All Eyes on Katija Cortez
with Playboy Norway September 2023 cover star Katija Cortez / @katija.cortez
Photographer @mrchanchui
Management @centerfoldstalentagency
Such an absolute honor to have you! The honor is all mine!
How do you like to begin your day? I start every day the same. I’m such a creature of habit so if I don’t do my normal morning routine then it’s totally enough to ruin my day. So I start every day with a cold drip coffee. I live in Sydney so we have a lot of specialty coffee here. Then I like to exercise – yoga, pilates and running. I get too lazy if I leave exercising until later in the day so I always like to get it out of the way first thing in the morning.
What’s the most exciting hobby or interest you’ve pursued recently, and how did you get into it? I was cleaning out my cupboard the other day and found the pair of roller skates that I bought during one of the COVID lockdowns. I never did learn how to skate during lockdown, but I’ve started practicing again finally! I’m so terrible at it right now but I’m hoping I get the hang of it by summer so I can take them to the beach.
If you could spend a day doing anything you wanted, what would your ideal day look like? Sitting by the beach in some foreign country with some ice cold evian water and a really good book!
what’s a project or goal you’re currently working on that you’re really excited about? My podcast! I have a podcast and YouTube channel called The Kat & Mark Show. It’s my pride and joy at the moment! If I had to describe it, I’d say it’s spicy mixed with comedy we talk about a lot of unhinged stuff, mostly to do with dating, sex, and the sex industry. You should definitely give it a listen!
What’s the most memorable date you’ve ever been on, and what made it stand out? A guy took me on a date to Movie World once – which is this theme park in Australia. I love roller coasters and anything that makes me feel young again, so it was definitely one of the best date locations.
Are there any qualities or traits you find particularly attractive in a partner? What do you value the most? I definitely think the most attractive quality in a guy is a good sense of humor. I’m attracted to extroverts and really funny guys. Other than humor, definitely if a guy is courteous and gentlemanly. I’m old school when it comes to dating, so I love it if a guy does chivalrous things like opening a door for me and things like that.
Who has been your biggest inspiration or role model in your personal or professional life? I don’t think I can narrow it down to anyone or a few people. I look up to a lot of people in various aspects of my life. Sometimes family, friends, industry peers, and celebrities. I think there is so much we can learn from anybody. I try to surround myself with motivated, like-minded people. I’m a big believer in the saying “You are like the 5 closest people around you”, so I find that all my friends and family motivate me every day in some small way or another.
What do you enjoy most about your hobbies or interests outside of work? My hobbies outside of work are so important because if I didn’t have those I’d probably just be working all the time! *laughs* I love reading, traveling, and just hanging out with friends and going out to eat. I’m a big foodie so I love any excuse to eat out.
How do you find a balance between your personal life and your career? Sometimes it’s hard to find the balance. I still think I haven’t got it exactly right, but I think taking time off from work every week for social or family time is so important. Also, I spend time doing things I enjoy, like exercising, reading, or even some guilty pleasures like just watching TV. I love TV so I always like to treat myself with a good movie or show at the end of a long day of work.
How do you stay motivated and overcome challenges in your work? When you’re self-employed sometimes it’s hard to keep up the mojo as you’re only accountable to yourself. I find the best way I stay on track is by sticking to a solid routine. If I don’t stick to a routine then I start to get lazy or put things off. Other than that I make sure I take holidays and time off when needed. Being self-employed means there is almost never a day off unless you make the time for it, so I try to take breaks when I feel like I need them and always schedule holidays so I have something to look forward to.
Where can our readers catch up with you and stay updated with your work? Find me on Instagram @katija.cortez or everywhere else @katijacortez also make sure you check my podcast The Kat and Mark Show on YouTube and everywhere you get your podcasts @katandmarkshow.
