At PepTalkHer, we’re on a mission to empower YOU to know your worth and to understand your value in the workplace. And what better way to start than by asking our favourite women in business?
We chatted with food and travel blogger, Kit Graham about her career journey and about her company, The Kittchen. Let’s get right into it!
Meggie: Hey Kit, thanks for taking the time to chat with us today! First question, how would you describe yourself in one sentence?
Kit: I’m a food and travel blogger based in Chicago.
Meggie: Amazing! For our next question, can you tell us about a day from your career journey that has been super memorable for you?
Kit: I did a project with Jewel-Osco a few years ago and they flew me (and two close friends who are also bloggers) to LA where we got to meet Tiffani Thiessen. She made us ice cream sandwiches! I grew up watching Saved by the Bell so it was an epic day!
Meggie: Sounds epic! Next question, what advice do you have for anyone looking to build their own brand?
Kit: You have to LOVE it. You need to love it so much that you will keep going, maybe for years, before you start making money. When you find something you are truly passionate about it doesn’t feel like work.
“When you find something you are truly passionate about it doesn’t feel like work”
Meggie: Love that! Shifting gears a bit, how do you prepare for negotiation conversations? We'd love to hear all your hacks & top tips or awesome advice you've received!
Kit: I left my 9-5 job when I was unable to negotiate a raise for myself. My manager thought I was bluffing when I said I’d leave if I wasn’t paid more, and when HR acknowledged that I was underpaid and still refused to pay me more, I left. My advice is to always back up your requests with facts. Before you ask for a raise, chart out what you are doing that goes above and beyond your job description. See what competing companies are paying people in similar roles. Now when I am negotiating brand partnerships I give clear deliverables, timelines, and case studies of past projects. I also provide data on my blog readership and audience. I’m a fan of letting data do most of my talking, and it shows that I’m prepared and professional.
“Always back up your requests with facts”
Meggie: Some great advice! Thanks again, Kit, for chatting with us today. We appreciate it!
To learn more about Kit and her career, check her out on Instagram @thekittchen or on her website. https://thekittchen.com