Meet and connect with Executive, Writer and Influencer, Katie Kerl, and discover what makes Philadelphia, her Philadelphia.
Name: Katie Kerl
Occupation: Vice President of Lifestyle and Client Clubs at Derek Automotive Technologies Inc. Lifestyle writer at The Tony Ward Studio. Mental and Physical wellness influencer at @kerlupwithkate.
Born and raised or imported to Philly? I was born in Drexel Hill, PA. Just outside of the city in the suburbs.
What is your connection/relationship to Philly? I was in high school. I never wanted to be like anyone around me. My father would take me shopping in the city when I was younger and that was it. Every chance I got I was running right back to a place where everyone did not look the same, and meeting new people was exciting. Philly had a heartbeat I could feel.
I went to Drexel University for Behavioral Psychology and knew it was where I was supposed to be.
My father wouldn’t let me live in the city during school. I was in a bad auto accident in early 2009. When I finally recovered it was time to move. I landed in Graduate Hospital in 2010 and never looked back to living in the suburbs.
Favorite restaurant in Philly? While I wish I could pick just one, in all honesty I can’t. My favorite thing in this city is the hospitality industry. My top three for dinner, I suggest the tastings at Zahav, Fond, and Double Knot.
For lunch: Parc, Harpers Garden and Bar Bombon whose vegan option is amazing!
Brunch: Mixto, Tulula’s Garden, and the Four Seasons.
Happy hours: Devon Seafood, Twisted tail, and Giuseppe & Sons.
And for luxury drink views: The Ritz Carlton Lobby, Assembly Roof Top, and El Techo.
Dominique Fiorentino: Connected
Best place to shop in Philly (food, clothes, gifts, jewelry, etc). Select one? The best place to shop for food would be the Italian Market. I used to live in Queen Village for years. The community of people, fresh meats, cheeses, spices, produce, and so much more can not be topped. Not to mention the Mexican influence present there as well. All of the workers are characters. You can not pick a bad spot.
Clothing finds for me usually come from vintage stores. I own so many basics I like to find the things no one has. I find these at Retrospect, Philly Aids Thrift in the South Street section of Philly. Along with many accessory stores there.
For regular clothing, DFTI boutique in Rittenhouse has everything you need for an Instagram-able moment. And honestly any of the boutiques in Old City, as well. You can not pick a bad one to find unique, or tailored pieces. I worked in the area for a few years and there are the most unique places for clothing.
What is your one favorite “best kept secret” about Philly? Something that you and only a few others know about but everyone should… The art scene here is so undervalued. It is my favorite thing here. I love First Fridays. It is such a well-connected community of accomplished artistic genius. You never have to explain who you are. You can just be yourself. That means more to me than anything else this city has to offer.
What makes Philly your Philly? The thing about this city is that once you show love to the small businesses that thrive here, they respect you. If your friends are trying to make it, promote them. Putting their links in your social media is everything today. There is such power in reposting. I shop off of my Instagram. I love that I have 10 to 15 small businesses that I have either written about, or shop at that are still thriving in this chaotic time. Hopefully, every small business keeps going and supports each other moving forward. Building an even larger community that I am proud to be a part of.
Contact Katie Kerl:
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Images: Aimee Ludwig, Jason Kelly
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