Kat Banas, SEPT CG Interview

Last Friday, we met up with our cover girl Kat Banas for a quick bite and drinks in Union Square. We discussed “girlie things”, life, health and our pursuit of happiness. Kat was eager to explain her incredible journey to becoming a stylist in New York City and we were instantly intrigued by her charisma and wealth of knowledge. Check out all the juice below:

24B: Hey! Tell us your name, age, profession.
Kat: Kat, 25 and still alive!, Freelance Stylist

24B: What made you decide to become a stylist?
Kat: I have always known I was going to be in fashion- it was just a matter of which role I wanted to fulfill. As a stylist, I get to see all aspects of the industry and work with literally everyone. It is almost like a fast-track to exploring the ins and outs of the industry which was really appealing to me, especially coming out of Business school. I also love that this is a career where there are few boundaries, and you can make it what you want. Looking onward, styling is the best way to brand myself for future ventures.

24B: what are your hopes for the future?
Kat: I want to see where my career goes. I want to do consulting and branding. I’d love to do everything from collaborating with designers on upcoming collections, to creative direction and re-branding of a designer or any company. I love strategy behind it all and seeing it come to fruition. 

24B: Tell us about your work, style and everything else about what makes you – well you.
Kat: Styling is like a big puzzle to me- only the possibilities are endless. I’m big on mixing prints and textures and I like putting together the unexpected. Overall, my work has either a touch of Jazz or a bit of edge. If it doesn’t make you want to listen to Frank Sinatra, it’ll probably make you want to listen to Jimi Hendrix. 

24B: What is your fav must-have clothing item?
Kat: A pair of leather boots. I love a good western inspired boot, and you can wear it year round. First places I look are Gypsy Warrior, asos, or even eBay.

24B: And what is a beauty product you can’t live without?
Kat: Physicians Formula SPF 50 Bronzer, Estée Lauder tinted moisturizer

24B: Share a health tip you believe every woman should know especially 20 somethings).
Kat: Sunscreen and yoga!

24B: Fave spots to eat/hang in NYC?
Kat: I often find myself at Mexican Radio or Idle Hands.

24B: Share your career advice for peeps trying to become a stylist. 
Kat: 1. Stand for something- the industry is so saturated as it is, we don’t need another Rachel Zoe. You should be doing this because you have a unique point of view that you’re trying to share/sell – that’s what the industry is looking for.
2. It’s a roller coaster with lots of highs and lows, especially freelancing. You need to keep perspective and not let a bad shoot or comment ruin you. Just learn from it and move on. 3. Be approachable- your connections and contacts are everything. 4. Understand the needs of those above you- otherwise you’re not as valuable. The goal is to make yourself in-disposable.  

24B: Finish this sentence – When I was 24, I wish I knew…
Kat: that I should be patient. Everything is so much about timing. And always do your best work no matter how much you do or don’t care.

To keep up with Kat, follow her on twitter @thatskatastik and we highly recommend scoping her out on instagram. She posts killer, artsy photos and amazing style of course!