Meet Katriina Cotten | Actor, Model, & TV Personality

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

Hi Katriina, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
The principles in life that I follow are: always keep developing no matter what, work and practice on your craft, do what you enjoy and what you have a passion for, but most of all, always live in the moment – you only have one life to live and the only person who can live it, is YOU! I grew up with a single mother who consistently told me that whatever I put my mind to, I could achieve it and oh, was she right! I push myself beyond my comfortable boundaries and take risks in everything I do; without risks, there is no success, failure, or personal growth within yourself. I value kindness and respect, especially living in a world where there is so much hate the more compassion we shower, the more we will get back in return. I follow that old saying, “Treat others the way you want to be treated”

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Growing up, I was raised by a single mother, and it wasn’t always easy as I had experienced racism and colorism due to my mixed background; I had to find ways to grow a thick skin and understand that everyone is different, and I was placed on this Earth for a reason – what is my reason? I still haven’t quite figured that out, but I know I stand up for myself and what I believe in no matter what.

I began my performing arts career as a child in Vancouver, Canada, with ballet as my stepping-stone. I conveyed my artistic expression and got my foot in the door with acting and competitive arts. After high school, I studied Broadcast Journalism and found adoration for dramatic arts – by consistently working hard, I’ve grown into a multi-talented woman; working with companies such as Best Buy, Lexus, Hootsuite, Interac, Vega, Oculus, The Westin, Olive Garden and as a Guest Host for The Vancouver Canucks representing Black History Month. I also star as the first female BIPOC host for the local Vancouver show The Amazing Hunt, alongside the Canadian TV Series on Telus called Indie Corner BC. I charm audiences as a News Anchor for InvestmentPitch Media, and I have a passion for making stories come to life and being very veracious in expressing my personality and creativeness as a professional actress; my charisma shines through the camera, and I love just being myself.

I have embraced many life lessons, don’t be afraid to experience what you have learned; for every action, there’s an equal opposite reaction, be flexible with your goals and learn to walk in your own path. Challenges in life are never straightforward, and overcoming a challenge gets you one step closer to growing a better version of yourself, so keep doing you!
I also have to thank my close friends Enid, Sanchu, my sister Desiree, my family in Canada, the USA and the Philippines, along with my nieces and nephews – Thank you for your ongoing support; I love you all!

Apart from my professional career, I am a dog mom and a bon vivant of life; I also stand strong as a supporter of Woman’s Rights, Racial Equality, Anti-Bullying and Mental Health. I hope people see me as motivation and that it doesn’t matter what struggles or challenges I’ve faced; I have learned and am still learning to conquer them day by day, and that there are no limits, the only limits are those that you impose upon yourself. Dream, believe and take action.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Vancouver is well-known for its cultural diversity; it’s an adventurous city, along with being breathtakingly beautiful. We are lucky to have this city sitting between the ocean and mountains.

There are so many fun things in Vancouver that it would be hard to figure out where to start. If I were to plan out a daycation, it would go a little like checking out the Stanley Park Seawall, which has stunning views of the city skyline, then enjoying an Aquabus to visit Granville Island and taste fresh out-the-water food while checking out the local artistry. Before dinner, a treat to a relaxing Thai Massage on Robson street, de-stress and recharge, then off to dinner at one of my favourite spots, which would be in and around the chic Robson/Alberni area – Black & Blue is a magnificent place, or even get a little hip and go to Yaletown. I would end the night with a beautiful sunset at one of our famous in-city beaches; if it’s summertime, you have to try Earnest Ice Cream – voted one of the best ice cream places in Vancouver!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have many optimistic supporters who have been by my side since day one and need a shoutout! First, I would like to shout out my mother; she is a strong, resilient, confident, wise, and hardworking woman who needs to be recognized every day for being who she is, teaching me to speak my mind and never be afraid of anything. We can’t forget that she made me become the woman I am today!
Secondly, I want to thank my second half, my right-hand man, my partner in crime – Paris N., who has always been on board with my crazy ideas even when they didn’t make sense but without a doubt understood my vision. You have kept me sane, harmonious, and never forgetting who I am and where I stand in this world!
Lastly – I could not forget my fantastic team who stands behind all my incredible work: 3DMedia.ca – Dean Barnes & Henri Persaud, Albert Art & Reel Strength Studios – Krzysztof Bryjak.

Website: Katriinacotten.com

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCei0N-rZVZII682sH8lx-oA

Image Credits
Albert Art Official – Albertart.net, 3DMedia.ca, Best Buy Canada 2021, Vega, St.Tropica, Pay By Phone, InvestmentPitch Media, Vancouver Canucks 2022, Real Tested CBD 2022