Chinese-American Plus-Size Model, Catie Li
Catie Li is a business-savvy entrepreneur and successful Chinese-American plus-size model. She began her career as a model after finishing college at UCSB with intention of it being nothing more than a side hustle. Shortly after graduating, Catie moved to LA to pursue PR in music and TV programming but ultimately decided to pursue her true life passion for modeling full-time. Now, she resides in LA with her fiancé Carlos and creates fashion, beauty, fitness, and lifestyle content for her dedicated followers on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. On these platforms, Catie shares her influential fashion and travel tips, while also creating styling videos that promote confidence and inclusivity of all body types!
Through her modeling career, Catie hopes to inspire body positivity and encourages women to feel confident in their own skin no matter their size or ethnicity. Her radiant message and talent have landed her partnerships with global brands such as Athleta, Amazon Fashion, and Supergoop. On top of that success, Li was the CMO for The Shade Room (she left the position as she is now a full-time content creator/model), one of Instagram's third most engaged accounts hitting 732 million plus hits.
In her free time, Catie enjoys swimming, yoga, traveling, fitness, and cooking. She also loves to throw themed parties for her friends and family to enjoy!
Who or what motivates you to keep going in your career?
What motivates me is hearing from people that I inspire and how important it is for them to see the representation!
As a model, an influencer, and an advocate for body positivity, what are some of your favorite brands to work with, and why?
I love working with brands that allow me to be myself and execute my creative ideas! I love working with Athleta, Amazon, ASOS, and more!
@officialcatieli Links on my IG ❤️❤️
♬ Part II (On The Run) - JAY-Z
You were spotted at Coachella with quite a few show-stopping looks. How would you describe your style?
I love trying new things! I can be relaxed one day and then all out the next! I don't think I could describe my style because I am so willing to go out of the box a lot of the time! I enjoy trying something new!
Recently, you posed in the nude for Women’s Health magazine. What was that experience like for you?
It was terrifying of course, but also empowering! To know I could represent 1 or many individuals overruled all my fears!
What message would you give to readers who are struggling with body image?
Life is too short! If there is one thing that you can control, that is your happiness and life. So don't let negativity override that! Do things, wear things that make you happy! Who cares about anyone else! □
Article Credits
Catie’s Instagram: @catieli
Catie’s TikTok: @officialcatieli
Catie’s Website: catherinejmli.com
Catie’s YouTube: Catherine Li
Photography: Alice Le
