Katherine Marks, Ren to her friends, is Southern to the heart. Born in Georgia, the South is her home, and Kathrine wants to do all she can to make it a progressive and inclusive place where our culture can shine. She moved to Charleston in 2017 to pursue her MFA in creative writing and arts management at the College of Charleston. Her hobbies include baking, writing short stories, and hunting for records with her husband.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I live in Park Circle with my husband William and our rescue dog Dennis.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Before becoming a 7th grade teacher in the Charleston County School District, I worked in several local museums, including The Halsey Institute for Contemporary Art and The Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture. I have always had a passion for art, so I also worked as the institutional writer for Spoleto Festival USA. As much as I loved this work, I have always loved working with children, which is why I made the transition to education. One day, I hope to become a museum educator so that I can work with local schools to increase student exposure to our community’s amazing arts and cultural institutions. I love education because I never have to go to sleep at night wondering if I wasted my day. My students always keep me entertained with their unique personalities, and it is special to watch them grow more confident in their writing skills as the year progresses.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
EVO Pizzeria in Park Circle and 60 Bull Cafe downtown
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
5 years
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would travel to Eastern Europe, because my family is from Bulgaria, and I have always wanted to experience that part of the world.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
“Abbott Elementary” is currently my favorite TV show, because the writers do a wonderful job making light of the flaws in our public education system. Each episode also reminds me to take pride in what I do; even though the system isn’t necessarily perfect, teachers and administrators will always show up for their students.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
I am a chronic perfectionist, so it helps me to remember that having heart for what you do always overshadows a few little mistakes.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I would like to see a book I have written on the shelf in a book store some day.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
The Smiths
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Itinerate Lit book store in Park Circle is my favorite book store of all time, because they always have the best hand-picked recommendations. Gray Cat Records in Park Circle is another one of my favorite spots.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would have lunch with Stephen King at 60 Bull Cafe downtown. He has such a unique knack for turning small memories into fantastic stories, and I would be curious to know how he overcame his early doubts as a writer.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Especially in a neighborhood like Park Circle, small businesses are an integral part of the community. I love spots like The Station on Spruill Avenue that do a wonderful job of creating a space for local artists and artisans to flourish.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Hopefully, I will still be in Charleston working in museum education.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I can speak fluent Pig Latin.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The Blue Ridge Mountains
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
October is my favorite month, because I love Halloween and the fall atmosphere surrounding it. However, the best day on the calendar is February 22 because that is the day I met my husband while grocery shopping at the Harris Teeter on East Bay Street.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Loaded cheese fries with ranch
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My students inspire me to be better every day. They deserve a teacher who gives her all, so I do my best to keep a smile on my face, even if I woke up on the wrong side of the bed.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Funnel cake and new books
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Safe, comforting, precious
