Katie Winchenbach: Pretty Is Powerful
“Confidence is a journey. You actually have to practice and cultivate confidence.”
Text: VIONNE Magazine | Model: Katie Winchenbach | Agency: Supermodels Unlimited
Fashion: Fearless by KW | Photographer: Waite Creative
Leading Fearlessly, On and Off the Runway
For Katie Winchenbach, beauty is not a standard to be met—it is a truth to be claimed. Pretty Is Powerful is a declaration born from unlearning comparison and stepping out of self-doubt, into confidence that is lived, worn, and embodied. This editorial captures a woman who no longer plays small, but leads with intention, self-belief, and unapologetic presence.
At the heart of this story is empowerment through action. Whether through her fashion label Fearless by KW or her podcast Lead Fearlessly, Katie’s mission is rooted in helping women recognize their worth and step fully into it. Fashion becomes more than aesthetic—it becomes armor, language, and leadership. Each look is designed not to change bodies, but to celebrate them.
Shot with vibrant energy and a fearless sense of contrast, this series reflects the philosophy behind its title. Feminine color meets edge. Glamour meets strength. And confidence is no longer something to chase—it’s something to practice, cultivate, and own. Pretty Is Powerful is not a slogan; it’s a mindset.
Interview with Katie Winchenbach
VIONNE: Katie, your series is titled “Pretty Is Powerful.” What does that phrase mean to you personally?
Katie: I spent a lot of my younger years comparing myself to other women and feeling like I didn’t measure up. During that time, I was playing small. I avoided risks and rarely believed I could succeed outside of my comfort zone. That began to change when I started competing in pageants. For the first time in my adult life, I truly believed I was beautiful and worthy exactly as I was. That’s what this series represents: every person is beautiful, just the way they are, and there is so much power in recognizing that and truly believing in yourself.
VIONNE: What inspired you to start your own fashion line “Fearless by KW”, and how do you design for confidence?
Katie: Once I regained that belief in myself, I made it my mission to say “yes” to things that excited me, even when they felt scary. I began modeling for Supermodels Unlimited a couple of years ago and we’ve formed an amazing partnership. When the opportunity to work with them and create Fearless by KW came, up I jumped at it! My goal is to design for a variety of body shapes and sizes and to create pieces that really stand out. As a mid-size woman, I have struggled to find clothes that fit me comfortably, highlight my curves, and are still fashion-forward. That experience fuels my passion for this brand. I want everyone who puts on one of my outfits to feel like the clothes are made for them, not that they ever have to change their body to wear something they are excited about.
VIONNE: Can you share a moment when a woman told you your clothing made her feel powerful?
Katie: We do brand photoshoots any time we launch a new collection and every single time a model ends up purchasing something she was wearing because she loved it so much! That’s why I do this. I love seeing my model’s faces light up when they put on an outfit and they just don’t want to take it off.
VIONNE: Your podcast “Lead Fearlessly” features incredible women — what have been the most powerful lessons you’ve learned through those conversations?
Katie: So far, I’ve published four seasons of Lead Fearlessly and while there have been so many incredible lessons shared, there are a couple that keep popping up as recurring themes and I think they’re lessons that everyone can learn from. The first is that you are right where you are meant to be. No one’s path is linear. Everyone struggles, everyone fails, everyone takes detours. Whatever it is you are doing right now--the lessons you’re learning, the people you’re meeting, the skills you’re building—that’s what you are supposed to be doing. You’re not behind and you’re not doing it wrong! Second, be kind to yourself. One of the biggest themes in leadership right now is the idea of a growth mindset, that you want to always be learning and pushing yourself to grow. The truth is, you can’t do that if you are always talking down to yourself and beating yourself up for every mistake. Mistakes are part of growing. Give yourself the grace to make mistakes, learn from them, and move forward.
VIONNE: Do you see a connection between fashion and leadership? How can personal style be a tool for empowerment?
Katie: I 100% believe there is a connection between fashion and leadership. When I feel confident in what I’m wearing, my entire demeanor shifts. I carry myself differently and naturally project that confidence. The opposite is true as well. When I feel self-conscious, I show up very differently, almost as if I’m shrinking into the background. No matter what your personal style looks like, I believe it’s important to find outfits that make you feel like you own every room you walk into. When you’re stepping into a situation that feels intimidating or nerve-wracking, wearing something that makes you feel powerful can be a simple but meaningful way to give yourself an extra boost of confidence.
VIONNE: How did you feel during the shoot — and how do moments like these feed your own confidence?
Katie: This shoot was such a blast! Anna, the photographer, is one of those people who brings tremendous energy to projects and that energy is so contagious. The outfit I’m wearing is actually from my most recent collection, the Pink Collection, and I’ve been dying to shoot in it. Pink has always been my power color. It gives me an instant confidence boost, and I love how this look blends feminine color and sequin glam with the unexpected edge of a casual cargo pant style. That contrast feels very true to my personal style and the spirit of the collection. Being in front of the camera is something I never thought I would enjoy, but when you’re able to work with photographers who hype you up (and you have other models and your team cheer you on behind the scenes) it’s such a confidence boost. I think it really shows the power of women supporting other women and finding a group of people who celebrate and uplift you.
VIONNE: What advice would you give to someone who wants to feel more confident in their own skin, especially in front of the camera?
Katie: Confidence is a journey. You won’t wake up one day with unshakeable confidence. You actually have to practice and cultivate confidence. The easiest way to start is by being kind to yourself and taking a really critical look at how you talk to yourself. You’ll never feel confident, in life or in front of a camera, if there’s a constant inner voice telling you that you’re not good enough. Building confidence starts with challenging that narrative, replacing self-criticism with self-respect, and giving yourself permission to grow into the person you’re becoming.
VIONNE: Who are some women — past or present — who inspire you to lead fearlessly?
Katie: One of my biggest sources of inspiration is my mom, Janise. She passed away a few years ago and that was actually the catalyst for me to start competing in pageants. My mom was a total powerhouse who had the confidence to pursue anything she set her mind to and she was able to create a life and a career that many people doubted she could achieve. On top of that, she always emphasized giving back and being a cheerleader for those around you. That spirit of encouragement and empowerment continues to shape how I show up in my work, my passions, and the way I strive to support other women.
VIONNE: What’s next for you? Any exciting launches, collaborations, or goals for Fearless by KW or your podcast?
Katie: 2026 is such a huge year for me! I’m in the progress of recording Season 5 of Lead Fearlessly, which will be available on most podcast platforms at the end of March. The women I’ve interviewed so far have been so inspirational and so open and honest. I just know this season is going to empower so many women! As far as Fearless by KW goes, I am doing my second NYFW show in just 2 weeks, and then going international to Paris Fashion Week this fall. Paris Fashion Week is just such a pinch me moment! I feel so blessed to be able to showcase my work and my passion in that way.
Follow Katie Winchenbach | Waite Creative
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