Tell us about yourself (where are you from, age, whatever you want to add)

Hi, I’m Kate! I’m twenty-one years old and reside in Michigan, where I attend Western Michigan University. I am currently studying English Education and double minoring in History Education and Theatre. I’m also super passionate about health and fitness and am currently working towards becoming a Certified Personal Trainer.

What is your biggest dream?

My biggest dream is to travel the world! I love exploring other cultures and meeting new people! I love being able to appreciate what different parts of the planet have to offer - whether that’s in regards to fashion or food.

What does it mean to be your own kind of beautiful?

To be your own kind of beautiful is to embrace who you are with every fiber of your being and be PROUD of it! To be your own kind of beautiful is to be confident in who you are… regardless as to what anyone else says.

Tell us about your modeling experience.

When I was fourteen, I participated in my first runway show. The show was just a small, local affair… but it made me fall in love with modeling and the confidence that it gave me! However, at that age, I didn’t have a clue how to seriously pursue my dream, and neither did my parents. Shortly thereafter, I put my dreams on hold. It wasn’t until recently that a friend of mine (who is also a model), encouraged me to pursue modeling. I’m SO excited to finally be chasing my dreams!

What is your dream brand to model for?

I’m pretty versatile in my everyday style, and would be thrilled to work with a ton of different brands! However, I’m absolutely in love with Gymshark’s clothing. I truly believe in their brand, and often sport their clothing during my workouts. Modelling for them would be an absolute dream!

How would you describe your fashion style?

I change up my style frequently depending on what I’m doing, however, I would define style overall as “comfy and quirky!”

How important is self-awareness and confidence to you in your everyday life?

Self-awareness and confidence SO important to me. My freshman year of university, I really struggled with my confidence. I gained loads of unhealthy weight, and having once been “naturally thin,” it really took a toll on my self-confidence. Eventually, I decided to start losing weight. At first, it was for all the wrong reasons - I just wanted to look “better.” Eventually, however, I made a mental shift, and decided to make decisions based on what was best for my health - both physically and emotionally. Now, I train in the gym often and usually eat healthy. While I shed thirty pounds, I no longer define my self worth by a number on the scale. I look back at old photos and feel so sad that I could not see the beauty in myself when they were taken. My journey - physically and mentally - has made self-awareness and confidence of paramount importance in my life.

What makes you beautiful?

That I can FINALLY see beauty in myself! What makes me beautiful is that I love who I am and I’m not afraid to show it.

What would you say to another girl your age who is struggling with their confidence?

Stop allowing trivial things to define you! I always was that girl who let numbers define me: whether it was my grade in a class, the amount of money in my bank account, my height, or my weight. I thought that these things were of utmost importance. When I was able to truly accept that none of these factors have anything to do with my self-worth, I started to live a much happier life!