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

Hi Kathleen, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Finding my vision, aesthetic, and niche has been a huge factor behind my success. I think I bring a unique, moody approach to the way that I shoot and create content that allows my brand to stand out and inspire others to follow along. I would also say that consistency is key to any brand’s success, and I like to stick to the same style through and through which I firmly believe has aided in my growth as a brand!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started my career in retail back in 2013, jumping straight into merchandising and social media. My career in retail over six years continued to grow and flourish, and I was able to expand my skills in both business and marketing. I later got a break into the corporate marketing industry, and most recently started a journey into tech marketing! It’s been a long road, and I hope my story can inspire others and prove that you do not need a college degree to be successful in this world. If you have a vision, drive, and the dedication to back you, you really can achieve what younger you once thought of as a distance dream!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh gosh, that’s a tough one! Honestly, I’d say that there’s no end to the things I’d want to show them.

If I had a week to show them around, I’d 100% spend a day in Boulder, starting first at Suti & Co for coffee and breakfast. I’d take them up to Panoramic Point, and take them on a scenic drive through Nederland so they can really immerse themselves in the beauty of the area. If we were going out at night, we’d have to stop into the Bitter Bar or License No. 1.

A day in Estes Park would also be a must — we recently did a sunrise drive through Rocky Mountain Park, and it was absolutely gorgeous! If I could share that with all our friends and loved ones, I would.

For a day in Denver, I’d head towards Broadway and take them vintage shopping, followed by lunch in RiNo. If we were going into the city at night, I’d want to take them to Margot or Wildflower for dinner, followed by drinks at Run for the Roses or Death and Co!

Giving the changing seasons, a little leaf peeping would be the best way to end a visitor’s stay with us. We would do an early drive through the mountains, followed by a ride on the Georgetown Loop train. We’ve done the ride with others in the past, and it’s always a huge hit!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband is a big driving force behind my success. He really pushed me to dive head first into creating and bringing my unique view to our new(ish) home in Colorado! With a history in the food industry, my husband turned me into a foodie and shared his love of the art of the industry with me and we’ve never looked back!

One of my other big draws for inspiration are our many trips to Iceland – it allowed us to see the absolute beauty in this world and launched us into our love for travel and exploring – especially the American West.

Instagram: @theDCnative

Other: TikTok – theDCnative

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