Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1340266
gourmet food PR. When I was younger, I always saw wine as a special occasion and the height of sophistication. How interesting that a beverage could capture so many people! My career has always involved helping people have a good time, and I truly believe with so many serious things out there, a little luxury — or even a festival — can make people feel better." While in New York, she realized she missed the camaraderie of Macon: "You can find really genuine people here, and they aren't afraid to introduce you to others or invite you to an event. You're going run into somebody you know and they're going to say hey." So once again, she moved back to Macon, this time working in customer service. "People have asked me, 'Why Macon?' and it was usually a resident, not a visitor. We should be tourists in our own city and appreciate what Macon has to offer because it is so exciting!" As Katie's priorities were changing, wanderlust called and the stars aligned. "My lease was up, I was unhappy in my job and I had always wanted to go on a road trip, so I drove around the country for about eight months. It took me a while to realize that my priorities might have been a little mixed up and that it really was about the ability to see my friends and family and get across town in 15 minutes, but also experience new things," she says. "I realized if I go explore outside of where I am, I am able to appreciate things again. I am home, this is where I want to be. I finally realized you don't have to move somewhere to experience it. You can go for a week and come back home." When she made the decision to come back to Georgia, she found Macon calling her home. "Growing up, I always said, 'If there is ever an opening at the Cherry Blossom Festival, I'm gonna go for it!' When I got back, I found out there was an opening and I got the number and I called and said I want this job! And I'll be going into my fourth festival this year." Making people happy is her calling and Katie has answered with aplomb: "I guess my childhood dream came true – and I used to have bright pink hair, so it all lines up." I guess, sometimes, Macon chooses you. "I REALIZED IF I GO EXPLORE OUTSIDE OF WHERE I AM, I AM ABLE TO APPRECIATE THINGS AGAIN. I AM HOME, THIS IS WHERE I WANT TO BE. I FINALLY REALIZED YOU DON'T HAVE TO MOVE SOMEWHERE TO EXPERIENCE IT. YOU CAN GO FOR A WEEK AND COME BACK HOME." -KATIE HART FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 | maconmagazine.com 77