Meet Kitty | Writer & Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kitty and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kitty, what do you want people to remember about you?
When I think about my legacy in the broadest sense, I want people to say, “She cared.”

The details may change as I age, but I ultimately want to be remembered as someone who cared about her friends, family, community, animal welfare, the climate… The list could go on forever. I hope my desire to leave behind a legacy of compassion continues to shape who I am and what I do.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I’ve worn a lot of hats in my career. I’ve been a darkroom technician, a hair stylist, a graphic designer, and I’m currently a writer and photographer. I’ve learned to approach unexpected challenges by yelling, “Plot twist,” and plowing ahead. Something I’ve learned about myself is that I have an inherent need to create, and right now my passion is sharing snippets of life in the Florida Keys. I guess that’s my advice to anyone looking to enter a creative field. Your work won’t be for everyone, but your audience is out there.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned throughout my personal life and professional career is simply that we don’t know what’s waiting for us right around the corner. Funnily enough, I was thinking about leaving social media when Shoutout contacted me, so that’s my big take. You never know. A new project or opportunity can completely reinvigorate your passion. More importantly, you never know when something you’ve created will touch someone’s life.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m happiest in nature, and my BFF feels the same way. For starters, we’d definitely head to Baby’s Coffee for an oatmilk latte. Best coffee I’ve had since Café du Monde, and that’s high praise from a NOLA girl like me. Then we’d wander all around downtown Key West, pop into the local shops, tour a few museums, and then head to Date & Thyme. The Hemingway Home and Museum is a must-see, and we’d probably go to the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. For drinks, we’d check out the Celtic Conch. They have a new signature beer I really want to try but haven’t yet! We’d absolutely spend most of our time wandering around taking everything in. The best memories are the ones you make without even trying.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My friends and family. (You know who you are, and I love you so much.) But the main shoutout goes to my mom. She died of cancer in 2021. I’d been her primary caregiver for several years, and we’d always been extremely close, but stepping into the role of provider for a parent changes you in an indefinable way. I am who I am today because of my mom. Even after her passing, she continues to shape me. Textbook Mom behavior.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesquidling/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6mBlkJr9C2lLpcjSlcPerA

Image Credits
Kitty