Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Katriina Cotten. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Katriina, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
I developed confidence and self-esteem at a very young age, and I am truly grateful for having nurtured these qualities early in my life. Raised by a single mother, I was fortunate to be exposed to a variety of enriching activities like ballet and acting, which played a pivotal role in shaping my character. These activities helped me come out of my shell, overcome stage fright, and cultivate an open personality and an unwaveringly optimistic outlook.
However, the journey was not without its challenges. Growing up as a person of color, I faced significant hurdles in building my confidence and self-esteem, particularly in environments where privilege was more prevalent. In the ballet community, for instance, acceptance often hinged on conforming to certain physical and stylistic norms. This made finding confidence more difficult than one might imagine. I had to navigate a space where I often felt like an outsider, striving to meet standards that were not designed with me in mind.
Despite these obstacles, my inherent optimism and determination saw me through. I refused to view these challenges as insurmountable. Instead, I embraced them as opportunities for growth. My childhood experiences with racism, economic hardship, and the dynamics of a single-parent household forged a resilience within me. These adversities honed my ability to persevere and ultimately shaped me into the confident woman I am today.
It has been instilled in me that whatever I set my mind to, I could achieve. I had constant encouragement from my mother who taught me that there are no limits to my dreams, and this mindset has been a guiding force throughout my life.
I myself, becoming a first-time mother have deepened my commitment to being a great role model for my son. I want to teach him that despite life’s challenges, no one can dim his light. I have strengthened my belief in the power of radiating confidence into the universe.
By embodying resilience and positivity, I hope to show him that he possesses a unique inner strength and brilliance, empowering him to navigate life with confidence and courage.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My name is Katriina, spelled with two i’s—an uncommon detail I always share when meeting someone new. It’s a simple way to make a memorable impression, which I believe is crucial in all walks of life. I am an Actress, Voiceover artist, Model, Social Media Influencer, Host, News Anchor, and recently, a first-time Mother. People often describe me as multitalented woman, a label I proudly embrace, though the road to my current successes has been anything but straightforward. My career began at the age of five when I discovered my love for the spotlight and the art of transforming into different characters on screen. This passion led me to dive deeply into the nuances of the entertainment industry from a young age.
Many know me as the “Best Buy girl,” a role that marked a turning point in my acting career when I decided to pursue it professionally several years ago. Having spent over a decade in the industry, I’ve learned to adapt like a chameleon, finding meaning in rejection and maintaining optimism, which I’ve found always leads to brighter outcomes.
In addition to acting, I found my voice through voice acting, taking pride in portraying characters of color, such as Celeste in the animation “Polly Pocket.” Voicing Celeste not only fulfilled a personal goal but also opened more doors for me in the industry. I’ve since been cast as Herculeesa in the upcoming animation “Max Velocity,” continuing my journey of voicing animated characters of color. This aspect of my career is incredibly meaningful to me, and I know it will make my son proud as he sees his mother giving voice to influential characters.
As a Social Media Influencer based in Vancouver, Canada, I am passionate about supporting local and small businesses. I’m drawn to their stories and successes, which inspire me to motivate the next generation. My collaborations typically involve the food, beauty, and arts sectors, areas I’m deeply passionate about, ensuring that my genuine enthusiasm shines through the content I create.
Professionally, I am a News Anchor for InvestmentPitch Media, covering the stock market—a role that has shown me significant growth in my career. Additionally, I am thrilled to be a host for the Vancouver Independent Fashion Flair (VIFF) where I look forward to promoting local talent, fashion designers, and businesses.
From a young age, I’ve known that my talents were meant to be shared and that my passion for supporting others could make a difference. I firmly believe that with hard work and belief in oneself, anything is possible.
I feel incredibly blessed and proud of the person I am today because of the deep pride I take in my work and the positive energy I bring to every project and collaboration. Each role allows me to express myself creatively and connect with diverse individuals across various walks of life. Whether I’m on set, participating in a photoshoot, crafting influential content, or navigating the joys and challenges of motherhood, I’m always fully engaged and eager to make a meaningful impact. This enthusiasm not only enriches my own experiences but also hopefully inspires and uplifts those I meet. It’s this ability to touch lives and evoke change, coupled with the fulfillment of pursuing my passions, that makes me cherish the person I’ve become.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three qualities/areas of knowledge that have been most impactful in my life journey have been:
1. Resilience: My ability to face rejection and challenges head-on, particularly in the highly competitive fields of acting and media, demonstrates a profound resilience. This quality has enabled myself to persist and thrive despite obstacles, shaping my successful career.
2. Adaptability: Being able to be versatile in managing multiple roles across different media platforms—from acting and voice acting to hosting and influencing. I have shown exceptional adaptability and this skill has allowed me to seamlessly transition between roles and take on new opportunities as they arise.
3. Creative Expression: Having the ability to channel emotions and stories into various forms of media—whether acting, voiceovers, or content creation—highlights my skills in creative expression. My creativity is a cornerstone of my success, which allows me to craft impactful narratives and resonate with audiences across different platforms.
My advice for anyone striving to achieve their dreams but facing obstacles or challenges is that the secret lies in persistence. You have to view setbacks as chances to sharpen your skills and distinguish yourself by cultivating a distinctive personal or artistic style. Networking is vital—it unlocks hidden opportunities and offers support. Additionally, being adaptable can open the door to unforeseen and fulfilling career trajectories. Prioritizing your mental and physical health is crucial for ongoing success. Stay current on industry trends and never stop learning to remain competitive. Each obstacle presents an opportunity for growth and achievement—remember, you’re not alone in this endeavour.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
My biggest area of growth has been learning to balance my career with motherhood. My son teaches me every day that it’s possible to pursue my dreams while being an exemplary role model and mother. His influence has shown me that I can achieve my professional goals while still cherishing and nurturing our time together. This journey has not only increased my self-awareness but also strengthened my appreciation for successfully juggling both aspects of my life, adding value to each role in significant ways.
Additionally, my son has taught me patience, sparking a newfound love and appreciation for myself. I’ve learned to be more forgiving of my own imperfections and to approach each moment with grace. This personal transformation has enhanced my life and intensified my professional engagements, enabling me to connect more authentically with my audience and the characters I portray.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://katriinacotten.com/
- Instagram: ___triinaa
- Facebook: Katriina Cotten
- Yelp: https://www.youtube.com/@katriinacotten
Image Credits
Yooshin Kim – Sushininja
Gutom – AlbertArt
Ernesto – Guangmingfoto
Mattel – Polly Pocket
Arcana Studio – Max Velocity
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
