Katie Austin on Building Confidence, Community, and Consistency— On and Off the Mat

Katie Austin has never been one to sit still. A former Division 1 lacrosse player turned fitness entrepreneur, she took the discipline, teamwork, and drive learned on the field and turned it into a thriving platform empowering women to move with confidence. What began as small group workouts with her sorority sisters evolved into an online fitness community that feels like having a coach, teammate, and best friend all in one. From her balanced weekly routine blending Pilates and strength training to her perseverance in landing a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit feature after years of trying, Austin embodies what it means to lead with grit, grace, and heart—proving that real strength is built through consistency and self-belief.

Haute Living: What inspired you to start your own company?

Katie Austin: I’ve been an athlete my whole life, and when I stopped playing lacrosse, I
realized there were probably a lot of girls out there like me who didn’t know what
to do without a coach. From age seven to twenty, I always had someone telling
me what to do, and suddenly I felt really intimidated by the gym. So, I started
small, I got a group of girls from my sorority and classes together, got certified,
and began teaching. That’s when I realized there were so many more ways to
grow and reach women online. Starting my company and platform became my
way of connecting with others who felt the same: intimidated by the gym and
unsure of where to go after sports, without a coach or teammates. That’s how I
first started my company and connected with my community.

HL: How has being a Division 1 athlete shaped where you are today?

KA: Being a Division 1 athlete has shaped everything. Sports taught me time
management, discipline, and how to set and chase goals. There’s always
competition, always room to improve, and that mentality still drives and motivates
me. It gave me the dedication to keep pushing, but also the skills to work with
others the way you would with teammates. I also think having respect for and
being a leader is really important. Being an athlete has taught me so many things
like teamwork, leadership, time management skills, dedication, and how to really
work hard and achieve goals.

HL: What is your weekly fitness routine?

KA: My routine is really balanced. I focus on low-impact mat Pilates and strength
training, but I never lift more than about 20–25 pounds, whether it’s dumbbells or
kettlebells. I also love to walk. I’ll do low-impact cardio or a walk a couple of times
a week. And at least once a week, I make sure I’m stretching and working on
mobility. It’s a mix of everything: Longevity and lengthening with pilates, muscle
building with strength training, mobility and stretching is so important, and of
course cardio. It’s all about consistency and giving my body what it needs.

HL: What is one thing you’ve done that you’re most proud of?

KA: I’m most proud of pursuing SI Swimsuit. I auditioned so many times, alongside
thousands of women, and I refused to take no for an answer. I first auditioned in
2017 and kept going back until I finally got it. That perseverance, not giving up, is
what I’m proudest of. Winning the competition was incredible, but proving to
myself that I could keep going despite rejection means the most.

HL: What are 5 products you can’t live without?

KA: My top five must-haves? First, my water bottle. I literally take it everywhere.
Second, my headphones, since I never travel without them. Third, BagBalm,
which is hands down my favorite chapstick. Fourth, the BareMinerals tinted balm.
I love having just a little bit of tint on my cheeks. And finally, a food essential:
olive oil. I honestly can’t live without it.