COWGIRL Empowered: Kaitlyn Fishgrab

Kaitlyn has always been on the move.  Living in seven different states and spending most of her childhood on a Wyoming ranch, she has learned to adapt, accomplish, and tackle each challenge as it comes her way – both in and out of the rodeo arena.  She is continuing to pursue her career goals and is currently completing her business degree at Tarleton State University.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

My days are never the same. I am Janzen's assistant, along with handling the office administrative work. I can be doing anything from receiving shipments, hanging and steaming apparel, packing items to be returned to boutiques. Fielding emails to the correct person from the submissions forms we receive, running errands for office supplies. Even being on location at shoots helps everything run smoothly, or at the computer handling tasks that we have on our to-do list. I love that my days are so different; there is nothing stagnant about this job and what each day brings. 

WHAT STRENGTHS DO YOU BRING TO THE COMPANY?

Multi-tasking! I am the QUEEN! I make sure that all of the smaller tasks run like well-oiled machines at the office, so the big picture happens efficiently. 

HOW DID YOU HONE YOUR SKILLS FOR YOUR POSITION?

Listening, when I stop and listen to what the needs of others are, then I can be better prepared to help with whatever arrises at the office.

TELL ME ABOUT WHERE YOU ARE FROM AND A LITTLE BACKGROUND OF YOUR FAMILY AND EXPERIENCE GROWING UP THAT HAVE SHAPED WHO YOU ARE TODAY:

I like to say I'm from a little bit of everywhere. I have lived in 7 different states growing up, from Florida to Alaska. I grew up in a ranch family; most of my childhood was spent on a ranch in Wyoming; my dad's just an old school cowboy. Been on more feedlots than I care to admit, and branded more calves than I can count. I also grew up with powerful women, knowing early that a woman can do anything that a man can. My mom did it all, worked hard beside my dad all day, and still was our toughest critic in the rodeo arena. Both my parents really helped shape me into the firm, motivated, and decent woman that I am today.

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR EDUCATION AND WHY YOU CHOSE THE CAREER PATH THAT YOU DID:

My career path has been a little different from a lot of the other girls. I went to Weatherford college and am currently finishing my business degree at Tarelton. It took me a long time to decide what I wanted to do with my life. I honestly can say I'm still not 100% sure I know. I just keep believing that I still have time to figure it out. I just try to keep learning new things and broaden my knowledge, my career will find me.

WHAT INSPIRES/MOTIVATES YOU?

My biggest inspiration would have to be any strong woman that has stood for what she believed in. I love an excellent Boss Babe story. I strive to be a strong woman for my nieces to look up to.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A WOMAN/GIRL TRYING TO BREAK INTO THE INDUSTRY OR CAREER ADVICE IN GENERAL?

Never give up, have faith. Amazing things happen when you least expect it. Also, NETWORK, networking is your biggest tool, so use it. Don't be afraid to talk to anyone. Get your name out there. You want to be the person they think of when asked about who to use in said industry.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST OBSTACLE YOU HAVE OVERCOME?

For me personally, it's probably my own self-doubt. I am definitely my own worst enemy. I'm so hard on myself. I would also have to say I'm a complete people pleaser. So I feel like they kind of go hand in hand. I hate letting anyone down or saying no. That can lead me to being overextended.

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT, AND WHY?

I, personally, don't have anything that just stands out as being a significant accomplishment. I look more at the little ones. Being the employee that people go to for help during a problem, earning more responsibility in a job. Those are the things I find the most joy in. 

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FUTURE CAREER GOALS?

As I stated before, I'm not a 100% set on exactly what I want to do. That being said, my future goals are to be happy and prosperous, but happy above everything. 

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?

Something most people probably don't know about me, I lived in Alaska for 6 months in the winter. Worst winter of my life.

WHO ARE SOME OF THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE BEEN THE MOST SUPPORTIVE/ENCOURAGING THROUGHOUT YOUR LIFE, CAREER, ETC.?

I have so many supporters. My mom, my sister, my landlord Jean (she's more like a second mom), my good friends (Jaclyn, Shannon, Haley), and my boyfriend Wyatt, who has always told me to do what makes me happy. 

WHAT IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO HAVE ON YOUR FOLLOWERS/COMMUNITY/READERS?

The most significant impact I would hope to have is empowerment. Whether it be being a strong woman or not being able to ask for help when you need it. I want to be a positive, loving force to be reckoned with.