Meet Katie Hernandez | Trip Curator, Digital Creator & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Katie, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
As a parent, I believe one of the most impactful things I can do for my daughter is to prioritize self-care and my dreams. For generations, women were often celebrated for putting themselves last. I’d like to model a different path—one where caring for our physical and mental health is seen as a form of generational wealth. Being a woman in this world is hard enough, we’re often expected to carry so much while taking up the least amount of space and often take little time for ourselves. That’s why self-care is even more crucial. We need to take care of ourselves and lift each other up in a world that so often won’t.

I also recognize the privilege I have as a white woman, knowing that for many other women, particularly women of color, the challenges are even greater. My hope is that by pursuing my goals in the self-care space and showing my daughter the value of resilience and confidence, she’ll grow up understanding the importance of self-worth and the strength we find in supporting one another. I hope she’ll be proud of the example I’ve set someday.

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.
My journey has been shaped by incredible experiences, lessons, and the people who’ve inspired me along the way. One of my greatest inspirations is my mom. As a single mother, she worked tirelessly, sometimes running her own businesses and putting in overtime—all to give me the best life possible. Her resilience and determination showed me the value of hard work and the power of chasing your dreams, no matter the odds.

I got my first taste of entrepreneurship with a venture called Drunken Ladycakes, where a friend and I sold alcoholic cupcakes. Although we eventually decided to dissolve the business, it was an incredible learning experience. I wore so many hats—baker, marketer, and everything in between—and it helped me discover my strengths and refine my skills. I truly believe that failures are stepping stones to success; each one teaches you something valuable and helps you grow.

This mindset carried into my next venture, WKNDERS. Our vision has always been to create and curate core memories that stay with people for a lifetime by offering personalized, unforgettable experiences. Along the way, we’ve made it a priority to highlight and uplift women, LGBTQIA+, and BIPOC entrepreneurs. Over time, WKNDERS evolved, blending seamlessly with my work as a digital creator (@kamara713). Both have allowed me to explore different aspects of my creativity while building a community that shares my passion for celebrating life’s special moments.

Now, I’m embarking on a new chapter that I’m incredibly excited about: a venture in the beauty and selfcare space. This project feels like a natural evolution, combining my love for creativity and my dedication to selfcare. While I can’t share too much just yet, I’m super excited about what’s to come.

To stay up to date on my journey, follow me on Instagram @bykatiehernandez. I’d love for you to be a part of this exciting new adventure as we get closer to launch next year

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This question always makes me laugh because all my friends have fallen victim to my super-detailed itineraries! As a native New Yorker, I’ve had tons of visitors over the years, and my husband and I always sit down beforehand to map out every single day, grouped by location, to make sure they experience the best of San Diego.

We’d kick things off with breakfast burritos from Mujer Divina or pastries from Patisserie Melanie—both women-owned and absolutely incredible. If we’re in the mood for a sit-down brunch (though I’m more of a grab-and-go kind of gal because we’ve got things to do!), we’d head to Cocina de Barrio for delicious food and fun cocktails, or Flap Your Jacks, which is super underrated and perfect if you’re starving.

Obviously, we’d have to get tacos—you can’t come to San Diego and not have tacos! I’d take them to Tacos El Gordo, Ed Fernandez Restaurant Birrieria, and Kiko’s Fish Tacos, there’s honestly so many good tacos spots it’s hard to choose. We’d also have to get poke from Hawaiian Fresh Seafood because we have some of the best seafood here. For a nice dinner, we’d hit up Mabel’s Gone Fishing or Fort Oak, two of my absolute favorites.

We’d balance out all that eating with a hike at Torrey Pines. I know, it’s a bit cliché, but there’s a reason—it’s stunning, and it’s the hike that made me fall in love with San Diego, so it holds a special place in my heart. I would also make sure they see a sunset before they leave, usually at Sunset cliffs if I’d had to choose only one spot – but OB is fun too!

For a fun night out, we’d visit Youngblood or 52 Remedies for an unforgettable speakeasy experience. And since we’re on the coast, we’d catch some rays at Windansea and visit the Self-Realization Gardens for some downtime & the incredible views.

I’d also make sure we explore the art in North Park & Barrio Logan (Chicano Park is a must & rich with history) & get some shopping in. We’d stop by Casa y Cocina and Artelexia—both women-owned gems. And we’d have to make sure we went to two of my favorite bookstores, Verbatim and Libélula, to pick up some unique finds. It’d be a packed week, but that’s just how we roll around here! IYKYK

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without some amazing people in my corner. First and foremost, my husband—my rock, my biggest cheerleader, and honestly, the man of my dreams. He’s the most supportive partner I could’ve ever wished for and the best papa to our little girl. He believes in me when I don’t believe in myself, pushes me to dream bigger, and is always ready to listen when I’m spiraling over my next big idea. Honestly, I’ve never experienced this kind of love and support before in my life. I am so grateful I get to take over the world with him and I love that our daughter has him to look up to.

He’s incredibly intelligent & consistently striving to do better both personally & professionally and inspires me every day. He’s always educating himself and reading business books, sparing me (I’m a fiction gal) by giving me the CliffsNotes which I hope he knows, I am so grateful for. He still drops some gems my way especially if they are inspiring to keep me going like, You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero.

My little girl also deserves a shoutout. She’s my ultimate motivator—I’m constantly pushing myself to be better for her, to set an example, and to hopefully make her proud someday. Everything I do is with her in mind, and I hope she grows up knowing she can conquer the world!

Also, my best friend Daisy—She is an incredibly talented brow & makeup artist (seriously, go follow her business on IG @goldenhourglw), but she’s also been one of my biggest supporters. Every time I’ve wanted to throw in the towel, Daisy’s been there to tell me to pick it back up and keep going. She’s always made it a point to celebrate all my little wins (which is so important) like they’re her own. She’s fierce, talented, and has believed in me from day one. We’ve grown so much together, she’s truly like a sister to me and I’m pretty sure the universe conspired for us to meet when I moved to San Diego. I am eternally grateful for her.

And of course, Kris! She’s been my safe space, always hyped for my dreams and motivating me to be my most authentic self and to keep going, no matter how big the dream or how crazy the idea. Sometimes, she’s even more excited for me than I am! Having people like her in my life is such a blessing.

The people you surround yourself with truly matter. No book, class, or course can ever compare to the value of having the right people in your corner. When you’re surrounded by those who believe in you wholeheartedly, & push you to be/do better, they give you the courage to soar higher than you ever thought possible. You won’t just grow, you’ll fly.

Instagram: kamara713 & bykatiehernandez

Image Credits
Kate Gookin