Kat Thrasher shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Kat, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
In the mornings, I make it a priority to start my day with quiet time with God. I spend time reading my Bible, devotionals, and praying. I’ve learned that beginning the day in peace and gratitude really sets the tone for how I show up in every other area of my life. I intentionally avoid rushing into emails or messages right away, because I want to ground myself first. I reflect on the things I’m grateful for—my health, the ability to provide for myself, the opportunities in front of me—and it gives me a sense of calm and focus.
After that, I usually prepare a healthy breakfast—like a smoothie with oatmeal, eggs, and turkey sausage—which fuels me for the day ahead. Keeping that discipline and consistency in the mornings allows me to bring my best self to others. I’m able to show up with peace, joy, and positive energy, which I believe is not only beneficial for me but also for the people I interact with.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Kat, and I bring a unique blend of corporate and modeling experience. I’m originally from Detroit, Michigan, and I’ve called Los Angeles home for the past eight years. Over the course of my career, I’ve held diverse roles—from Procurement as a buyer, to Pharmaceutical Sales, to Project Management, and most recently Digital Branding in Recruitment Marketing. Alongside my corporate journey, I’m signed with Brand Models and continue to take on modeling opportunities in between my 9–5 career.
This past year, I discovered a new passion: sewing. As a 5’10” model, I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges tall women face when trying to find stylish clothing that actually fits. Too often, pieces come up short—both literally and figuratively. Out of that frustration, I was inspired to create a solution:
Oriel Apparel, a lifestyle clothing line designed exclusively for tall women.
The name ‘Oriel,’ meaning God is my light, reflects the heart of my mission—to design fashion that helps tall women feel confident, radiant, and unapologetically themselves. My vision is to create stylish pieces that allow women to embrace their God-given beauty and carry themselves with confidence, without ever compromising their values.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My relationship with Jesus Christ has most profoundly shaped the way I see myself. In today’s digital world, it’s easy to get caught up in comparison or to seek validation from social media—especially in the entertainment and modeling industries where appearance is often under constant scrutiny.
I’m grateful to have been raised by God-fearing parents who spoke biblical affirmations over me from a young age. Those truths never left me, and they’ve anchored me as I’ve matured and faced the pressures of the world.
A few verses that continually remind me of my identity in Christ are:
1. “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.’” — Psalm 139:14
I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Every detail—my height, gifts, and personality—was created with intention.
2. “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession…”— 1 Peter 2:9
I am chosen and set apart. I’m not an accident—I’ve been handpicked to reflect God’s light in the world.
2. “For we are God’s masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”— Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
I am God’s masterpiece. I was created with purpose—to shine, to serve, and to walk boldly in the calling He designed for me.
These truths ground me in who I am, reminding me that my value doesn’t come from the opinions of others but from the One who created me.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
One thing that often surprises people is that I’ve struggled with a fear of public speaking. Even though I’m naturally personable and outgoing, being on stage or in front of a camera still makes me nervous. Growing up as an athlete, I’ve always been competitive and committed to giving my best effort, so I don’t like the idea of falling short in this area.
Interestingly, when I do speak publicly, people often tell me they can’t tell that I’m nervous—though I definitely feel it. I think that shows how we can sometimes be our own toughest critics. To grow in this area, I’ve invested in Toastmasters, a program that helps people strengthen their public speaking skills, and I actively seek opportunities to step outside of my comfort zone. My goal is to continue building confidence in this area so that I can turn what once felt like a weakness into a strength.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that what matters most to me is my faith, my family, my health and wellness, and my community—and I believe that’s reflected in how I live my life. My faith is the foundation of who I am, so I spend time daily in the Word, in prayer, and encouraging others with biblical truths.
Family is also central to me. I’m the youngest of six, and we’re very close-knit. I often travel back to Michigan or take trips with them so we can continue creating lasting memories together.
Health and wellness are another priority. I’m intentional about how I care for my body—whether it’s through consistent workouts, getting outside for fresh air, or being mindful about what I consume.
And finally, community is essential. Once I found a church home in LA and starting serving as a ministry lead, I was able to build a beautiful circle of friends who have been transformative for me. They’ve provided a safe space where I can be vulnerable, stay accountable, and be encouraged—and I strive to offer the same to them.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
One story I hope people tell about me when I’m gone is that I truly loved God and people. More than anything, I want my life to serve as a living testament of God’s goodness and to point others to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. I hope to be remembered as someone who was loving, caring, kind, faithful, and full of grace. At the end of the day, each of us has an assignment here on Earth, but what matters most is eternity and where our souls will be.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Kat_the_model
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@purposewalking?si=–D5pwCipIHzUxuy
