Hailing from Australian racing royalty, Kate Waterhouse has grown up in the media spotlight. Kate is the director and founder of katewaterhouse.com and is also a journalist, media personality, television presenter, radio talent and quite frankly an all round beauty, inside and out. Kate shares with us her approach to juggling life at home as a mother and businesswoman and what influences her through all aspects of her life.
What drew you to a career in journalism and media?
I was always drawn to media, so I studied a Bachelor of Art and Communications and while I was at university, I ended up landing a job as a weekly columnist for The Sunday Telegraph. From there I have never stopped writing.
I went on to become the Style Editor at The Sunday Telegraph and then became the Fashion Editor at The Sun-Herald. As well as Fashion Editor, I had my own weekly column called ‘date with Kate’ for nine years, where I interviewed all the local and international celebrities who were in town.
While I was at The Sun-Herald I started my own blog in 2013 (before blogging was really a thing) and it snowballed from there. Today, eight years later, my website katewaterhouse.com is still a destination for daily fashion and lifestyle content and it has a loyal following that I’m so grateful for.
I also love my other role in media as Fashion Reporter for Channel 7 Racing. I grew up in a racing household and horse racing is in my blood, so I feel very lucky to be able to combine my love of fashion and racing and call it work.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love that everyday is different. Some days, I’m shooing content for my blog and collaborating with some of my favourite designers. Other days, I’m at the track in front of a camera reporting on trackside fashion. And some days I’m just in trackies and Ugg boots writing content at home. I love that no two days are the same. Also, I feel very lucky that my job is flexible and I can fit my work around my kids schedules.
What inspires you professionally?
I’m inspired by travel and places. Also working in the fashion industry I’m always surrounded by so many creative people - from designers, stylists, photographers, videographers, hairdressers, makeup artists... I find inspiration from so many of my peers.
Tell me a little about your approach to beauty and wellness…
I am in front of the camera a lot, so I think it’s important to look after myself, but, I’m a mum and very time poor so I have to find a happy medium. Training is a non-negotiable thing. I train a few times a week and I think it’s so important for your mind and body. I take care of my skin; I believe that if you have a good base then you don’t need as much makeup. From a young age my mum always taught me to look after my skin, so I have followed a skin care regime since I was in my teens.
What is your daily beauty regime and how has it changed during lockdown?
I cleanse, moisturise morning and night, without fail. I also use serums, and eye cream. I’m a long time Clarins user and am obsessed with their Double Serum. During lock down, I definitely feel like I’m doing more masks! I also incorporate By Beth Collagen into my morning routine, simply stirring in water every morning.
By Beth offers a very Australian take on beauty. What do you love most about the place we call home?
I love the Australian lifestyle and spirit. I’m a beach girl at heart. I’m so happy when I can see the water and hear the waves. I also love all aspects of the Australian landscape; I love to escape to the country and see the Australian outback. I feel so lucky to call Australia home.
How would you describe your approach to dressing? And how does it make you feel?
I love to get dressed up and feel my best, but as a busy mum I need things that are comfortable and easy to wear. I’m always on the go. I want outfits that are versatile and can be dressed up or dressed down. I feel like when I was in my 20s I would get around everywhere in high heels, these days I want clothing that I can pop on a heel and run to a morning meeting but then can swap out my heels for some flats to run around and pick up the kids.
Who are some of your favourite designers (local and international)?
I love Australian designers, I feel like we have a great take on fashion. Australian designers are on top of the latest trends but also give a relaxed, wearable edge to our fashion. I love Dion Lee, Camilla and Marc, Viktoria and Woods, Rebecca Vallance, Christopher Esber and internationally I love Balenciaga, Gucci, Bottega Vaneta and Prada.
Lastly, mother of 2 beautiful girls, what is your secret to managing career and family during lockdown?
It’s definitely a juggle trying to manage my business while in lock down. I’m currently unable to shoot and most work events, hosting and presenting have been all been cancelled. While I continue to write daily content for katewaterhouse.com it’s not easy with a 5 and 7 year old as home-schooling is very demanding. But, we are all just trying to do the best we can. Some days I nail it and I’m right on top of it all and others the washing is piling up, I haven’t opened any emails and home-schooling is a disaster. But I feel like you just have to do you, and don’t compare yourself to anyone else. I am also just trying to enjoy our family time and cherishing these moments together.
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