Her Story
About Katie
Katie Babic is an artist, photographer, and the founder and sole proprietor of Katie Babic Designs, based in Waitsfield, Vermont. Her work centers on tree ring prints made from natural materials, along with photography and sculptural pieces that explore land preservation, visual storytelling, and a sense of place. Holding a bachelor's degree in fine arts and education and a master's degree in counseling and human development from St. Lawrence University, she spent roughly 18 years as a school counselor in Vermont before turning to her creative practice full time in 2021.
The business grew out of a family gift project. When a tree at her family's camp became a safety concern, Katie transformed its rings into prints for relatives at Christmas, and the enthusiastic response from others inspired her to build a company around the concept. Her most notable milestone came through a partnership with Hotel Vermont and TrueXCullins in Burlington, for which she created 125 individual hand-pulled Vermont tree ring prints for guest rooms, along with large-scale landscape designs and installations. Through proactive outreach to hotels and other partners, she has since expanded her presence in hospitality interiors, custom commissions, and art licensing.
Guided by integrity, family, and purpose, Katie made her career change during the COVID-19 pandemic so she could be more present for her children and reconnect with the outdoors. She hopes her daughters, who have navigated learning challenges including dyslexia, see in her example that success need not follow a traditional path. Looking ahead, she plans to publish a coffee table book pairing her artwork with the stories behind each piece and to pursue licensing partnerships with companies that share her commitment to land preservation. Outside of her work, she enjoys hiking, spending time in nature, and cheering on her children at soccer, bass fishing, and lacrosse events.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Katie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my willingness to take risks and to pursue opportunities directly, without letting the possibility of rejection hold me back. Rather than waiting for opportunities to find me, I have reached out to hotels and other potential partners to showcase my work and build relationships. I also credit my willingness to listen to my instincts and stay open to unexpected change. What began as a meaningful family project became a business because I recognized the potential in something I love. My commitment to integrity, family, and the purpose behind my work continues to guide my decisions as the business grows.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to believe in themselves, trust their instincts, and not let the fear of rejection keep them from pursuing opportunities. It is important to put your work in front of people, make connections, and take the initiative rather than waiting for someone else to recognize your potential. I also urge them to stay open to alternative career paths and to remember that success does not have to follow a traditional timeline. My own journey shows that personal priorities and professional ambitions can evolve together.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest opportunities in the art world is finding meaningful ways to connect artwork with people's personal experiences, environments, and sense of place. My tree ring prints transform natural materials into distinctive pieces that preserve a connection to the landscapes and places people care about, and collaborations with hotels and other businesses introduce this work to new audiences. I am also interested in expanding into art licensing and partnering with companies that share my commitment to land preservation, and I hope to develop a coffee table book pairing my artwork with the stories behind each piece. At the same time, balancing entrepreneurship, family responsibilities, and creative growth is a real challenge, and building a business demands persistence, self-confidence, and a willingness to seek out opportunities independently.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are integrity, family, and staying true to my purpose. I believe in making decisions that align with my values, even when that means leaving a familiar, established career path, as I did when I moved from school counseling to entrepreneurship to put my family first while pursuing meaningful creative work. My artwork also reflects my deep connection to nature, my gratitude, and my belief in preserving the stories and landscapes tied to meaningful places.
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