I can still remember years ago the email I received from Katie writing me from Washington D.C. telling me that she is moving to Williamsburg to open up a unisex beauty store and she wanted to carry Mcbride Beauty. I remember thinking wow this girl is daring and when I dropped off my first order to her my first impression of Katie was that she was smart, funny and quick.
Of course we took an instant liking to each other and this has led to us having lunch, dinner and drinks on a few occasion. Every time I leave this “chick” and I only use that word for very few people because it is not a word I throw around easily (I LOVE MY CHICK’S) I always think why don’t we see each other more often. Our time together can go on for hours and hours and not really talk about “beauty”. I’m actually happy that she does not live very close to me because I can see us kind of wreaking havoc . . .a partner in crime for sure. Her carefully curated shop is stocked with not with what is “of the moment” but of stuff she truly believes in.
Katie is very personable and she is in her shop offering advice and truly helping her customers. For a small company like Mcbride where I can’t afford press or hire people to sell my line I can easily get lost in the gazillion brands out there and I rely on a hands on person who believes in my line and introduces it to the public.
Katie also “in her spare time” is a freelance writer (New York Times T, Details, Wallpaper, etc) Her website is stocked with amazing stuff that you can get for yourself or buy a great gift. I have had people say to me “I saw your stuff in MioMia what a great fit”.
I had some questions for Miss Chang. . . .
So What about that Potlikker Lunch?
Man, that woman can cook. I’m still dreaming of that egg salad and macaroni salad. All hail the Queen (Liza, that is).
What is about Ranch Dressing that you are obsessed with?
What’s not to love? It’s creamy, savory, herby, and loaded with MSG…making it completely addictive.
Have you always been hilarious and extremely observant?
Yes. Next question.
What made you decide to change your career and life and move to NYC?
I lived in DC for about 7 years. I went to Georgetown for grad school, then worked at a big management consulting firm. Both were awesome learning experiences, but I was craving something else.
Why Williamsburg... you were kind of a pioneer.
I got tipped off to a retail space in South Williamsburg. Even though I didn’t really know anyone in New York (let alone Brooklyn), I decided to take the train up to see the space. The neighborhood was still raw, and a bit scruffy. I fell in love. And as soon I walked into the space, everything clicked. I quit my job, packed my car, and moved to Brooklyn.
What do you see happening in the men’s grooming industry that is kind of fresh and new? Are men just as obsessed about product as woman?
Beard care is hot. A lot of my guys are facially fuzzed, and deserve to have some nice products. And here’s something that very few people seem to understand: men are more obsessed with products than women. They may not buy as much (in terms of quantity), but what they buy, they love. Men are far more brand and product loyal than women.
How do you choose the products you put into your store?
I look for something with a special story, a unique point of view. I remember reading about you in Vogue, and loving everything about you and McBride Beauty. Plus, you’re a total babe. It was a no-brainer for me to get in touch with you.
Any trips planned as I know you just did a big one to London.
I just started training for my second marathon, so I’ll be staying in the country through January. I’d like to hit up Hong Kong and Korea with my mom in the spring, and hopefully, very hopefully in the next year or so, Kenya. One of my brother’s best friends moved out there and started a bespoke luxury travel group. I’d love to do some travel writing out there.
What do we see in Katie Chang’s future??
Drinks, troublemaking, and name-calling (hey, douche bag!) with you.
Check her out!
http://www.shopmiomia.com
No comments:
Post a Comment