Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kateri Wozny. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kateri, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?
I want to be remembered for leaving a meaningful impact on my family, friends and community with my character and the work I have created. The nice thing about being a freelance journalist and content creator is that your stories will live on through your personal website, social media platforms or even with a Google search. People will most likely say that I lived life to the fullest with no regrets, that I was a go-getter and that I enjoyed learning through others and the different cultures of the world. Overall, I want to be remembered as a good daughter, friend, community member and storyteller.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I work full time as a Content Manager for a public sector client and I am also a Freelance Journalist, Content Creator and Event Specialist. I have a lot going on but I wouldn’t have it any other way, I love what I do!
I grew up in Minneapolis, MN and I was always fascinated with the news industry. As a kid, I used to give pretend news reports to my parents. I started volunteering for a kid’s community television program when I was 9-years-old and I learned about all of the aspects of television production. In college, I received my Bachelor’s in Journalism from St. Cloud State University and won an Associated Press award for my coverage of the Senator Paul Wellstone memorial for KVSC-FM. I also have Master’s in Organizational Communication from Arizona State University.
Between working in Minneapolis and currently Los Angeles, I have been able to work as a Traffic Producer for KSTP-TV and CBS LA and as an Assignment Desk Editor/Web Producer at KSTP-TV and KEYT-3. I learned so much about what goes into making a newscast successful. The KSTP-TV newsroom even won a National Emmy for our coverage of the I-35W Bridge Collapse in 2007! I later transitioned to public relations and marketing working with private and public sector clients. I love helping clients reach their storytelling potential in the media or through other types of advertising!
I have also freelanced for various publications in Los Angeles (Pasadena Magazine, Pasadena Weekly, Malibu Coast Lifestyle Magazine, Malibu Surfside News, Pepperdine University, Santa Clarita Valley Signal, Topanga Messenger), Santa Barbara (Carpinteria Coastal View News, Santa Barbara Sentinel, UC – Santa Barbara) and Ventura (Acorn Newspapers, Conejo Valley Lifestyle Magazine, VC Reporter) and national publications such as the Associated Press, Chicago Sun-Times, Elite Daily, GateHouse Media, GoDaddy, Internet Broadcasting Systems, Newsmax, Snooth Media and U.S. News & World Report. I provide my reporting skills to print and digital publications that are looking for relevant content that I specialize in (e.g., hard news, features, business profiles, food reviews, etc.)I love reporting stories because it connects the community and keeps them informed!
I also create content on TikTok @kitkat0706 related to lifestyle, travel and anything related to Los Angeles – I have even had some videos go viral! I also post daily life stories on Instagram @kitkatwozny and other lifestyle photos and reels. Finally, there is my lifestyle blog, SoCal Shuffle, that I started it in 2016 and it discusses industry tips, beauty, health, cooking and baking, events, traveling, survival tips, and hot spots mostly related Southern California. I love the freedom it gives me to create and own the content I want for my audience! You can check it out at www.socalshuffle.net.
Something I am very proud of is I recently launced my portfolio website that hosts all of my journalism works and content creations in one spot. You can check it out at www.kateriwozny.com!
I believe what sets me apart from others is I have a very diverse background in marketing and media. The more I can expose myself to different creative areas, the more marketable I have and will become. When I am reporting on a story, I want to get to the heart of it and think outside the box with questions the source may not have ever been asked. When I am shooting content, I try and get different angles so that it’s not a still shot every time. If I am promoting a product to a customer, I try and explain the benefits versus other competitors. That’s what makes it special and unique.
I am most proud of the fact that my works have left an impact on the community and that I was able to learn something valuable from my sources and research. Learning and turning it into a story is what makes the whole process fun! I am always open to receiving pitches from publicists about anything happening around Los Angeles (specifically San Gabriel Valley) to report on for publications. I am also very passionate about creating original content for Instagram and TikTok and I would love to collaborate with lifestyle brands or other content creators! I love trying new products, trying new local restaurants, exploring local events or hidden spots, and traveling. You can email me at [email protected].
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My main goal is to always report new stories or create new content for my audience that is timely, can make them think differently and leave an impact on their lives. Thinking outside of the box and having a content strategy goal is always important so that your audience continues to stay engaged. I also continue to build relationships with editors and other content creators/brands for future collaboration projects. Staying educated on current trends with content creation or news reporting through reading or taking a workshop or seminar is also ongoing for me so I can continue to enhance my skillset.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect is being able to make an impact on the community and share my passion! Whether I am reporting on a story or creating social media content, if a person can take away something meaningful and apply it to their lives, that’s the greatest joy I receive. I’ve had readers and viewers tell me that my work has reached them on an emotional level. This is why I love being a creative!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.kateriwozny.com/
- Blog: www.socalshuffle.net
- Instagram: @kitkatwozny
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/kwozny
- Twitter: @kitkatwozny
- TikTok: @kitkatw0706
Image Credits
Kateri Wozny