and the joy amid despair.”