Hi, I’m Katie.
I’m a writer, producer, and connector who loves beauty, storytelling, and intentional living. More than anything, I’ve been shaped by my four incredible kids — two by birth and two through adoption. Each of them has stretched my heart and changed how I see the world, both as it is and as I hope it can be.
My work sits at the intersection of culture, beauty, and conscious business. I help brands and creators tell their stories with empathy, inclusion, and purpose, and I’m especially passionate about uplifting BIPOC-owned and women-led ventures.
I started Rising Tides, my Substack newsletter, as a space to celebrate underrepresented entrepreneurs and share honest reflections on motherhood, identity, and the ways our everyday choices can shape a more thoughtful world.
I also produce and contribute to State of the Bay on KALW, where I get to tell stories about local culture, equity, and community — the things that make the Bay Area such a dynamic place to live and grow.
Always curious, always learning, and always rooting for connection, I believe we all thrive with rising tides.
The Colley Family, San Francisco, 2015
Recent Collaborations
Tomara Watkins
President of Buttah Skin
I sat down with Tomara Watkins, to hear about her journey creating a brand that celebrates melanin-rich skin and inclusive beauty. We talk about the challenges and triumphs of building a purpose-driven business, the importance of community and representation, and how authenticity shapes every part of her work.
Megan O’Neill
CEO and designer of NAYLA
Megan O’Neill of NAYLA and I chat about how she’s building a fashion brand with purpose. We dig into how NAYLA blends thoughtful design with meaningful impact, the community values that shape every decision, and Megan’s approach to leading with intention in a fast-paced industry.
Danielle Prescod
Author
In this post, I paired the characters from Danielle Prescod’s The Rules of Fortune with full looks from Black‑led brands, weaving in notes from Danielle herself to explore how fashion and storytelling can bring fiction to life.
Let’s connect.
I’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re interested in collaborating, seeking guidance, or just want to have a conversation about ideas and impact, let’s connect. Together, we can explore ways to create, uplift, and make a difference.
Katie’s Library