Katherine Aguilar, born in El Salvador, but a lifelong Worcester resident, is the CEO and Founder of K Sense Co. (Kommon Sense). She has extensive experience in leadership, business development, diversity and inclusionary work, and advocating for those without a voice. A graduate of Quinsigamond Community College, Katherine received a Bachelors degree in Finance with a double minor in Economics and Spanish from Worcester State University. She is the Vice President for the Young Professional Women’s Association of Worcester, Committee Chair for Equity Inclusion and Accountability for the League of Women Voters Worcester Chapter, and Administrative Executive for Worcester Pride. Katherine organizes several annual fundraisers for young girls and women in her native town of Cuisnahuat, Sonsonate, El Salvador. She has been awarded Worcester Business Journal’s 40 under 40 class of 2022 and Worcester Pulse People to Watch 2022. Katherine is a dog mom to four unique pups (Brady, Khloe, Benito, and Zoey), a proud aunt, sister, and daughter. She spends her free time cycling, swimming, dancing, or gardening.
Q: Please tell us about your current career and what you love most about what you do?
Founder of K Sense Co. I love that I get to make such unique creations with my candles that affect so many senses and evoke joy.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Worcester, and what is your favorite dish?
Its a tie between Hacienda don Juan’s (Main St.) Pupusas de Pollo which are a traditional Salvadorean dish, and Baba Sushi (Park Ave.) I order the Zesty roll- its an off the menu item IYKYK.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve ever met?
I would say my friend Domenica Perrone, she is so inspiring, intelligent, and caring. She is also so diverse in her interests and circle of influence that I am always learning or enjoying something new when I am around her.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would love to travel to Greece, from the beautiful beaches and clear blue waters. Plus I love their food!
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Not bands but it would be a tie between Beyoncé or Bad Bunny.
Q: What is your best advice?
The best advice I give myself regularly is be yourself, stick to your morals, be kind and graceful with the world and most importantly with yourself. I’m not everyone’s cup of tea and that’s fine I’d rather be my own shot of tequila!
Q: What is one of the top three items on your Bucket List?
Open a non-profit that focuses on educating and liberating young girls and women in El Salvador, through entrepreneurship, and STEAM programing.
Q: What current/former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Worcester?
Worcester Center Galleria aka Worcester Common Outlets. So many memories, I also lived downtown for a few years so it’s one of my favorite areas to this day.
Q: Choosing anyone alive and a non-relative with whom would you love to have lunch? Why?
Robyn Rihanna Fenty, she is such a genius businesswoman, on top of a music icon, and now a mother. As well as our shared experience of being immigrant women.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Traveling constantly. I love experience new cultures and I am not a fan of our New England winters. Ideally want to continue expanding my business and opening a few more.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you, even your friends or family.
This was a tough one, I am a pretty open book especially with my people. I was born in El Salvador, in my great grandmother’s house with no medical equipment, doctors, or medicine.
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Dogs, Dancing, Food.
Q: If a motion picture was made of your life, what actor/actress would you choose to play you?
Selena Gomez.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about Worcester?
Being able to have a “small-town” feel with over 200,000 residents in the city.
Q: What is your favorite smell?
A unique candle scent I’ve been perfecting called “Mi Pueblo” it has notes of sea salt, orchid, musk, vanilla, and some citrus. It reminds me of El Salvador.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My nephew Gabriel, seeing the world through his eyes has changed so much for me.
