#SMASHTESSFAM FEATURE - KATIE STURINO
You probably know Katie Sturino (@katiesturino) from her famous plus-size fashion blog, The 12ish Style. But did you know that she’s also the founder and CEO of the anti-chafe and beauty company Megababe?!
Katie saw a gap in the beauty industry for products that address real chafing problems for millions of women. Instead of accepting that girls should feel uncomfortable while walking in a dress and continue to ruin nice shirts with sweat, she decided that women are too cute to chafe. Baby powder and men’s chafe-sticks seemed to be the only option, so Katie created a product line that can provide comfort and support to every woman!
We met Katie at our NYC-based Carole Radziwill Collection Launch party a few months back and interviewed her prior to COVID-19. We live for Katie’s #SuperSizeTheLook feature on her Instagram and we couldn’t wait to learn more about her.
As an avid New Yorker, the city serves as the real-life backdrop of most of Katie’s insta posts. We want to send so much love to all New Yorkers, especially those working on the pandemic frontlines, and brighten their day by celebrating one of the city’s favourite Mega Babes:
What inspired you to create your brand?
Megababe was created from a personal need for a product that really worked that I wasn’t embarrassed to take out of my purse. Megababe’s driving force is to provide cute solutions to real problems and make women feel empowered to live their lives! Thigh Rescue, our anti-chafe stick has changed the lives of so many women, so our relationship with our customers goes deeper than most beauty brands! We chat with customers daily who are finally able to walk in a dress, and have teenage daughters who can finally take part in various activities. It’s inspiring!
Best piece of advice that’s shaped your journey?
Nobody is going to do it for you!
One tip for building your own business?
If you are working alone, make sure you have someone who is a solid sounding board for you, it doesn't need to be a co-worker, or even someone in the same field. I think having someone you rely on or trust can help you talk through the issues you probably already know the answers to!
What does your ultimate Sunday consist of?
My ultimate Sunday is taking my dogs to Central Park and letting them run around. Central Park really reminds me that I live in New York! It's such an iconic place.
Fave place to rock your Romper?
On an airplane! I think the Smash + Tess Romper is a really comfortable, but put-together way to fly!
Editor’s note: this interview took place before COVID-19 and Katie has since been vocal of the importance of staying home.
Who inspires you?
My peers inspire me! Beauty brand owners like myself tend to have a small group of people that keep us motivated and supported!
Desert Island beauty product?
Which guilty pleasure Instagram accounts are your fave Insta-follows?
@tinykitchentm, but I'm not even that guilty for it!
Whose poster did you have on your bedroom wall when you were 12 years old?
Brett Favre!
Katie’s dedication to empowering women and spreading body positivity makes her an inspiring #smashtessgirl!