Women Who Win

"Katy Harrell" Breast Cancer Survivor

Embracing the Journey: Motherhood, Advocacy, and Resilience

This October, Elizabeth James is proud to feature Katy Harrell in our "Women Who Win" segment, a series dedicated to celebrating the strength, resilience, and achievements of incredible women. Katy Harrell, a fashion tastemaker based in Charlotte, is not just a style icon with over 600K devoted followers—she is a warrior who has bravely faced one of life’s toughest battles.

Katy’s journey as an influencer began organically, as she shared her favorite fashion finds, children's products, and home décor with her growing community. Her authentic voice and keen eye for style quickly resonated, turning her into a trusted source of inspiration for women everywhere. But in a twist that no one could have predicted, Katy found herself in the fight of her life after discovering a hard, marble-like lump near her armpit one night while lying in bed next to her husband Cam.

The diagnosis was swift, and the reality even swifter: Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Katy immediately returned to Charlotte to begin treatment, marking the start of an intense battle against the disease. Chemotherapy, surgery, infusions, and months of nausea and fatigue followed. Throughout it all, Katy remained open and raw with her followers about her fears and challenges.

This October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we honor Katy and raise awareness about the rising number of diagnoses in young women. Her story is a powerful reminder that cancer does not discriminate by age, and early detection is crucial.

Katy’s journey didn’t end when she completed treatment. The aftermath—emotional healing, physical recovery, financial strain—continues. But her story is one of resilience and self-love. Katy is a testament to strength, and this October, we celebrate her courage.

To show our support, a portion of the proceeds from our October sales will be donated to The Triple Negative Foundation in honor of Katy and all the women facing this battle with grace and courage.

Let’s stand together, support one another, and make a difference. Here’s to Katy and all the Women Who Win.

Q & A with Katy

For someone that doesn't know how to support someone with Cancer what is the best way someone has shown up for you during treatment? Instead of asking you for what you need, what do you wish people knew instinctively to do and care for someone with Cancer?

The best thing you can do for someone during a cancer diagnosis is to just actually BE there for them and show up. Do what you say you are going to do. I had some friends who told me they would visit me all the time during treatment and they didn't and that was really, really hard for me. Be there for the person as much as possible whether that's going with them to chemo, doctors appointments, spending time with them at their house after treatment, traveling to them if you are out of town, texting/calling them to check in regularly. All of those things go a really long way. Don't ask what the person needs you to do, just offer what you know they would need. It was very helpful when friends and family would come watch the kids, or take the kids somewhere. When they would come over and do our laundry, help clean the house, bring us meals or pick up our dry cleaning. Things like that. It's hard to do all of those things when you are sick from treatment so anyone offering to do anything like that is super helpful.

How has this experience shaped your view on life, on your marriage, on being a mother? How has this changed you?

I just don't take life for granted anymore. You realize that when you are sick nothing else matters but your health. Suddenly you look at the world so differently. I don't sweat the small stuff anymore. I try to live each day to the fullest. I feel like I enjoy little life moments more than I used to because I now realize how quickly life can change. I love harder, I forgive more easily and I try to laugh and just really LIVE more. Things that used to stress me out don't stress me out anymore. As horrible as cancer is, it really has allowed me to live more fully. It has definitely made me a better mother, a better wife, a better friend.

What is a common misconception about you that you want others to know?

Common misconceptions are people thinking that they are too young or too healthy to get cancer and also that all breast cancer is the same. I wish I would have known how many young women were being diagnosed with breast cancer before I was diagnosed. I always looked at it as something that happened to older people or people who lived unhealthy lifestyles and that is totally not the case. I wish I would have been doing my self breast exams and I will always advocate now and share my story to hopefully save many more young women's lives. If I wouldn't have randomly felt a lump on my breast and acted on it immediately, I would have died. Early detection is everything when it comes to breast cancer. I also wish I would have known that there are different types of breast cancer. Everyone thinks breast cancer is so treatable and it is to a certain extent if you catch it early. But the type of cancer I had, triple negative breast cancer, is the most aggressive form of breast cancer and causes the most deaths because there are fewer targeted treatments. I just had no idea. Now I would like to use my platform to educate people and to constantly drive the point that you are not too young to get cancer, keep doing your self breast exams and stay in tune with your body. If something feels wrong, get it checked out. Always demand a biopsy if you find a lump. It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to breast cancer.

What’s in your purse and what are your staples you always bring with you?

I always have makeup in my purse. I have mini travel sizes of powder, blush, mascara and lipsticks at all times. You never know when you need to freshen up! I also always have a hair brush, that is a must. And then of course I always have multiple sunglasses, my wallet, my keys, the essentials.

What are your favorite fall fashion trends right now?

Right now my favorite is leopard print. I LOVE leopard print and love how it is in full swing this year. I have leopard print dresses, sweaters, skirts, tops, jeans, you name it, I have it. Really having fun with that trend! I will say that the ballet flats and sling back heels have started to grow on me and I actually do like styling them with so many different outfits. That is a trend I have recently gotten into that I am loving.