January 28, 2022

Deputy Editor of Inside Out magazine: Kate Hassett

1. We would love to know a little bit about you.

Hi! I’m Kate, deputy editor of Inside Out magazine and I’ve been working in media for nearly 10 years now!

2. Tell us about your big break – that holy shit moment in your career.

For me, it was all about right time, right place – as so many moments in life are. I was working as an intern at magazine (one of three internships, plus a full time bar job, I had on the go at the same time). I had been working there 3 months when both the producer and the assistant editor left, I was asked to come on full time to fill the void. So those two positions were amalgamated into one and I got thrown into the deep end very quickly! While it was the most stressful 3 years of my life – I learnt so much and it set me up for the rest of my career in publishing.

3. Where do you get most inspired?

As a writer first and foremost, my biggest inspiration comes from books. I love to read, although I’m finding I have less and less time to do so these days.

4. What is your favourite piece from Atley.co?

The Oak Magazine Rack will be on my forever wish list! And I can’t go past anything ceramic! The whole range is so timeless and beautiful.

Image Credit The Palm Co

5. One thing that makes you truly happy?

My family, followed VERY closely by a clean and tidy house.

6. How do you deal with work stress?

Either by taking a long walk or doing a workout – Pilates and reformer Pilates are my go-to. I am not a ‘gym’ person, nor do I enjoy cardio, but I could do Pilates every day!

7. Name a book or movie everyone should read or watch? And why?

Book: That’s a tough one! But I just read Snowflake by Louise Nealon and it was such an incredible, nuanced exploration of family dynamics and our deep and unshakable love for those closest to us.
Movie: I’m going to pick a show for this one – it’s my absolutely favourite of all-time, Friday Night Lights. Honestly, don’t discount it because it’s about football – it’s truly about life! Anyone who watches this show understanding what an enduring impact it has, even to this day.

8. What annoys you most? And why?

I cannot deal with clutter or mess – which is quite incongruous with having children. I’m a true Virgo through and through.

9. Have you ever had a nickname? What is it?

No – I think Kate is just too boring to form a Nickname from? Ha!

10. Do you live by any piece of advice or motto?

I truly believe in the idea that if something is meant to be, it will be.

11. How should we handle someone copying our style?

That’s a tough one, and unfortunately so incredibly common in the design industry! As an editor who works on a homes title, I see it all the time! Especially with big stores copying smaller, local makers – it’s truly disheartening. I don’t have any advice other than your audience will always be able to tell which is the quality item and as you develop your clientele, they will always honour that over the mass-produced options.

12. What’s your favourite Friday night tipple?

While I spent most of my early twenties as a bartender by night, I actually no longer really drink! I might dabble a few times a year, but night time beverages these days are sleepy time tea! Haha.

13. Name somewhere you would love to live.

I would love to live on a sprawling, bucolic estate in the Southern Highlands or Kangaroo Valley. In a big barn-style abode with plenty of natural light, delicious furniture and original sandstone walls. Specific much?

14. What’s your advice for aspiring designers and stylists that you inspire?

Find your style and stick to your guns. If you are passionate about what you do and work to provide a quality, timeless product, you will be able to cultivate an audience that love your work as much as you do.

15. Why do you feel now (as a community), it is really important to get behind and support locally made?

There’s never been a better time to support your local makers. As consumers, we are realising more and more, the effect our shopping habits can have on those around us. Buying local and investing in quality means that you’re acquiring pieces that will last a lifetime and be able to be passed down through the generations. What a special gift!

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