University of Georgia HFIM October Dawgbytes

I’m honored to be featured in this month’s issue of Hospitality Dawgbytes! As a proud alum of UGA’s HFIM department, I can confidently say that the program was the driving force behind my passion for this industry and the inspiration to start my own business. Read the article below or at this link:

“HFIM alum Katie Robertson has turned her passion for weddings into a thriving business with the launch of kg&co., a Charleston-based wedding and event planning company. While Charleston is home, Katie is eager to travel across the Southeast and beyond, bringing her vision of “wedding planning at its finest” to couples everywhere.

Her journey began in UGA’s HFIM Meeting and Event Planning class, where a project to design a wedding sparked the realization that creativity and business could beautifully intersect. That moment lit the entrepreneurial spark that led to kg&co.’s creation. Katie credits the HFIM program—and mentor Dr. Salazar—for giving her the tools, confidence, and support to pursue her dream.

Her experiences planning the UGA HOST Summit, attending Network with the Rising Stars, and joining Eta Sigma Delta helped shape her leadership and event expertise. Booking her first client within a week of launching kg&co. was a defining moment, affirming her path and fueling her momentum.

Katie’s advice to current students: “Lean on your peers, family, and mentors—but also trust in yourself. You know more than you think!” She’s now focused on growth, client relationships, and creating unforgettable celebrations.”