Meet Kate Halauko

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kate Halauko and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kate, why did you pursue a creative career?
Since childhood, I have been engaged in creative activities thanks to my mother, who taught my siblings and me to draw, sew, embroider, make crafts, and even how to make decorative elements using whatever you have on hand. We grew up in a typical family in a small town in Belarus and lived through the difficult ’90s when the USSR was broken and the country had an economic crisis. Economic hardships made it hard to find things in stores, so my mother taught us how to make everything by hand. This taught me how to make the most out of little and really brought out my creative side, making me good at thinking outside the box and finding beauty in simple things.

Throughout my school years, I constantly attended various creative clubs. Everything interested me, so I participated in contests, was responsible for our class’s wall newspaper, performed on stage, and so on…

During my college years, I moved to the capital because I got accepted into college. It turned out that I was mostly surrounded by creative people during this period. My student dormitory was near an art academy, where I often attended plays and performances. Throughout my college life, my professors told me that I could only work in a creative team, which is exactly what happened. My first job after graduating was at an advertising agency, immersing myself in a world of creativity where I could utilize my skills and inspiration to create impactful, meaningful work.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
To answer your question about my career, starting from scratch in a new country was the toughest part. Back in Belarus, I was well-known in the advertising world, so I rarely had to prove my worth. However, moving to the U.S. brought challenges like language barriers and unfamiliar market dynamics.

Determined to make the most of my situation, I drew on my experience and passion for video and photo production, deciding to work with what I had under the circumstances I found myself in. I focused on developing my Instagram, where I could apply my content creation skills and share my aesthetic with a wider audience.

Suddenly, people began to notice me and propose collaborative projects. Many bloggers and small business owners mentioned that they liked my content aesthetic, so they offered to collaborate with me. Gradually, I collaborated with several brands and bloggers, practicing my content creation skills. This included photos, videos, and even AR content. I wasn’t an expert initially, but I learned as I went along. My early collaborations didn’t bring in income, but they offered something more valuable—additional skills and networking opportunities. It felt like a hobby that brought me a lot of joy and inspiration. After some time, I realized that my portfolio was ready, so I could start trying to earn from my hobby. That’s when I began exploring different platforms for creators and continued to develop my blog.

As they say, where attention goes, energy flows. As I started receiving offers from various brands, including major ones, to create content. It’s amazing how the online world works. I received many of these offers through my Instagram. Thanks to content creation, I even began my modeling journey and was featured as a brand ambassador on a New York Times Square billboard for Collective Resiliency—an achievement that once seemed unreal to me!

This unexpected journey highlights my brand’s story of resilience, innovation, and the power of networking. I want the world to know that no matter where you start, your unique vision and persistent effort can lead to success and fulfillment.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A personal favorite of mine is El Matador Beach in Malibu, known for its dramatic rock formations and expansive ocean views. It’s more than just a beach; it’s a place where the natural beauty of California really shines. It’s the perfect spot for us to relax, have a picnic, and enjoy some quality time in nature. It’s a great place to capture stunning photos or just sit back and watch the waves.

Of course, everyone should visit Downtown LA. This district is brimming with hidden gems. For history lovers, I recommend stopping by The Biltmore Hotel. The place is a treasure trove for anyone intrigued by the past—it’s where the golden age of Hollywood comes alive. You can explore the halls and rooms that have hosted glamorous events and iconic film shoots, connecting you directly to moments that shaped entertainment history. It’s perfect for those who like a modern feel but still appreciate a place with some stories to tell. Next up, take a stroll down Broadway Street. It’s not just lively but also lined with some really cool old buildings that give it a special charm. Make sure to check out the Apple Store, which is set in a gorgeously restored historic theater. This spot combines the latest tech with old-school architecture, making shopping there a unique experience, surrounded by some of the city’s most historic gems. Also one of my fav places is the Intercontinental Hotel, the tallest building in the city. Its sky-high views are unmatched, offering a panoramic vista of the entire Los Angeles basin. Finally, the Westin Bonaventure Hotel is a must-see for its distinctive architecture. With its futuristic design and revolving lounge, it’s a landmark that offers both a visual feast and a unique perspective on the city. Together, these spots provide a rich tapestry of history, innovation, and architecture, making Downtown LA a vibrant hub worth exploring.

If you’re looking for a chill day by the water, I highly recommend heading over to Marina Del Rey. You can catch a $1 water bus that takes you around the marina—it’s a fun and cheap way to see the area from the water. Make sure to stop at Fisherman’s Village where you can grab some tasty pancakes. It’s got a laid-back vibe and some neat little shops to check out too. And before you leave, definitely have a glass of wine at one of the waterfront spots in Marina Del Rey. Watching the sunset over the yachts with a drink in hand is the perfect way to end the day.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I am deeply thankful to my mother, who instilled in me the values of creativity and resilience. Her lessons have been the cornerstone of my journey. I must also give credit to my siblings, with whom I shared countless hours creating and crafting everything by hand during our childhood. Their camaraderie and shared creativity have shaped who I am today.

Additionally, my friends deserve a huge shoutout for their unwavering support and belief in me. They have always been there, cheering me on at every step and believing in my potential, even when I doubted myself. Lastly, I must express my profound gratitude to my husband, who is not only a constant source of support but also readily helps with content shooting and setup tasks. He continues to encourage me even when I’m unsure about my projects.

Website: https://www.kateigolka.com

Instagram: @kateigolka

Image Credits
Photos for fashion blogger @aisaju (Photographer: @kateigolka); Some photos from Anastasia Deryabina @deryabinan; Photos for brands: Collective Resiliency (Photographer: @lanapalmer_photographer, Makeup Artist: @valerieglossmakeup, brand @collectiveresiliency), JJ’s House dress, Silky Happiness Jewelry (Photographer: Aliaksandr Kharevich), Monica Vinader (Photographer: Natalie Aley @natalie_aley)