We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mary Kate Platts. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mary Kate below.

Mary Kate, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you take vacations? Why or why not?

Being diagnosed with EDS in my 30s pushed me to reevaluate my relationship with work, vacations and rest.

My body has taught me that if you don’t take breaks, your health will eventually force you to.

I spent much of my youth pushing myself to ignore the importance of true rest. And I don’t mean the kind of rest where you lay there feeling guilty about all the things you should be doing – I mean the kind of rest that resets your mind and your body (as much as possible).

I do not want to push the agenda that “rest is productive” (even though countless studies have proved that to be true – four day work week anyone?) because it goes against the truth – rest doesn’t need to be earned. Vacations are something that everyone deserves. Unfortunately, due to capitalism, health or responsibilities, most people do not get the opportunity. I hope one day that will not be the case, but in the meantime, my advice to entrepreneurs who can afford to vacation, or have the health to do so, is that you should take it while you can. Most entrepreneurs love their work, which can make it feel harder to step away, but if you have the means to do so, you are lucky, and it should come with gratitude.

Nothing in this world is guaranteed, not work, not time, not health. That phrase often scares people into putting off vacations for fear of losing out on work opportunities, and while that can be a valid concern, if you find the space for time off TAKE IT.

Your body and your mind will thank you. And probably your career too.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My first ever creative role was at 17. I was volunteering to teach english, but I wanted to create a project that felt more exciting than the usual classroom setting. At the time I was doing a photography A Level, so I started a photography project to improve vocabulary. I took a bag of disposable cameras, and gave one to everyone in my class. For each photo they took, we had a word – something subjective, like family, nature, friendship – and then they would each write, in english, why they took the photo and what that word meant to them. We would then go through what they’d written verbally so I could teach grammar from a practical standpoint. What started as a way to make learning more fun became something incredibly meaningful and I learnt the tangible impact creativity could have in the world.

That led me to journalism. When I found myself pregnant at 19, University was no longer an option for me, so with that 9 months I did an NCTJ fast track journalism diploma. I had always loved writing, but that course really had an impact – I loved the opportunities to learn and drive change that journalism provided.

While my daughter was young, I worked many different jobs to provide for my family, but creativity was at the heart of everything I truly loved. My first article was published when I was 19. I published my first magazine cover and six page photography spread a couple of years later. Seeing my work in print really drove my ambition.

Alongside care work, hospitality, office jobs, I continued to take social media roles, blogs for brands, test shoots, articles, assisting photographers, events, copywriting, editing, graphic design – anything creative I could get my hands on. I took multiple courses as my daughter grew up, from an entrepreneurial business courses to creative design.

My relationship with work really changed a few years ago. I’d had declining physical health for a long time, and just before covid hit was my worst flare up – I couldn’t even shower unaided or walk down the stairs. It was just after this I was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome – a genetic disorder that affects connective tissues, primarily in the skin, joints, and blood vessels. When my health started improving, I realised that I needed a way to work around my disability. I started doing more writing, graphic design and social media management.. It was at this point I was fully freelance, as well as really thinking about what I wanted to achieve with my career.

One of my favourite projects around this time was a community project I started called Older Is Golder. It was inspired by my previous work in end of life care, as well as my relationship with my grandparents, and was set up with the intention of forming connections between generations, combatting ageism and improving mental health. I curated an online community via Instagram, where I interviewed influencers and professionals within the fashion industry. The questions were focused on giving advice to younger generations, on love, life and career. I also organised an event in my area, to bring together older and younger generations in my local community. The project was featured in Huffpost France and print magazine Goldie. It solidified what I had learnt as a teenager – that creativity can be a tool for positive social change.

I then met Jessica (@therollingexplorer). A temporary freelance role turned into a career I really love, from creative assistant to PR manager within a few months, and we ended up working together for years. Her achievement is more proof of how creativity can inform, educate and inspire, and really solidified where I want my work to go. I am definitely a behind-the-scenes person – but what I truly love is helping in-front-of-the-camera people (whether that is brands, community projects or individuals) achieve their goals. I love the logistics of making things happen – especially when it is making the world a more diverse, empathetic, and understanding place.

I now primarily offer Creative Strategy Consulting and Creative Direction and Production as services, although I still love the diversity of projects that freelancing can bring. My interests range from politics & science to fashion & beauty, and are always evolving and growing. I love to learn, meet new people and broaden my experience with new challenges.

Creative Strategy is often social media strategy based on clients’ long term personal and professional goals. However, it’s a personalised service that can include, but is not limited to: website analysis, content strategy planning and creation, career, brand or marketing strategy, copywriting, PR, collaboration research and outreach, as well as logistics and execution of collaborations. For every client their needs are different, and I thrive on the variety.

The Production and Direction service I offer is creative and logistic management of shoots. It includes sourcing models, photographers, brands & location, with oversight of budgeting, scheduling, moodboards, composition, and image selection. It often includes styling and set design. This is also a personalised service so my responsibilities change base on the clients needs. I love making things beautiful.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The other day, after a couple of cocktails, someone asked me the other day what my dream was, my goal for my career – and honestly, the simple answer is I want to uplift people.

The world needs both behind-the-scenes people and in-front-of-the-camera people for lasting social change.

As a self professed behind-the-camera person, I want empower to public facing figures who are making the world a better place. Wether that’s sustainable, ethical businesses, diverse brands, activists, influencers, or community projects – I hope to utilise my skills to strategically support and amplify change makers.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

How To Own The Room by Viv Groskop. I recommend it to all my clients.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @marykatefreelance
• Linkedin: Mary Kate Platts
• Other: Threads: marykatefreelance
  Tiktok; marykatefreelance

Image Credits

William Yi Photography
@williamyphotography on Instagram

Luke Nugent
@lukenugentstudio on Instagram