How she got here: volume 01

With travel photographer + writer Katie McKnoulty.

Welcome to the first edition of how she got here—a monthly-ish interview series spotlighting women I admire for how they live, create, and carve their own path.

Each one has taken creative risks, made major pivots, and continues to show up in ways that feel deeply true to themselves. Through a series of questions, we get to peek into the rituals, moments, and mindsets shaping their lives today.

---

I’ve been following Katie’s freelance journey for years and have always admired both her work and the life she’s built. I couldn’t imagine kicking off this series with anyone else—she embodies so much of the creative, intentional, freedom-filled life I’m working toward myself. I’m sure her story (and her stunning photos!) will inspire you, too.

What’s been bringing you joy lately—big or small?

I usually go away at the start of each year for one to three months, since it's not a time when I have a lot of work "on the ground" as a travel photographer working mostly in Europe. This year, I couldn’t make it happen, so I stuck around in my small, quiet town in Italy for the whole winter.

I thought I’d struggle with the last six weeks of it, but it brought me so much joy — anchoring into my routine, cooking meals and baking, taking long walks with my dog. As someone who always has a trip on the horizon, it felt like such a luxury to know I had this solid block of time with zero travel. I must do it more.

Tell us about a career pivot or turning point that helped shape who you are today.

When I was 27, I was working in my second marketing job in the travel industry in London and hit a breaking point — mentally, emotionally — it just wasn’t working. I gave it all up: job, relationship, visa, apartment. I thought I’d move to Paris and get another marketing job, but that leap turned into something so much bigger.

From that moment of admitting “I don’t know what I want, but it’s not this,” everything changed. I landed my first freelance client, launched a blog I’d been dreaming of, and started traveling full-time. Eventually, I moved to Paris, then to Italy. That one brave step taught me it was safe to be brave — and that’s shaped the “weird life” I love now.

What’s helped you build confidence over time?

Honestly, just showing up and doing the work — over and over again. Every project that felt like a stretch, every invoice paid, every “well done” from a client… it all added up. Confidence didn’t come from one big moment. It came slowly, piece by piece.

Is there a ritual, habit, or mindset that’s grounding or inspiring you right now?

Right now, I’m all about lowering the stakes and hitting publish. I’ve always poured everything into client work while letting my own creative projects gather dust — mostly because I thought they had to be perfect. I’m letting that go.

I’m leaning into the idea that done is better than perfect. I want to share more often, more honestly. There’s something freeing about unpolished, real, vulnerable work — I think that’s what people connect with anyway.

If someone were visiting your city—or a favorite place—where would you send them for coffee/matcha, the perfect morning treat, or a special dinner?

My town is lovely but quiet, so I’ll take us to Paris — where I lived for several years. I’d start with matcha at Umami near République, then send you to Du Pain et des Idées (or Copains, for a gluten-free croissant). Both are on the same street and totally worth the hype. Bonjour Jacob is just nearby for coffee and the coolest selection of magazines.

What season of life do you feel like you’re in right now—and how are you moving through it?

I’m in a season of focus and follow-through. After years of hiding behind perfectionism and fear, I’m finally just… doing the thing. And it’s working — I’m seeing real changes in the jobs I’m attracting, in my energy, in my income. The momentum feels good, and I’m riding that wave.

What’s something small you do that makes you feel most like yourself?

Mornings alone upstairs in my house — yoga, journaling, lighting incense, picking a flower for the tiny vase on my altar. There’s light streaming through the windows and the quiet hum of the town below. That space, that ritual — it always brings me back to myself.

What does “a life well-lived” mean to you, right now?

For me, it’s about doing work you love, with people you love, in places that love you back. If you can build a life that lets you do all three? That’s it.

---

This is just the beginning for how she got here—I can’t wait to introduce you to more dreamy, grounded, creative women in the months ahead.

PS: If you loved Katie’s story, she shares more glimpses of her life and work on her Substack here. Huge thanks to Katie for kicking things off in the most beautiful way.

Until next time, ciao!

Jess