What It’s ACTUALLY Like Working in Fashion
What is it actually like working in the fashion industry? In this episode, I sit down with Katie Kittrell and Katrina Longoria from the Ming Wang team to pull back the curtain on how fashion REALLY works.
We talk about how they got their start, what it takes to launch a collection so far in advance, how trends are forecasted, and whether it’s anything like The Devil Wears Prada. Plus, get behind-the-scenes insight into the new Family Savvy x Ming Wang collection!
If you’ve ever wondered what happens between design and the sales floor, this episode gives you a true insider’s perspective.
Who Is Katie Kittrell?
Katie Kittrell is a 20-year fashion industry leader, working mom, and lifelong lover of style and business, who turned an early passion for fashion into a career building and scaling men’s and women’s brands. Growing up, she was inspired by strong women in her family who valued confidence, self-expression, and showing up polished—lessons that still guide how she approaches both life and leadership today.
She was fortunate to have a strong mentor while attending The University of Alabama who guided her and helped her land an internship with Ralph Lauren, where she ultimately started her career. After building a strong foundation in the industry in New York City, she ultimately moved to Dallas in hopes of settling down and starting a family.
Now, Katie works across wholesale, digital marketplaces, and retail partnerships with major retailers like Dillard’s, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdales, helping brands grow in a way that’s both strategic and meaningful. When she’s not working in fashion, you’ll usually find her spending time with her husband Mike and son Kit, working on interior design projects for their various rental properties, hosting friends, jet setting to a new destination or squeezing in moments of creativity and connection.
Who Is Katrina Longoria?
Katrina Longoria is in a season of life where she’s juggling motherhood, marriage, work, and a well-stamped passport. She’s a proud boy mom to three-year-old Remy. She has been married to her husband, Rudy, for six years. She’s also completely obsessed with her French bulldog, Timmy. Travel has always been part of her story. She and her family continue that tradition today, and they have traveled internationally with Remy to England, Ireland, and France.
Katrina’s love for fashion began early when she entered the modeling world at ten years old. By sixteen, she knew that side of the industry wasn’t for her. She graduated high school a year early, took a gap year, and ultimately moved to New York City to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she studied Fashion Merchandising with a focus on buying and planning.
She has spent the past seven years at Meison, growing from an entry-level role into senior sales leadership. Today, Katrina creates wearable, intentional collections and meaningful collaborations. At the heart of her work is a clear belief: fashion should support women in their real lives.
Links & Resources Mentioned:
Shop the NEW Family Savvy x Ming Wang fashion collection:
Follow along with Ming Wang:
Where to Listen
The SavvyCast is available on all podcasting platforms and YouTube. One of the best ways to support the show is by leaving a rating and review—I so appreciate you sharing your thoughts, my friends!
Enjoyed this Episode? Check These Out!
Tanya Foster: Her New Clothing Line & Best Style Advice for Women
- Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
- Watch on YouTube
How I Ended Up Designing a Fashion Collection | The Story Behind Ming Wang with CEO Steven Wang
- Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
- Watch on YouTube
