Meet Katrina Machado

We recently connected with Katrina Machado and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Katrina, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

Confidence and self-esteem didn’t come to me overnight, they were built over time through experience, self-reflection, and a lot of trial and error. I started by recognizing the small wins and allowing myself to feel proud of them, rather than brushing them off. I also made a conscious effort to surround myself with people who uplift and challenge me, which helped me see my strengths more clearly.

Equally important was learning to be comfortable with failure. I began to see setbacks not as reflections of my worth, but as opportunities to grow. That shift in mindset helped me take more risks and trust myself more deeply. Over time, consistency in showing up for myself—whether that meant sticking to a goal, setting boundaries, or simply being kinder to myself—helped build a solid foundation of self-belief.

Confidence, for me, is a practice. It’s not about having all the answers, but about being okay with not having them and showing up anyway. There is only one you and that is what makes you special and unique and that is something that I have learned to embrace.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Modeling has been such an incredible journey for me—one that’s taken a lot of dedication, passion, and growth. I’ve been fortunate to work with some amazing brands and creatives in the industry. I’ve modeled for several swimwear labels including Nalu Bay Swimwear, Kinis Swimwear, Femme Fatale Empire, Siren Couture Bikini, and Mahalo, each of which brought its own unique style and energy to the table. I really love bringing a designer’s vision to life, whether it’s through editorial shoots, campaigns, or on the runway.

One of the most exciting parts of my journey was doing live modeling for WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International). It was such an electrifying experience—being part of a live creative environment where fashion meets photography on such a high level.

Another major highlight for me was winning the title of MyDream Ms. Bikini Universe in Miami, Florida. That moment was incredibly special. It wasn’t just about the title—it was a reflection of all the work, confidence, and passion I’ve put into this career. That experience reminded me of why I started in the first place.

Each step along the way has shaped me—not just as a model, but as a person. I’ve learned so much about confidence, resilience, and staying grounded, and I’m so excited for what’s ahead.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

For me, the biggest ones were confidence, adaptability, and professionalism. Confidence helped me own every shoot and runway, even when I was nervous. Adaptability allowed me to thrive in all kinds of environments—whether it was a beach campaign or a live runway. And professionalism—being reliable, respectful, and prepared—has opened more doors than anything else.

For those starting out: believe in yourself, be open to learning, and treat every job like it matters—because it does.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes, I’m definitely open to collaborations! I love working with creative, passionate individuals and brands who align with my values—especially in fashion, swimwear, lifestyle, and wellness. Whether it’s a photoshoot, runway show, campaign, or social media collaboration, I’m always excited to connect with people who bring fresh ideas and good energy.

If you’re reading this and feel like we’d be a great fit, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach out to me through my email, contactkatrinashaleen@gmail.com.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Productivity
Where do you get your work ethic from?

We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic

Productivity
Tactics & Strategies for Keeping Your Creativity Strong

With the rapid improvements in AI, it’s more important than ever to keep your creativity

Productivity
From Burnout to Balance: The Role of Self-Care

Burning out is one of the primary risks you face as you work towards your