MY PHILOSOPHY IS SIMPLE…
About Katya Katya Karlova is an American fuller bust curve/midsize model, content creator, actress, and vocal mental health, body confidence & endometriosis advocate with a highly engaged 500K+ fan base across social media.
After a successful career as a corporate executive and public speaker, Katya turned to boudoir modeling to heal her body image struggles and found empowerment through creativity.
She uses her platform to inspire others to embrace self-love, confidence, and authenticity.
From Boardroom To Boudoir“It took me many, many years to realize that the biggest root of so many of my mental health issues was my perception of my body image. And when I started doing boudoir photos, everything changed. I learned how to love myself and my body.”
— Katya, featured in Forbes
Now based in Los Angeles, she was born in Chisinau, in the Republic of Moldova, before emigrating to the United States as a child. Katya attended UCLA, graduating early to accept a scholarship from the University College London where she completed her master’s degree. Katya then built a successful career as a corporate executive before she began modeling to tackle her own body image issues and pursue her lifelong passion.
Finding Confidence Through the Lens
While Katya’s corporate career was thriving, she struggled privately with her mental health. She loved helping people shape their success stories but realized she needed to do the same for herself.
As a travel and adventure lover, risk-taking and pushing outside her comfort zone were already part of her life philosophy. By taking those approaches again, Katya discovered that being in front of the camera came more naturally than she ever expected.
Through boudoir photography, Katya found confidence, empowerment, and most importantly, self-love and healing.
Brand Partnerships & CollaborationsAs a model and content creator, Katya specializes in working with lingerie, swimwear, fashion, travel, and lifestyle brands.
Given her corporate leadership background, she brings a unique set of skills to the table as a brand partner: professionalism, expertise in marketing data & analytics, and excellent public speaking skills combined with a strong work ethic.
However, her authenticity in showing her fun, playful, and engaging personality has been the key to her rapid growth on social media.
468K+
5.5M+
MONTHLY REACH
6.94%
AVG. ENGAGEMENT
12M+
MONTHLY VIEWS
Endometriosis & Invisible Illness Awareness
My Battle With Endometriosis
In 2023, at the height of her social media growth, Katya was diagnosed with endometriosis after a decade-long battle with unrelenting & worsening mysterious pelvic pain.
This chronic illness affects 1/10 women and is one of the most painful medical conditions, with flare-ups often likened to the pain scale of a heath attack. She spent nearly a year undergoing four painful surgeries, five procedures, multiple ER admissions, and countless specialist doctor visits before finally getting the symptoms of this incurable illness under control.
Breaking The Silence On Endometriosis And Hidden Pain
Katya decided to share her painful journey and the disappointing care endo patients endure with her followers.
Despite the veneer of perfection often expected on social media, her fans responded to her transparency and vulnerability with support and empathy, sparking dialogue and revealing how many had loved ones affected by the illness.
Her battle with endo led her to make the decision to prioritize her health, mental & physical, and leave the corporate world behind to dive into modeling, content creation, acting and other creative pursuits full-time.
Katya continues to share her life, the lessons she painfully learned, and her unique approaches to finding confidence, resilience, and self-love from within.
All with the hope that it will encourage others to find the courage to be vulnerable, step outside their comfort zones, and create their unique success stories.
Speaking From
The Heart
Katya is now working on her first book about her incredibly unique life journey, preparing for her first acting role, and continuing to model & create content in partnership with her favorite brands.
She is also a sought-after public speaker and frequently gives speeches about achieving professional success, leadership, courage, and resilience. Katya is also very involved with her UCLA community and has received several prestigious awards and accolades in recent years in recognition of her service to the university and her professional career.
RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE & IMPACT
Accomplishments & Recognitions2019
Young Alumnus of the Year, UCLA
2020
Commencement Address, UCLA International Institute
2021
Korn Ferry Leadership Architect Certified
2022
Forbes Human Resources Council Member & Contributor
2023
Top 50 Talent Acquisition Professional Award Winner, OnCon Icon
“Believing that women of all shapes and sizes deserve to feel beautiful and empowered in their skin, she leads by example – stepping in front of the camera and showing all her perfect imperfections. She captures natural lighting, authentic poses, and genuine emotion while teaching her followers how to love themselves in a way they never thought possible.”
— Grazia
“Although some people can see photos of lingerie simply with the male gaze and sexualize it, boudoir photography for Katya is all about self-love, confidence and empowerment. Katya’s mission is to share her story and advocate for mental health in all areas of life.”
— Cosmopolitan UAE
Join Katya’s Inner Circle