Katy Messersmith first arrived on the fashion scene in 2002 quite by accident. While volunteering at a women's prenatal clinic in Africa, her life took a turn - literally, her luggage was lost and she was soon collaborating with local seamstresses. Those first designs reflected the vibrant, local culture but lit a creative and entrepreneurial spark in Katy foreshadowing the bold Katydid creations to come. Forever the risk-taker, Katy was determined to succeed, despite being self-taught in the worlds of business and fashion. Today, the company is a multi-million dollar business based in the heart of the Dallas design district and was recently named in the 2010 Inc. 500 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America.

The Katydid Collection lifestyle brand includes children's apparel, women's and men's clothing, and small accessories such as hats, belts and laptop cases. The youthful yet edgy styles, vibrant colors, and signature popular motifs mixed with unexpected patterns have become wardrobe staples for women of all ages. While clients are drawn to her products by the modern designs and creative embellishments, repeat customers return for the exceptional quality of the garments. Katy insists on the highest standards for her label, and the entire apparel line is made in the USA. The label is sold in more than 10,000 boutiques across the nation.

A firm believer in the power of giving back, Katy constantly looks for ways to make a difference in the community and empower emerging women. Dress for Success, Susan G. Komen, and Kidd's Kids are a few of the charities Katydid Collection supports.

"I love expressing my creativity through art, whether it's painting or apparel, and have always found the vibrant personalities of my customers to be my biggest inspiration - more than famous designers or bleeding-edge fashion," says Katy. "I mix colors and patterns to reflect the latest trends, but the primary goal for my designs is to empower. I want Katydid women to feel sexy, feminine and confident."

Katy is a true Texan, she graduated from Texas A & M and currently resides in Dallas.