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

Hi Kate, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I was born and raised in a small Christian town in Dallas, Texas. At the age of ten, I moved to San Diego. Having been raised in such a small isolated town, I had never been exposed to a population that needed crucial support. Moving to San Diego was a complete cultural shock. I was astonished, and still am, by how large the number of people in need truly is. Only being in fourth grade, I felt helpless in the face of such adversity. Having lived here for about six years, I’ve recognized all the fantastic places that support those in need with food, water, and necessities. But I felt like people were still falling through this system’s cracks. I wanted to do something to help too. Being in high school, I know I can’t open a shelter, but I can do something to bring light into the lives of others. Since it’s the holiday season, my team and I have made an effort to assist the young underprivileged population and support their dreams of holiday cheer; everyone deserves gifts during the Holidays. I started this nonprofit corporation hoping to bring magic into the lives of children in need during the Holidays, and I am confident we will.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Coming to the point where I can create an organization from the ground up, I consider myself very balanced. Balance is critical; balance in life sets one person apart from another. I have learned that balance is what takes you far in life. Being a D1 athlete, having a job year-round, managing 5 AP classes, and now running a corporation, I’ve learned the consequences of not having balance. Keeping a social life is also SO important to me. I’ve discovered what it’s like to get analysis paralysis. It’s held me back so many times in my life. I overanalyze and overthink my decisions, which you think is okay, but it’s quite the opposite when you’re on a time crunch. Getting where I am was challenging. It took time, and I learned millions of lessons, but I am ultimately happy with where I am.

I am so happy I started this organization and how much it’s doing for others. Millions of outstanding organizations help support those in need with necessities, but I wanted to give them more. Everyone deserves gifts during the holidays. I am so happy to be taking part in something bigger than me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are so many unique places in Southern California I wouldn’t even know where to start.

Day one I would spend in La Jolla. We’d start the day by heading to Caroline’s Cafe for breakfast. The Torrey Pines hike has fantastic views overlooking the water and the city; we’d hike and then go to a late lunch at Death by Tequila in Encinitas. We’d drive back to La Jolla Cove and check the seals out. Depending on how late it is, I would make sure we go by Windansea to watch the sunset. Nothing in this world beats a Windansea sunset. Dinner at La Valencia would finish the day off, and the restaurant has fantastic food and even more amazing views.

Day two, we would spend in Downtown San Diego. Starting Saturday at Little Italy Mercado Farmers Market, we’d grab food and check out all the fantastic booths there. You can only visit San Diego if you go to a Padres Game. We’d spend the afternoon at the Padres Game. After the game, we’d head to dinner. For excellent Italian food, you can’t miss out on the Seneca Trattoria experience.

Day three is spent in Pacific Beach. Pacific Beach is one of my favorite beach towns in San Diego. Palmy’s Cafe has fantastic coffee and breakfasts, and picnics at Kate Sessions are unmatched. The view from Kate Sessions Park overlooks downtown and the beach; there is no way to go wrong there. The Pacific Beach boardwalk is so neat, with beautiful scenery. Going for a small surf session is so much fun, especially if you haven’t surfed before. The beach in PB is a great beach for beginners to surf.

On day 4, we’d be headed to LA, taking route 1. Stopping in small coastal towns, we would check out the shops in Laguna and grab a bite in Newport Beach. Finally, in LA, we’d head to Katsuya on Hollywood Blvd for dinner. Rodeo Drive and Holywood Blvd are two things you cannot miss out on if you’re in LA.

We’d start at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art on day five. It is one of the most impressive museums you will ever go to. Following LACMA, we’d head to Peterson’s Auto Museum.. The outside of the building is so fascinating, and the inside is even more remarkable. After the museums, we’d drive to the Hollywood Bowl. The sound of live music at the venue is unmatched. Out of all the venues I’ve ever been to, nothing beats the Hollywood Bowl.

On day six, we would head back to San Diego. But you must check out Venice Beach before leaving LA. We’d eat brunch at Eggslut before walking the boardwalk. Driving home, we would take a more inland route stopping at Joshua Tree. Joshua Tree is among the most beautiful places, with tons of hikes for any level hiker. We’d take a quick detour through Salton Sea and then stop in Palm Springs for a quick bite or to stretch our legs. The shops and the culture there are so fascinating. After Palm Springs, we’d go back to SD.

On day 7, after a huge week, I’d spend the day back in Downtown San Diego. We’d hit Sugar and Scribe in La Jolla for a quick brunch and then drive to Balboa Park. Balboa Park has many notable museums and the most fascinating architecture; you want to take advantage of it. After a long week exploring Southern California, we’d finish the trip with a nice dinner at Mr. A’s in Banker Hill. The view is unmatched.

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?
I am SO fortunate to have a support team filled with friends and family, having a support system of people who believe in you is beneficial in life. But I think the person who has had the most crucial impact on me throughout my journey is my mom. She’s taught me almost everything I know, I couldn’t be where I am without her.

I always dreamed big and told my mom all my aspirations; she’s reminded me constantly that those dreams are not out of my reach. She continuously supported my decisions, passions, and opinions; she’s my rock. My mom’s constantly inspiring me with her creativity and intelligence. She’s fueled my creative side, my compassionate side, and my entrepreneurial side.

Thank you for loving me, encouraging me to be the best I can be, believing in me when I was at my worst, trusting in my judgments, and caring for me with no limits.

Website: www.myholidayfairy.org

Instagram: myholidayfairy

Facebook: myholidayfairy

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