Kasey Herrin – Celebrating Women

Kasey Herrin and I met in July 2019. I had just left one toxic job for what would end up being another toxic job but hey, there is such a thing as the lesser of two evils. Thankfully, with that lesser of evil corporate role, I met some far from evil humans that I’m fortunate to call dear friends – Kasey being one of them.

We quickly bonded over our love for reading and writing. At the time, I was finishing the rough draft of Swipe Write, and she expressed an interest in reading it. Little did either of us know, she’d feel compelled to do a soft edit on it. As a result, Kasey became one of two editors for my memoir, and I do hope she’ll consider continuing this working relationship once I’ve finalized the rough draft of the book I’m currently working on.

I could share many more endearing anecdotes, but I’d rather this page focus on one of the most thoughtful humans I know. Once you’re finished reading Kasey Herrin’s responses, check out her relatively new yet incredible blog Whiskey, Woes, & Words.

Now, let’s celebrate Southern California-based product developer and writer, Kasey Herrin!

KASEY HERRIN

You've got 2 minutes to tell me your life story
How do you respond?

I was born in Texas and raised in New Mexico. I then moved solo to California for college, where I have worked and spent my adulthood thus far. A stereotypical Libra, I have balanced my passion for sports and fashion/costume design into an unconventional smorgasbord of hobbies and careers. I wasn’t a naturally gifted athlete, but I worked hard to excel in softball until I started college, realizing I couldn’t just play sports for the rest of my life!

In college, I took a product development class and discovered an entire team was dedicated to making a designer’s sketch come to life. Ah ha! That’s what I wanted to do for a living. However, after spending 15 years in the costuming and apparel industry, this lifelong bookworm is attempting a transition into a writing career.

What is a defining moment in your life that shaped your identity as a woman, and how did it influence the way you navigate the world today?

My dad unexpectedly passed away several years ago, and losing him has tested my confidence in every way to this day. Helping my mom navigate legal paperwork, banks, insurance, and finances made me realize how much of the world I still don’t know. My family has very conventionally divided gender roles, and there were many things my dad took care of that I didn’t realize until he was gone.

Sharing knowledge, no matter how small, has been important to me if it helps someone feel more informed and not as lost as I felt (and still do at times).

Can you share a time when you felt underestimated or overlooked because of your gender, and how you responded to that challenge?

Only one time? Ha! Okay, I got one.

I joined a co-ed slow-pitch softball team with my college roommate, and the teams were evenly mixed with men and women. In one game, my team started on defense, and I was playing in the right field position. I am the shortest on the team, and typically, right field is where you put your “worst player.”

This man, the second or third batter, walked up to the plate and pointed the bat toward me. I thought, “This jackass,” took a few steps back to give myself running room and lay in wait.

The guy hits the ball in my direction. It bounces once, and I catch it and throw it to first base. The ball makes a *pop* in my teammate’s glove half a second after the batter reaches the bag. The batter snaps his head up to look at me, not expecting the ball infield that quickly. I gave him a demure smile and a little wave. I yelled to my roommate playing center field, “I gave him too much credit moving back!” No one purposefully hits in my direction for the rest of the game.

I have experienced being underestimated in playing sports my entire life. I was raised to be competitive, and if someone doubts my ability? It just adds fuel to my desire to win. With maturity, I’ve learned when to fully unleash that competitive beast!

How has society’s view of women evolved, and what barriers still need to be addressed?

Through visibility, society’s perception of a woman’s independence has evolved over my lifetime. Growing up in the 1980s, I saw Sandra Day O’Connor become the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court, Dr. Sally Ride become the first woman in space, and Geraldine Ferraro become the first woman nominated to be vice president on a major party ticket.

Seeing women in roles typically occupied by men gave many of us the thought, “Hey, I could do that too!”

Sadly, I think society’s perception of how involved they need to be in women’s health decisions is a significant barrier today. A discussion of YOUR health should stay between YOU and YOUR doctor. Period.

What does empowerment mean to you, and how do you nurture it in yourself and other women?

Empowerment, to me, is self-confidence and the strength to lead the life you want. Through therapy and discussions with my girlfriends, I am actively working on self-confidence and feeling in control of my life. I see my friends working their asses off to reach their goals and make their dreams a reality. It regularly inspires me to pause and reflect on how I can improve my life and the dreams I could make happen.

I work to cultivate empowerment in other women by supporting them in all they do. I refuse “friends and family” discounts because genuine support means being a paying customer for your friend’s business or product, not expecting a discount or freebies. If I can’t financially support the event or product, I do my best to show up or spread the word about it.

If you could speak to your younger self, what wisdom or encouragement would you share about womanhood, strength, and self-worth?

I would tell my younger self to practice her passions and not let anyone discourage her from them—drawing, science, writing, horseback riding…You never know where that passion and appetite for learning could lead!

I would leave my younger self books on puberty, relationships/sex, and womanhood to educate her on what her parents won’t teach and her friends won’t know. One book in particular would be Viola Davis’s Finding Me: A Memoir, about a woman who discovers her phenomenal talent and changes the trajectory of her life. Continue to be inspired by women. You can do it. You are smart. Never doubt that.

What woman - either personal or public - comes to mind when you think of a source of inspiration, and why?

The two Dianas at my first job after college were the most influential and inspirational women, professionally and personally. Diana G was my first manager and trusted me with more and more responsibility, which I couldn’t get enough of. Diana G allowed space for me to learn and take responsibility for my mistakes. She was always a safe space to ask questions or share personal troubles. She constantly inspires me to be a better, more empathetic coworker.

Diana K was the first designer I worked with, and her creative brilliance and innovative designs were a dream to be part of. Diana K held everyone to high standards, and I worked hard to meet those expectations. I observed how she worked, her creative process, and I did my best to work to her level of excellence. She inspired and encouraged my creativity, listened to my ideas, and appreciated and came to rely on my random trivia knowledge.

The Dianas were also a constant support for each other, which continues to this day. They are a great example of how women can support women in the workplace, and they have inspired me to connect with and support women in every environment.

"I think cultivating and nurturing relationships with women, personally and professionally, is important to creating a community."

Kasey Herrin Tweet

What’s one burden you’d trade for a deeper breath?

Anxiety. The intrusive thoughts, constant muscle tension, and worry would not be missed!

Anything else you'd like to share?

I think cultivating and nurturing relationships with women, personally and professionally, is important to creating a community. Women can be invaluable resources, empathetic listeners, and consistent sources of support. My relationships with women, personally and professionally, have been so pivotal that I will work to maintain and grow them for the rest of my life.

IG: @Kaseywith_ak

Thank You, Kasey, for participating in the Celebrating Women series for The Road Linds Travels. There’s a quiet kind of courage in the way you share some of the deepest parts of who you are. It’s a light I have long admired, and I am grateful to call you my friend.

Linds

Los Angeles, California