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

Hi Katherine, can you tell us about an impactful book you’ve read and why you liked it or what impact it had on you?
I absolutely love books. Ever since I was a kid, the matriarchs of my family always made sure there were stories nearby to help me explore and understand the world. From my earliest memories of the Junie B. Jones series to moving onto Star Wars and romance novels, books have been my constant companions.

As we grow older, rediscovering our love for reading can be challenging. Perhaps we read too many textbooks in college and need a break or maybe life takes up too much time and we don’t carve out the moments to sit down and immerse ourselves in a good story. I experienced this lull for several years until the summer of 2023. The management at my job selected “How to Win Friends & Influence People” by Dale Carnegie as our collective read to inspire leadership development. This reignited my passion for books, and since then, I’ve been adding to my collection, grateful for the billions of stories—both real and fictional—that enrich my life. And for my library card since I’ve been buying way too many books!

Now, I aspire to contribute my own stories to the literary world. With each new addition to my library, my desire to create grows stronger. But how does one become an author? It’s simple: write a story you care about! I’ve been fortunate to volunteer in the local Greenville community where I’ve seen heartfelt stories firsthand from the people around me. My upcoming children’s book will center around a rescued black cat who cares about these important themes such as environmental conservation, pet care, and lifelong learning.

The impact of storytelling is truly remarkable, considering how many stories are waiting to be discovered! You can always find me in the pages of a book, lost among the stars.
 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
For as long as I can remember, photography has always been a part of my life. Whether capturing moments with friends, the energy of concerts, the beauty of nature, or anything that catches my eye, I’ve always been drawn to the lens. I remember a time when pressing the internet button on a flip phone was only by mistake and using a disposable camera wasn’t considered vintage.

What excites me most about photography is its endless potential. When I have a camera in hand, the world becomes a canvas of infinite possibilities. I’ve been blessed with a warm and approachable personality, making it easy to connect with others to create a comfortable atmosphere in maybe an otherwise awkward situation.

During high school, I honed my skills by capturing senior portraits, family moments, and sports events, gradually building my portfolio. In college, I pursued my passion further, earning a degree in Photojournalism. Today, I leverage my skills in content creation within my current career.

Yet, the desire to forge my own path has always been there. That’s why I embarked on the journey of founding LK Creations with my fiancé, Ladonus. Together, we work toward solving problems, contributing to our community, and crafting memorable images.

A fundamental lesson I’ve learned is the importance of self-trust. During the hustle of making others shine, it’s easy to overlook our own potential. But by embracing our talents and believing in ourselves, we can reach new heights of creativity and success!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Hey bestie! I’m so excited for your upcoming visit to Greenville, SC! It’s about time you made your way to the Upstate for a vacation. We’re going to have an absolute blast together. If crashing on the blow-up mattress at my place isn’t your vibe, I highly recommend booking a hotel along Main Street downtown. Being within walking distance of all the shops and restaurants, while enjoying a beautiful view of the Reedy River, is an experience like no other.

While we’re exploring downtown, let’s kick things off by hunting down the Mice on Main, a cute scavenger hunt featuring nine bronze mice scattered along Main Street.

Next up, we must explore some of the local breweries—there are so many to choose from! Two of my personal favorites are Liability Brewing, known for its impressive Stormtrooper mural and a yummy selection of barrel-aged dark beers, and the 90s-themed Double Stamp Brewery, where I’ve even had a hand in creating the Forester Gump chocolate stout.

Given my love for all things Star Wars, we’ll definitely need to swing by Roper Mountain Science Center for a mesmerizing show in the planetarium and some stellar star gazing through the eighth largest refractor telescope in the nation.

With an abundance of parks and nature hikes in the area, we’ll be spoiled for choice. The fall leaves are sure to be breathtaking. Did you know we can witness the hawk migration from the highest point in the state at the Sassafras Mountain Watch Tower? Or we could take a relaxing stroll along the trails at Conestee Nature Preserve. And since you’re visiting in October, we must brave the screams at Madworld, South Carolina’s top-rated haunted attraction!

Of course, no visit to Greenville would be complete without indulging in some delicious food! For brunch, Tupelo Honey is an absolute must—I’ll be ordering the “old skool” breakfast bowl and blueberry lavender mimosa ASAP. As for my quest for the perfect Espresso Martini, I’ve got my eyes set on Roost and Keipi. And for dinner, I’ve already made a reservation at the fabulous Italian restaurant, Jianna. Their outdoor patio is a great view of downtown!

If the weather brings rain, we can always burn off some energy at Blochaven Climbing Gym or explore one of the many museums in the area. And you know I’m always up for a bookstore visit, especially at M. Judson Booksellers, or shopping for vintage collectibles at Toy Federation.

There’s just so much to do and explore! I can’t wait to hang out with you and show you all the wonders of Greenville. See you soon!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the pivotal role my mother, Nana, and MawMaw have played in shaping my success and where I am today. These remarkable women, the leaders of my world, have provided unwavering support, mentorship, love, and encouragement.

In the words of Reba McEntire, “A single mom who works two jobs, who loves her kids and never stops.” Despite being an only child, my mother is truly the reason I’ve succeed in my education, career, and personal skills through her leadership and love.

Her mother, my Nana, holds a special place in my heart. She curated my love for storytelling by always tucking me in with a goodnight book.

And to my fathers’ mother, my MawMaw, who is no longer with us. Her legacy of fostering my connection with nature through zoo camps and other hands-on experiences continues to resonate within me. The matriarchs of my family are strong with the Force, and I am eternally grateful for their unwavering support and guidance.

Website: https://fickell.wixsite.com/fickpick08

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katefickell

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lkcreationssc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LKCreationsSC

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KateFickell

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lkcreationssc Chassis the Cat who I will be writing the children’s book about: https://www.instagram.com/subaruchassis Ladies social group I founded: FB – https://www.facebook.com/SocialSisterSC IG – https://www.instagram.com/socialsistersc My personal page – https://www.instagram.com/fickpick08

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