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

Hi Kateryna, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
It’s all thanks to my parents. When I was 3 years old, they brought me to singing school. I was the smallest in the group. At the age of 8, I started playing in the theater in my city in Ukraine, where I spent the next 7 years. I did really enjoy acting. Then I studied at the television and press studio. So I have tried literally everything! I have also tried to sign with model agency but I didn’t get a luck as I was under their height requirements. That was sad. So when I grew up, I decided to try modeling again. I had a confidence that I CAN try and CAN be a model. So that was like a challenge for me and I started to move this way.

Dnipro, my city in Ukraine, is full of amazing creative people, so just after a few shoots I already got a solid pictures. At that time, it was just for myself. I have really enjoyed being in front of the camera. But model standards in Ukraine, like in entire Europe, are kept the same. A lot of agencies reached out to me once I started posting pictures from the shoots to Instagram but just after I told them I was 5’’4 tall they disappeared immediately from my feed. I decided to let it go. But when I moved to the US, I met a lot of random people who asked me if I was a model. That’s where I decided to try again and it was the best decision ever! 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Motivation and confidence that I can do everything. 

I love what I do.

All projects I booked on my own! For the past two years I feel so proud of myself!

My first very big project was international commercial for FIFA World Cup 2022. I have been a soccer fan for long time. Have supported my hometown team FC Dnipro and didn’t miss their games on a stadium. If someone told me years later I am going  be seen internationally in the commercial for main soccer competition in the world, I would never believe 🙂 That’s why this project takes special place in my heart.  A few months later I booked nationwide UNO commercial, clothing campaign for major gamers brand RAZER and official store of The Rolling Stones.

Also worked with such big brands like Luxardo, Kiss Cosmetics, Splat, Pravana, and many more.

Some more projects are coming out soon but I can’t talk about them right now due to NDA.

It’s so inspiring that there were tons of people who applied for these casting calls but these brands booked me. And it’s an amazing feeling. It was just a little girl’s dream which came true

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am such a DTLA girl. I have moved here 2 years ago and so in love! I feel a strong connection with this place! So I would definitely spend some time walking around old streets of the Downtown LA.

Venice Beach and Santa Monica are my favorite spots for rollerblading. It’s my kind of meditation.

Try sushi at Sakana and smoked chicken wings at Dickey’s Barbecue Pit.
Check Blueberry Yogurt cake at Paris Baguette.
And please, treat yourself Dulce de Leche cake at Porto’s bakery. It’s just amazing!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents, Svitlana and Yurii, who spent a lot of their time, money and nerves on my schools . They have always been supporting me in my journey. My husband Oleh, he is always by my side. My home city Dnipro, where I was born and raised. It’s very unique place.

Special thanks to all my relatives in Ukraine! Even despite the distance between us and hard times during the war in my country, they are always here for me and proud of me. Love the excitement of my grandparents when they receive a copy of my compcards or magazines with me. It keeps me motivated!

And endless gratitude to this beautiful country and the city of Angels I live in. The USA and Los Angeles gave me so many opportunities!

Feeling so blessed to be here and call this special place to me as my home.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/kate__ol

Image Credits
Photographers: Jossue Mendoza (@jossuemendoza_) , John Pascha (@johnpascha), Garret Lai (@garret_lai) , Yuliia Pustovit (@iam.juliadavidson), Ivanna Os (@ivannaos). Hairstylist: Antonina Ilchenko (@tonyastylist) Makeup artist: Yvette (@muyvette), Donatello PH (@donatello.ph)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.