In a candid conversation with Bustle, Katie Sturino, the co-founder of Megababe and a staunch advocate for body positivity, shares insights on career advice, personal growth, and the lessons learned from getting fired at a young age.
Sturino’s journey with Megababe, a body care brand that now sells a Thigh Rescue stick every 30 seconds, began in her parents’ garage, where she collaborated with her sister and best friend. Despite the brand’s success, Sturino has not taken a salary from the company since its inception in 2017. Instead, she derives the majority of her income from her extensive social media presence, boasting nearly 800,000 Instagram followers who look to her for inspiration on body positivity and fashion.
Her foray into entrepreneurship was not a planned one. Starting her career as a fashion publicist, Sturino stumbled into the world of influencer marketing while managing her dog’s social media accounts. This experience eventually led her to launch her own plus-size fashion blog, The 12ish Style, where she discovered her passion for empowering women to embrace their bodies.
Sturino’s multi-faceted career now includes authoring a novel, “Sunny Side Up,” which delves into the life of a 35-year-old fashion publicist navigating post-divorce challenges. Through her various ventures, Sturino remains dedicated to her core mission of helping women feel comfortable in their own skin, whether it’s through beauty products, literature, social media, or television appearances.
Reflecting on her past experiences, Sturino recalls being fired at the age of 25, a setback that initially seemed insurmountable. However, this event prompted her to embark on her entrepreneurial journey earlier than planned, leading her to start her own PR firm and ultimately pave the way for her current success.
Despite the challenges she has faced, Sturino emphasizes the importance of reinvention and staying true to one’s values. Her definition of success has evolved over the years, shifting from outcome-focused metrics to a more purpose-driven approach. By detaching herself from the end result and focusing on the impact she can make along the way, Sturino finds fulfillment in her work and avoids the pitfalls of burnout.
When it comes to self-care, Sturino prioritizes mindful mornings, walks after dinner, and quality time with her husband. While her schedule may be demanding, she finds solace in the positive feedback she receives from women whose lives she has touched through her advocacy work.
Looking ahead, Sturino continues to challenge herself by embracing new experiences, such as karaoke and DIY hair coloring. As the face of the “Clairol Dared Me” campaign, she encourages women to step out of their comfort zones and take risks, embodying the same fearless spirit that has guided her own success.
Through her candid insights and unwavering dedication to empowering women, Katie Sturino exemplifies resilience, authenticity, and the power of self-expression in the face of adversity.
