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# From Barbie’s Global Brand Team to Modern Cowgirl Coffee: Katie Herron Is Bringing the Spirit of the West to Your Cup
- URL: https://www.foundedbywomen.org/women-who-lead/from-barbies-global-brand-team-to-modern-cowgirl-coffee-katie-herron-is-bringing-the-spirit-of-the-west-to-your-cup/
- Published: 2026-10-14T02:37:04.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-14T02:37:04.000Z
- Author: Editorial team
- Tags: Women Who Lead

Katie Herron spent almost four years on Mattel’s Barbie Global Brand team, a role she calls her dream job. She grew through successful projects, promotions, and global travel, and when she felt she had achieved what she set out to do, she knew it was time to start her own journey. That decision became [Modern Cowgirl Coffee](https://moderncowgirlcoffee.com/?ref=foundedbywomen.org).

The brand comes straight from her roots. Katie grew up in El Paso, Texas, and the desert, the people, and the culture of the Southwest shaped who she is today. While Western style is having a major moment across the country, she is clear that for her it is more than a trend. It is where she is from, and she is building a brand that feels modern, aspirational, and rooted in the spirit of the West.

One lesson from her Mattel years guides everything she does: the strongest brands tap into culture in an authentic way. Her advice to women considering a similar leap from corporate marketing is simple. Just go for it, because the corporate world will always be there, but the chance to build something of your own is rare. Trust yourself, take the risk, and bet on yourself.

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### Q: What led you to leave Mattel’s Barbie Global Brand team to found Modern Cowgirl Coffee, and where did the Southwestern-inspired concept come from?

The Barbie brand team was my dream job. In the almost four years I was there, I learned so much from the incredible team and women around me. I was lucky enough to achieve what I wanted during that time, from successful projects and promotions to traveling for global experiences. I knew it was the right time to start my own journey, knowing I had achieved what I set out to accomplish.

The Southwest-inspired branding for Modern Cowgirl Coffee comes from my roots. I grew up in El Paso, Texas, a community I hold incredibly dear to my heart. The desert, the people, and the culture all shaped who I am today.

### Q: What’s a brand-building lesson from your time at Mattel that’s shaped the way you’re building Modern Cowgirl Coffee?

One of the biggest lessons I learned at Mattel is that the strongest brands tap into culture in an authentic way. Western culture is having a major moment across the country, but for me, it’s more than a trend, it’s where I’m from. Growing up in El Paso, Texas, the Southwest shaped who I am, and I’m bringing that authenticity into Modern Cowgirl Coffee by building a brand that feels modern, aspirational, and rooted in the spirit of the West.

### Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d give other women looking to leave a corporate marketing career to build their own brand?

One piece of advice I’d give other women looking to leave a corporate marketing career to build their own brand is to just go for it! The corporate world will always be there, but the opportunity to build something of your own is so special. You’ll never know what you’re capable of until you take the leap and try. Trust yourself, take the risk, and don’t be afraid to bet on yourself.

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