loud, reliable, happy

Margot Kim is the epitome of 40 and fabulous. As one of the most recognizable faces on the local news, the anchorwoman and mom of two teenage daughters is seriously one of the happiest, bubbliest people you could ever meet. “Happiness is loving and being loved,” and is clearly the common thread in Margot’s wellness recipe. Well, almost… Happiness is also “our dog, coffee every morning, and all-you-can-eat seafood,” in addition to chips, K-Beauty, and lashes!

In-the-know.

Working in the news caters to Margot’s personality seamlessly. “Journalism lets me ‘be nosy’ and ‘be in-the-know’ at the same time! I’m naturally inquisitive and love to tell stories … every day is different in broadcast news because it reflects the range of human experience and emotion. It’s such a privilege … to provide a public service of information that can enlighten, inspire, and even activate the community.”

Let’s face it.

Becoming a prime-time news anchorwoman is a major accomplishment. Period. But becoming a prime-time news anchorwoman as a minority is a colossal accomplishment. “There was a time when I rarely saw a face like mine on TV news. But then a few women broke through the ceiling and the screen and inspired me to become a journalist. I hope I’m an example for young girls, of any background, to pursue their goals in broadcasting or any career.”

Chaos, calm, and cocktails.

Balancing Margot’s crazy professional and personal life is something she’s constantly striving to perfect—she credits her husband of 19 years as the glue that holds it together. “My husband helps me balance the craziness of both worlds! He’s been my support while I worked any and every shift (from early mornings to late nights) in many jobs, in many cities. And he’s an equal partner at home with our family.” Margot explained that when she used to work the shifts that required her to be in the studio by 3 A.M., she’d leave in time to pick up the kids from school—it wasn’t until the girls were older that they finally asked their mom if she worked. “They had nooo idea!” Through that time, Margot learned the necessity of self-care. “I’ve also become better at taking time for myself to recharge. Cocktails also help.”

Indulgence makes the heart grow fonder.

So do chips. “I never met a chip I didn’t like. And reality TV.” But she does “eat healthy most of the time and everything in moderation. I don’t deny myself treats and snacks…just not the whole bag!” Saying Margot loves food is an understatement. “Food IS LIFE! I’m so thankful I was raised in a home where food is the expression of love and togetherness. I hope I’m passing onto my daughters a healthy relationship with food, like my mother passed on to me.”

K-Beauty from the beginning.

A healthy relationship with food isn’t the only wellness factor Margot’s mom imparted upon her. “I also do a nightly face-washing and moisturizing routine that’s now known as trendy: Korean beauty. Honey, I’ve been doing Korean beauty since my tween years, when my mom taught me how to take care of my skin.” She also does “A weekly mask (dual purposes: scares the kids AND clears the skin).”

Necessary luxuries.

Margot also relies on a few necessary luxuries to accomplish perfection:

1. A derma-roller; “I’ve used it every other night after washing my face and before applying moisturizers, for YEARS.”

2. Sunscreen; “Admittedly not until after my 20s.”

3. “And honey…lash extensions.”

Wellness is a marathon, not a sprint.

When it comes to being physically fit, Margot prefers some variety. “I work out five days a week at Dre36. It’s high intensity interval training in a 36-minute circuit that changes every few weeks. The variety is motivating! … I used to go through spurts of diet and exercise, hitting it hard then slowing down. Now, I’m more consistent after realizing wellness (like the saying goes) is a marathon, not a sprint.”

Reflect and move forward.

“With age comes appreciation. I’m thankful for where I am in life, instead of (when I was younger) wishing I was doing more. My family is healthy, I’m able to provide for them with a career that’s rewarding, and my parents are still going strong…I’m so lucky.” As she looks back at over 25 years in TV news, she’s more confident of her value. “It helps me see the ‘bigger picture’ of my career and not sweat the small stuff or what I can’t control. I think that happens to many women in the workplace, as we gain experience and assert ourselves. Know your worth!”

Just do it.

“A journalism mentor once told me to ‘be the first to say, I’ll do it!’ … Saying, ‘I’ll do it!’ internally and out loud makes you indispensable.”

Photographer Ellie Koleen with Ellie Koleen Photography

Managing Editor Lauren Barisic

Makeup Juan Salcedo with Luxe Salon & Spa

Hair Anna K. Peters with re:TREAT color+hair design studio

Ellie Koleen

Photographer

Ellie is a lifestyle, wedding, and brand photographer based in Fresno, California. An artist behind the lens, her trademark airy, light-filled style and masterful camera angles make her work easily recognizable. She uses her love for all things design related as inspiration for her work. The Fresno Bee named Ellie Best Photographer for the People’s Choice Awards in 2018 and 2019.