We were lucky to catch up with Katina Goulakos recently and have shared our conversation below.

Katina, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

As I reflect on my legacy, especially now as a mother and seeing my grandparents in their mid-90s, I realize the importance of being remembered as my true self.

I aspire to leave behind a legacy that captures the entirety of who I am—not just isolated stories or moments, but the essence of my character, values, and the love I’ve shared.

Whether through my roles as a parent, friend, or in any other facet of life, my wish is to be remembered for the genuine connections I’ve formed and the positive impact I’ve made on those around me. I hope that my legacy reflects the authenticity and depth of my journey, embracing all the complexities and growth that define me.

Professionally, I am a writer, content creator, journalist and published author.

Personally, I inhabit various roles—a mother, daughter, partner, friend, and more.

Yet, these are mere facets of who I truly am.

My essence lies deeper: I am a dreamer who finds magic in life’s smallest moments and believes fiercely in the potential of every individual. I am deeply sensitive, moved to tears by others’ pain, even strangers’.

I am a storyteller. Storytelling is my soul’s language, whether through writing or creating content; it’s how I authentically express myself.

I am someone who loves myself. Despite my insecurities, I journey toward self-love with a blend of uncertainty and confidence.

I’m a hopeless romantic who, after giving up on love, found it unexpectedly, enriching my life in ways I never imagined.

I am someone who understands my own value and isn’t afraid to acknowledge defeat and start anew. Shedding my ego has brought me contentment with who I’ve become.

Above all, I am a mother—my little girl, Marlo, has shown me strength I never knew I had. Fiercely protective, I take my role as her first role model very seriously.

Motherhood has taught me resilience and deepened my understanding of love, shaping a legacy that goes beyond myself.

This is the essence of who I am and the legacy I hope to leave—a testament to embracing life’s complexities with empathy, creativity, and an unwavering belief in love and human connection.

Ultimately, I desire to be remembered simply as myself, with a few more published books to ensure my words live on for longer than I do!

Katina, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My lifelong love affair with words began before I could even recall. As a child, books were my solace, nurturing a passion that grew into something more profound over time. At just 16, I launched an anonymous blog—a digital diary chronicling the tumultuous journey of teenage years, a secret kept from friends and family to this day.

By 19, I found myself balancing university studies with my first professional foray into web writing, realizing for the first time that writing could be more than a passion—it could be a career. The turning point came in New York City, where as an entertainment journalist, I had the surreal experience of interviewing idols like Julia Stiles and Ariel Winter.

However, motherhood reshaped my path. Unexpectedly, I ventured into children’s literature, penning “The World From Her Window,” published in 2021, shortly before embarking on the challenging journey of single parenthood.

Embracing change, I ventured into content creation, collaborating with various brands and discovering a rewarding new dimension to my work.

Currently, I’m immersed in diverse projects—a poetry collection and a novel—each unfolding in unexpected and exciting ways. I have also created an incredible online community on my instagram. I answer every message myself and find so much joy in connecting with like-minded women across the globe.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I’ve always felt like the underdog, but that sensation intensified when I made the decision to start over. The specifics of that journey are irrelevant here; what matters is the testament to a woman’s strength in striving for a better life—for herself and her child.

Becoming a mother unearthed a reservoir of resilience I never knew I possessed. Against all odds—little savings, pervasive doubt—I took a leap, trusting my instincts and shutting out the noise around me.

Was it tough? Unquestionably. Leaving wasn’t the hardest part; it was the aftermath—starting anew with bare essentials, grappling with the ache of shared custody, and facing the betrayal of those I thought would always stand by me.

This period forced me to confront old wounds I’d long suppressed. As a self-described “people pleaser,” becoming a topic of gossip challenged me to prioritize myself and my daughter, Marlo, over others’ opinions.

It was a profound shift, going against my ingrained instincts to please, and instead, focusing on what was best for us. In doing so, I discovered that taking care of myself was synonymous with caring for Marlo—a revelation that continues to shape our journey forward.

Years have passed, and though whispers of the past occasionally echo, they no longer hold the power they once did.

Looking back at the woman I used to be, my heart goes out to her because she faced her journey not knowing if she could succeed. Yet, as I sit here for this interview, I’m struck by the realization that I did indeed make it through. I confronted the difficult moments that ultimately guided me to the life I not only desired but also earned.

I am proof that you can do hard things.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Being a creative is a multifaceted experience. It’s a blend of magic and pain, brilliance and torment intertwined. My mind is perpetually in a state of creation—striving to craft better work, cultivate a beautiful home, and shape a meaningful life.

Being an artist is profoundly fulfilling for me because it allows me to touch and inspire others. I have the privilege of evoking emotions in people, and that sensation is incredibly powerful.

Whether through writing, painting, music, or any form of art, the essence remains the same: it’s about eliciting emotions and connecting with others on a deep, visceral level.

The most rewarding aspect of my work is undoubtedly receiving heartfelt messages from individuals who have engaged with my writing or content. It’s an incredible feeling to hear how something I’ve created has resonated with them, evoking emotions and sparking thoughts.

These messages serve as a reminder of the impact that art can have on people’s lives, reaffirming my passion and dedication to creating work that connects deeply with others. Each message is a testament to the power of storytelling and the profound influence it can have on inspiring, comforting, or enlightening those who experience it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.katinagoulakos.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katinagoulakos/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatinaGoulakos/

Image Credits

Oriette Photography