A Message from Alumna Katy Bellotte
There’s always a way to do what you love, Elon Alum Katy Bellotte ‘18 told the Edge.
A graphic designer and influencer (not to mention an Edge alum) Bellotte is truly an inspiration to so many girls at Elon (myself included). She told The Edge about her life journey, the best and favorite things she learned while studying here, and the importance of staying confident and trusting yourself in everything you do.
Even before Elon, Bellotte already had experience that would lead to her current career, including her YouTube channel and social media presence, as well as her agent and the content she has created since. After graduating almost three years ago, Bellotte moved to New York City and worked for the beauty department of L’Oréal. And within the last year, she picked up everything and moved to Los Angeles to work as a freelancer, and to follow her passions of calligraphy and graphic design, while maintaining her influencer following. She explains that while her journey was not simple or easy, it was beyond worth it––a message I think we all need to hear.
She also offers a few pieces of advice for young women about to start our independent and professional lives.
1. Make a to-do list and dedicate your day to accomplishing a certain number of tasks.
Bellotte explains that she recently read an article explaining this theory, and ever since she started using this tactic she has been incredibly organized and productive. She said she writes down six tasks everyday on a to-do list and these things can range from taking a walk, to reaching out to her freelance clients. Bellotte believes this has made her a more organized and effective creator and recommends it for us, especially in these difficult and stressful times.
2. Trust your gut.
Bellotte said this is the rule that she unapologetically lives by everyday. She told us that if we ever have a strong feeling about our lives. to follow it, because we are usually right about those kinds of things. This kind of instinct led to Elon, New York, Los Angeles, and everywhere in between, and so far has gotten her very far in life.
3. There is never a reason to not do something you love.
Bellotte really emphasizes the importance of this rule. She was incredibly encouraging of following dreams and not letting anything stand in the way of any goals.
So many aspiring, young women at Elon look up to Bellotte and hearing her advice first-hand was certainly a privilege. The conversation was full of fantastic advice that I know we all took to heart. Listening to a successful woman in the industry who was in our shoes not too long ago, was beyond inspiring and was an amazing opportunity to see the work we are doing now, in action. We were all incredibly grateful to speak with someone whom we admire so much and look forward to seeing everything else she does in the future.
There is no question that Bellotte is living her best life, and in doing so, she’s showing us what we can become and achieve after leaving Elon.