Effortlessly Stunning
with FHM France May 2023 cover star Katija Cortez /@katijacortez
Photography by @mrchanchui
Such an absolute honor to have you on feature FHM! What has your journey as a certified bombshell been like so far? Thank you, but the honor is all mine! It’s actually been a crazy journey *laughs*. So I currently work in the sex industry, but up until two years ago I actually had a whole other life and career as an accountant… not the spicy kind, the real book and numbers kind *laughs*. It’s funny because when I used to be an accountant and I would tell people that, they would look at me and straight away assume I meant spicy accountant. I definitely still excelled in my accounting career, but it took me two accounting degrees and three years working in public practice to realize that it was not what I wanted to be doing with my life. I felt like all the things I was good at were not being utilized. One day I quit my job with absolutely no backup plan and no other income. I just knew that somehow I would find a way to figure it out. Having faith in yourself goes a long way. I had a friend working in the sex industry and thought I would try it out for a little bit. Thinking it would just kill some time and be some money until I figured things out. Little did I know it would be my next career, and even less did I know that it would very soon completely change my life in the most unexpectedly amazing ways!
We are blown away by your drive and professionalism, can you tell us what some of the things that motivate you to stay on top of your game are? I’m the kind of person that is all or nothing. I either do something 100% or not at all. So to me, it didn’t matter what job I’m doing, I will do it to the max. I always aim to get to the top role, whatever that may look like! Low key I’m also the kind of person who can’t sit still. I thrive off of busy days and in high-pressure environments (I guess that’s how I ended up in the finance industry in the first place). I think the main thing that keeps me going is knowing that I never, ever want to go back to my old job *laughs* or to any desk job for that matter.
Top 3 best moments of your career? Apart from being on the cover of FHM!? Because that has definitely taken number one! Second would be receiving the honor of hosting/MCing the Australian Adult Industry Awards which take place next week in Melbourne. That is definitely surreal (and cross your fingers and toes for me that all my MCing goes well and that I might win something! *laughs*). Lastly, I would definitely say starting up my podcast and YouTube Channel. I started a podcast and YouTube channel called Sex with Kat and Mark with one of my best friends Markus Wolf, who is an international sex coach. YouTubing has always been my dream so I’m thrilled to be able to have time to finally do that!
What is your favorite chill-time activity? I love reading. I have a massive personal library in my apartment with probably over a hundred books by now. I’m building up quite the nice little collection. When I was younger it was reading magazines. I would always look at magazines like FHM and see all the pretty girls on the covers and would dream of being in one of them someday! Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would!
We are taking you out on your ultimate date and we really want to knock this one out the ballpark, what would that entail? I’m not picky, but I know a private jet would be involved… That’s not too crazy, right? *laughs*
What are, hands down, your absolute favorite things to do? Oh this is a hard one… When going out I do love fine dining, or just any good food really. I’m also a fan of the arts and live right next to the Sydney Opera House, so when I have time I love going to watch some Shakespeare or the ballet. When I’m feeling more chilled I love having friends over for a cute cheese platter and movie night. You can never go wrong with that!
3 ultimate deal breakers when it comes to men? Bad hygiene. Unmotivated. Closed-minded – the last one is a big one, especially considering my jobs are a little… obscure *laughs*.
You have one last chance to do something you have always wanted to do, with no limits on anything, what are you doing? The one thing I’ve always wanted to do from as far back as I can remember is to publish a book (or books – I should say). I’m actually currently studying my Masters in Creative Writing and am a few chapters into writing my first book! So I’m slowly making my way there. I wish I had more time to write, but slow and steady wins the race, right!?
Where would you say is your favorite place to be in the world and why? Honestly, my hometown Sydney is my favorite place. Not only because all my friends and family live here, but I truly think it’s one of the most beautiful and amazing cities! I love living here. You should definitely come and visit sometime!
What is currently playing on loop on your playlist? Any 90s and 2000s RNB. Takes me back to my childhood!
Where can our readers catch up with you and stay updated with your work? I’m on all the socials at the same handle @katijacortez and my Podcast/YouTube channel – Sex with Kat and Mark / @katandmarkshow.
We are so happy to have gotten to know you a little bit! Any last words out there for our readers? It’s never too late to follow your dreams. Never in a million years when I was sitting studying for my accounting exams or stuck behind a desk for fourteen hours a day did I think I’d be where I am now, but all it takes is to make the first step, believe in yourself, and even when you feel like giving up, that’s when you push yourself the hardest.
