Nothing inspires us more than seeing women who balance it all. Motherhood, careers, hobbies passions, relationships and friendships, caregiving, self-care—the list goes on. Women do so much, but we can’t do it all alone. Sharing our wisdom and secrets to success is a key to empowering and nurturing each other.
Recently, we’ve been (majorly) crushing on entrepreneur, new mom, and girl boss Katie Durko Karvinen—founder of The Edit, a female-founded and female-run creative social media agency. A SoCal native, Katie began her career in public relations at Burberry before switching gears to social media for Monique Lhuillier, freelancing, creating her first agency in 2015—and ultimately starting The Edit.
But being a female entrepreneur hasn’t come without its challenges. Here, Katie opens up about work-life balance, overcoming imposter syndrome, and financial literacy—plus dishes out advice for prioritizing postpartum fitness and wellness through motherhood.
What inspired you to start The Edit?
I joined forces with my friend of over 20 years six years ago after what we like to call “work dating” for several years. Separately, we had each started social media agencies in the celebrity and brand spaces—and found that we worked so well together that we wanted to merge our talents to create something bigger and better.
At The Edit, we believe in the power of connection and authenticity. We’ve filled our office with like-minded females who embody our core values—adaptability, accountability, tenacity, innovation, and optimism.
We understand that in today’s digital age, being “viral” isn’t just about numbers; it’s about creating meaningful content and sparking conversations that matter. Our approach is rooted in building genuine relationships with our clients and helping them tell their stories in a way that resonates with their audience. Our inspiration comes from the impact we can make both within our team and in the digital sphere. We’re driven by the opportunity to leave a lasting impression in an ever-evolving social media landscape.
What challenges have you faced as a female entrepreneur and how have you overcome them?
A few come to mind! Most notable are the work-life balance, building a supportive network, and overcoming imposter syndrome.
1. Work-Life Balance
Balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with personal life can be particularly challenging for women, especially if they are moms. I’ve addressed this by prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, and delegating tasks where possible. I’ve also fostered a supportive work culture within my team, encouraging open communication and flexibility to accommodate various life circumstances.
2. Building a Supportive Network
Establishing a strong professional network is crucial for any entrepreneur, but it can be more challenging for women, especially in male-dominated industries. I’ve actively sought out networking opportunities focused on supporting women in business. Building relationships with other female entrepreneurs has been invaluable for sharing experiences, advice, and resources.
3. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Like many female entrepreneurs, I’ve grappled with imposter syndrome—the feeling of not being “enough” or deserving of success. To combat this, I remind myself of my achievements and strengths, seek feedback from trusted mentors and peers, and focus on continuous learning and growth. Surrounding myself with a supportive team and community has also helped me gain confidence in my abilities and vision.
What’s a favorite project you’ve brought to life with The Edit?
This question is like asking who my favorite child is! A project the team is currently working on that I’m particularly proud of is the launch of Florence By Mills Fashion (FBM), a new clothing line by Millie Bobby Brown.
The Edit has been the AOR (Authorized Organizational Representative) for Millie’s beauty line, Florence By Mills, for the past 4+ years, and in 2023 FBM was ranked #3 in the Top Beauty Brands of 2023 on TikTok. At the start of 2024, we launched FBM Fashion and just last week saw the fruits of our labor debut on a digital billboard in Time Square. A major moment for us as a creative agency!
What advice would you give to aspiring female entrepreneurs looking to break into the wellness and creative industries?
Stay flexible and adapt! The wellness and creative industries are constantly evolving, with new trends and technologies emerging regularly, especially in social media. Stay agile and adaptable, willing to pivot your business strategy as needed to stay relevant and meet the changing needs of your audience. Embrace innovation, experiment with new ideas, and be open to feedback from customers and the market.
How has motherhood impacted your perspective on wellness, both personally and professionally?
As moms, we often put immense pressure on ourselves to be the perfect parent. I know I sometimes find myself in the comparison trap when looking at other moms I follow on social media. But here’s the truth: there’s no such thing as a perfect mom. Be gentle with yourself and practice self-compassion. Understand that it’s okay to ask for help, make mistakes, and take breaks. Remember, you’re doing an incredible job, even on the toughest days (a pep-talk I give myself daily).
How have you prioritized movement and wellness through motherhood?
The postpartum period is both beautiful and chaotic—physically, emotionally, and mentally—and after I gave birth to my second child, I knew I needed to incorporate exercise into my life. Not solely to regain my “pre-baby body,” but to help regulate all the hormonal changes I was going through. As a life-long overachiever, I gained 60+ pounds with both of my pregnancies, so I knew that I was in for a long journey that required discipline, dedication, grace, and a holistic approach to health.
Postpartum fitness isn’t about bouncing back; it’s about embracing the transformation our bodies undergo. For me, early movement helped improve my blood flow and oxygenate my muscles. The key was choosing activities that made me feel good, rather than focusing on losing the baby weight straight away. Yoga, gentle walks, and postpartum-themed Pilates and Barre classes were great options for me. Walking was especially supportive in my postpartum recovery because it got me out of my house, into the sunshine, and slowly back into a routine I’d been craving.
What does your wellness routine look like as a busy mom and girl boss?
Monthly
- Starting very early on in my postpartum journey, I began lymphatic drainage massages with Detox By Rebecca. This was honestly a game changer for me and something I wish I had done during my first postpartum journey as well. The before and after photos speak for themselves.
Weekly
- At least once a week, I do a 30-60 min infrared sauna and sweat it out while decompressing with one of my favorite podcasts.
- In addition to infrared, I have recently become obsessed with cold plunges. The benefits I see from committing just 1-3 mins a day are astonishing—I have more energy during the day, I’m sleeping better at night, I generally feel less stressed, and I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my body’s inflammation.
Daily
- Daily, my goal is to hit 8,000+ steps. To make this number seem a little less intimidating, I break up my day with two walks: one first thing in the morning and another in the evening to close out my day. This is also a great way to spend special bonding time with both of my babies.
By incorporating tailored workouts, maintaining consistency, and embracing a holistic approach to well-being, I successfully lost 50 pounds in just 5 months. But more so than losing the weight, it has been even more important to me to fall in love with taking care of myself and to soak in all the baby bliss this first year has to offer.
My advice? Know there is no set timeline. Set realistic goals and be patient and compassionate with yourself. Take the walk, do the exercise, and just keep going—a little bit day by day.
What’s one thing you think women should (or deserve to) talk more about?
Financial literacy and empowerment. Historically, there has been a pervasive societal expectation that men handle finances and investments, leading to many women to feel less confident or knowledgeable about managing their own finances.
By openly discussing topics like budgeting, investing, negotiating salaries, and financial independence, women can empower themselves and each other to take control of their financial futures. Breaking the taboo around money conversations can help women make informed decisions, advocate for themselves, and achieve greater financial stability and success. Mrs. Dow Jones is a great follow on social for this!
What makes you tick?
The reason I get up in the morning is my relationships with the people that I love—my family, my friends, and the incredible team at The Edit. Collectively, they make me want to be my best self and show up every day.
One thing you wish you could tell your younger self?
Cool looks a million different ways, but it’s mutually exclusive with inauthenticity. And you know what’s cooler than being cool? Being nice.
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