After the closure of US magazine FOAM last year, executive editor Kathryn Romeyn decided to pack up her bags and head to Australia. With vast experience in the world of lifestyle writing, Romeyn is definitely one journalist to watch.
BD sat down with Romeyn to find out more about her career, what she’s doing in Australia, and what 2015 has in store for her.
Can you tell me a little bit about your publishing career to date?
I started my career at a luxury lifestyle magazine in Orange County, California, called Riviera. As an editor there, I wrote about almost every topic under the sun, but I came to own the beauty beat and really fell in love with that world. After four years, I moved to another luxury magazine called Los Angeles Confidential, where I was the deputy editor.
I also started an editorial beauty website called BeautyBender.com with my friend and partner in 2011. It focused on educational and helpful stories with expert interviews and beautiful photo editorials. A few years ago, I joined a small Santa Monica–based national magazine called FOAM, which stands for Fashion, Ocean, Art, Music. As executive editor, I handled all the beauty editorial and also wrote about travel, fashion and fascinating, inspiring women.
What are you up to at the moment?
Sadly, FOAM magazine folded last year, but I took that as an opportunity to have some adventures and do more travel writing. I’m currently freelancing for a number of US publications (Pret-a-Reporter, the Hollywood Reporter’s style website, C Magazine, Los Angeles Confidential, Quest, to name a few). I am also looking for any new opportunities here in Sydney!
Why did you decide to move to Australia?
FOAM closing set my wheels spinning about where I wanted to be in the world, and I felt the lifestyle here was quite similar to that of LA, namely the appreciation for the outdoors and living a healthy lifestyle. I also often wrote about amazing Australian designers for FOAM, and have always wanted to come check out the scene here. I started in Melbourne, then spent some time in Bali before landing at the beach in Bronte.
How long do you think you’ll stay in Australia?
I’m planning on at least three months, but I hope to find some reasons to stay longer.
What kind of work are you hoping to do here?
I am definitely hoping to write for some Australian magazines on a freelance basis, but if an opportunity arose for a permanent position at a magazine, I would be thrilled.
Will you still be working on your blog - Beauty Bender?
My partner and I are currently taking a bit of a break from Beauty Bender as a website, as we’re both very focused on separate freelance work. We’ll continue to keep our social media going (Instagram especially) as a platform to share gorgeous images, inspiration and products we love.
What can people in the beauty world expect from you in 2015?
Hopefully lots and lots of informative and inspirational beauty stories! I really love trying new products, finding out where and how they’re made, and experimenting with creative make-up and nail looks. I expect I’ll be doing all those things, especially now that I have a whole new continent’s worth of formulas to try!
To contact Romeyn, email kathrynromeyn.com or call 0499 351 249.
