Katrina Shaleen Machado, known on Instagram as @katrinashaleen, grew up in Las Vegas and now calls the mountain views of Park City, Utah home.
Her connection to Nalu Bay Swimwear runs deep because, to her, being a Nalu Babe is all about confidence, community, and celebrating women in their fullest light. Walking in two Nalu Bay runway shows was truly unforgettable... the lights, the music, the energy, it all felt electric. But the real magic was backstage, surrounded by women radiating positivity and lifting each other up. Representing a brand that champions beauty and empowerment meant everything to her, and she couldn’t be prouder of Jennifer Berta for creating something so special.
In her free time, Katrina balances the parts of her life that keep her grounded with the passions that make her feel alive. Fitness is her reset, the place she goes to reconnect with her strength and find her center. Modeling fuels her creativity, allowing her to step into new roles and express different sides of herself. But her favorite role, the one that brings her the most joy, is being a mother. The moments she spends with her child are the heart of her world, filling her days with meaning and a love nothing else can compare to.
As a child, Katrina dreamed of being a broadcast journalist. She loved the idea of storytelling, connection, and speaking to people through a screen. As she got older, modeling entered her life, and she realized it gave her that same spark. Every photo is a story, and every image a moment waiting to be interpreted and felt. She still leans into that passion today, especially through video editing, where she gets to pair visuals with emotion and bring stories to life in a different way.
Katrina describes herself as a realist, determined, and passionate, three qualities that flow through every part of her journey. She isn’t inspired by a single person, but by the collective moments and experiences that have shaped her. The highs have taught her gratitude, the lows have taught her resilience, and everything in between has helped her understand who she is and what she’s capable of. Those lessons fuel her drive and help her stay grounded in her modeling career.
Her biggest accomplishment isn’t a title or award, it’s having the courage to step out of her comfort zone in a way that’s healthy and intentional. She’s proud of choosing growth over fear and embracing the risks that help her evolve. For her, the willingness to push past what is familiar has shaped her into the woman and model she is today, allowing her to move forward with confidence.
Looking to the future, Katrina hopes to take her modeling career as far as possible, exploring opportunities across the globe and letting each experience broaden her world. Outside of modeling, she’s worn many hats, from bartender to licensed esthetician, and each role has taught her something new. Right now, her biggest personal goal is to travel the world, immerse herself in different cultures, and let those adventures inspire her creatively and personally.
A fun fact about Katrina is that she’s a total dog lover and a committed soccer mom, two roles that keep her constantly on the move. Whether she’s taking her pups out for walks or cheering from the sidelines, she loves staying active and being fully present in the lives she cares about. Those little moments of joy and movement make her days feel full and meaningful.
To younger readers flipping through these pages, Katrina’s advice is simple but powerful: be authentic. There is nobody else in the world like you, and that uniqueness is your greatest gift. She believes in embracing who you are wholeheartedly, celebrating the parts of yourself that stand out, and letting your authenticity guide your journey.