For many young people, post-secondary education marks a time of exploration, growth, and newfound independence. For creator and NYU student Katie Fang, that period has also included building a powerful online presence, landing major brand collaborations, and becoming a monthly beauty columnist for The Cut.
But behind the polished content and rapid career growth is a relatable story about balance, boundaries, and the realities of navigating university life while pursuing a creative career.
We sat down with Katie to talk about her experience as a student in New York, how education informs her creativity, and what she hopes young people take away from her journey.
Learning Through Community
Although Katie completed her first two years of university online, returning to in-person learning has reshaped her outlook.
“Being on campus—especially in New York—has been such a game changer,” she says. “You meet so many creative people, all with different passions and perspectives. I’ve learned so much from the community around me.”
That exposure hasn’t just expanded her worldview; it’s also strengthened her work. As a contributor for The Cut, Katie writes a monthly beauty column grounded in both lived experience and academic development.
“School has definitely helped with my writing,” she explains. “It’s helped me shape my ideas and make my articles stronger.”
Designing Her Own Path at NYU
Katie is enrolled in NYU’s Gallatin School, where students build personalized degree concentrations by combining courses across disciplines.
“I haven’t officially declared my concentration yet,” she says, “but I’m leaning toward marketing and communications. It fits naturally with what I do online, content creation involves so much marketing, production, and storytelling.”
She loves the opportunity to learn traditional marketing theory in class while actively applying those principles behind the scenes in her content work.
You meet so many creative people, all with different passions and perspectives. I’ve learned so much from the community around me.
The Lesson She Didn’t Expect to Learn: Balance
For Katie, one of the biggest skills she’s developed in university has nothing to do with academics.
“Learning balance has been huge,” she says. “Going back to in-person school is a lot. You’re in class for hours, you’re commuting, you’re studying… and on top of that, I’m working on content.”
Like many young creators, Katie once felt obligated to accept every opportunity.
“When I first started, I said yes to everything,” she admits. “I didn’t want to miss out—what if I didn’t go to an event and something big happened? But recently I’ve learned that saying no is OK. It doesn’t make you a bad person. It just means you’re prioritizing what matters.”
That shift has helped her maintain her wellbeing, protect her time, and honour her decision to pursue her degree in person.
Navigating Vulnerability Online
While Katie’s content is known for its authenticity, she acknowledges that vulnerability can come with challenges, especially when comments and critiques come from strangers.
“When you put yourself out there, you’re sharing real parts of your life. People connect with that, but it also opens the door for negativity,” she says.
In the beginning, that criticism was hard to ignore.
“I felt like I had to defend myself, especially when people posted things that weren’t true. But over time, I realized that if someone wants to dislike you, nothing you say will change that.”
Now, she prioritizes boundaries and self-assurance.
“Having a strong sense of who you are is everything,” she adds. “You need to know what you want and not let anyone interfere with that.”
Proving That You Can Do Both
Katie hopes her journey encourages other students and young creators to embrace education as a tool, not an obstacle.
“You can do both,” she emphasizes. “You can pursue content creation and still get an education. School is valuable. Learning new things never hurts.”
She wants her audience to view education as something dynamic and lifelong, not simply a requirement.
“I hope people see learning as something ongoing and exciting, not just something confined to a classroom.”
What’s Next: Creativity, Collaboration, and a New Wildflower Drop
Katie’s latest milestone is a collaboration with Wildflower Cases, a brand she’s admired for years.
“It was a dream come true,” she says. “I’ve loved Wildflower for so long, so seeing my own design launch was surreal.”
The collection sold out quickly and restocks are expected soon, something Katie says still feels “crazy and amazing.”
A Voice for Students Finding Their Place
Whether she’s designing a phone case, writing for The Cut, or attending class in New York, Katie hopes her story inspires young people navigating their own self-discovery.
“I just want people to know that it’s OK to build your own path,” she says. “You can grow, you can learn, you can change directions. That’s the most exciting part of being a student, and of being human.”
