As vice president of global communications at Bliss, the world-renowned beauty brand, Katie Welch knows her way around a medicine cabinet, a chic soirée, and a live on-camera interview. But as a native of St. Louis, she’s as charming, polished, and unfailingly upbeat as anyone you know in the 314. Get to know this stylish St. Louisan who is now making a major mark on the New York City scene.
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High School: Villa Duchesne
Suburb: Town & Country
First car: Father’s hand-me-down Audi 4000S (until I rear-ended someone on Highway 40 driving to Villa, surely a result of blasting 105.7 FM. Note to future maternal self: 16 is probably too young to drive).
Sports/extracurriculars: Villa golf team, student council, and a not-surprisingly brief stint on the Villa track team.
Bliss is world famous for its spas and beauty products—what’s the most glamorous part of your job and what aspects make all the hard work worthwhile?
I’m in a very fortunate position—I work for the happiest place on earth. I’ll try out spa services and new beauty products when developing the marketing and communications plans. One hundred percent, it makes the occasional late nights worthwhile. I also serve as brand spokesperson and will do on-air appearances for Bliss on local TV and QVC. It’s such a cool opportunity to bring our products to life.
How would you say style and fashion differ between St. Louis and New York?
St. Louis has fantastic classic style. It’s more “real way” than runway. New Yorkers may push the envelope a bit more, and they certainly wear more black. I truly feel that one isn’t better than the other—a mix of both feels perfect!
What beauty and fashion trends are you seeing in NYC right now that would translate especially well here?
Women in New York have an amazing ability to epitomize that “I don’t know how she does it” look. Their beauty secret? Simple assistance. Manicures in the latest color from a spa that’s open late (like Bliss 49). Blowouts to last a week from a blow-dry salon like Blow or the Dry Bar. Artfully applied eyeliner (as taught by the skilled artists at Barneys or Bergdorf Goodman). The list goes on…
What trends are you dying to try?
The trend I can’t wait to try: mint shades! From tees to nails to Chanel bags, I cannot wait to weave this shade into my summer wardrobe.
What advice would you give a college student or young professional eager to move to New York or any other big city?
Just do it. Be persistent. And most importantly, be ready to work. Regardless of the industry, New Yorkers work long, hard hours—it’s fulfilling if you recognize that it’s taking you where you want to go.
What’s the first thing you do when you return to STL for a visit?
Plaza Frontenac, without a doubt. It brings back the best memories for me as a teen, too. I remember walking from store to store (hello, the first J.Crew in STL!) in my plaid uniform skirt and artfully worn-in brogues. And then, of course, Imo’s.
Where do you like to shop when you’re home? Do you have a favorite mall or boutique?
Neiman Marcus at Plaza Frontenac. We don’t have one in NYC. Their sales are always to die for and selection is always perfectly curated to meet the season’s trends.
Favorite STL restaurants, bars, and attractions?
Most everything that is a favorite is a memory from growing up: Anheuser-Busch brewery tours (where I was a guide during college summers); Grant’s Farm, just because it is so very STL; McGurk’s—those wings; Fitz’s—nothing like a Diet Fitz’s; Niche—a friend recently took me there; Sydney Street Café, where I first realized my foodie tendencies as a teen; Tea Room at the Women’s Exchange, where ladies-who-lunch dreams are made; plus, gooey butter brownes. Eat your heart out, Christina Tosi! (Related: Milk Bar’s crack pie.)
Favorite Bliss products? What’s your daily beauty routine?
I am a big exfoliator fan. I think it’s key to a healthy, glowing complexion. As such, I can’t live without my Bliss Clog Dissolving Cleanser and That’s Incredi-Peel—new glycolic peel pads from Bliss. Once a week, I also use Bliss Steep Clean Mask and remove with my Clarisonic. The combination of enzymatic and manual exfoliation really does the trick. My skin glows! Followed by a Bliss Triple Oxygen Cream for day and Youth As We Know It night cream and eye cream.
Favorite beauty blogs?
This is tough. It’s like picking a favorite New York City restaurant. They are all just so delicious. I love the writing style of Beauty Blogging Junkie. My friend Amber’s quips and comparisons are second to none. But the aesthetic and editorial point of view of Into the Gloss makes for a fab must-read. In my next life, I want to come back as Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere. She makes me want to be Californian. Is it really that dreamy?
