Early Life and Background
Katya Elise Henry was born on June 14, 1994, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She comes from a multicultural background, with Sioux and Potawatomi Native American, African American, Russian, and Swedish roots. Her father, Derick Anthony Henry, worked as a professional bodyguard for over twenty years, providing security for high-profile names in the entertainment industry, while her mother, Tawnya Lynn Nelson, is a personal trainer. Katya has two sisters, Tanaya and Gabrielle—Tanaya is a model, actress, and jewelry designer.

Katya’s childhood and formative years were marked by frequent changes: she attended multiple high schools (Prior Lake High School, Horizon High School, and Desert Mountain High School) due to experiencing bullying. She was also part of her school’s cheerleading squad, where she discovered her passion for fitness and cardio, eventually becoming the team’s captain in her senior year.

The Rise of a Fitness Mogul
Katya’s fitness journey began in earnest in her late teens. Initially, she ate poorly despite her involvement in cheerleading, which led her to seek guidance from her mother. With her mother’s mentorship, she started a structured fitness routine focused on building a healthy, well-toned body. At the age of 19, she began to document her progress and share her journey on Instagram. Her photos and videos, highlighting her impressive transformation and natural physique, quickly garnered widespread attention.

She often emphasizes that her body is the result of years of hard work in the gym and adherence to a healthy lifestyle, not surgery. Her authenticity inspired a rapidly growing audience on social media. By 2025, Katya commands a following of over 7 million on Instagram.

Entrepreneurial Ventures
Katya is more than just an Instagram model—her entrepreneurial acumen is one of her defining traits. After realizing the demand for her fitness guidance was too great to handle through individual training, she founded “Workouts by Katya” (WBKFIT), an online platform offering personalized workout programs and nutritional advice. She also launched a swimwear brand, “Kiss My Peach Swimwear,” known for body-positive messaging and inclusivity.

Besides her businesses, she has partnered with brands such as Blessed Protein, EHPlabs, Teami Tea Blends, DreamLab & Co, and Brighter White. Her vegan lifestyle and focus on plant-based nutrition are central to her personal brand. Her “8 Week THICC Challenge” has also become a popular fitness regimen in the online community.

Influence and Advocacy
Katya leverages her platform not just for commercial success but to advocate for body positivity, self-love, and holistic wellness. She openly discusses the importance of confidence, embracing one’s natural self, and the work that goes into maintaining both physical and mental well-being. Many of her followers credit their fitness transformations to her motivational content and transparent approach to sharing her own journey.

Personal Life
Katya’s high-profile relationships have attracted significant media attention. She dated singer Austin Mahone from 2015 to 2017, followed by a brief relationship with NBA player Kyle Kuzma. Since early 2020, Katya has been in a relationship with NBA star Tyler Herro of the Miami Heat. Their romance began on social media and blossomed during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns.

As of 2025, Katya and Tyler share two children: daughter Zya, born September 14, 2021, and son Harlem, born January 12, 2023. While their relationship has occasionally attracted headlines—especially in the face of breakup rumors—they remain publicly supportive co-parents.

Notable Achievements
Social Media Presence: Over 7 million Instagram followers, widely cited as a role model for young women and fitness enthusiasts.

– Entrepreneurship: Founder of WBK FIT, Kiss My Peach Swimwear, and multiple fitness challenges/programs.

– Brand Collaborations: Long-time sponsored athlete for EHPlabs and Blessed Protein, among others.

– Media Appearances: Featured in fitness expos like Joe Weider’s Olympia Weekend and Body Power Expo, plus cameos in music videos.

– Inspirational Figure: Known for promoting body positivity, vegan nutrition, and transformative fitness regimens centered on natural physique.

Legacy and Continuing Impact
Katya Elise Henry exemplifies the modern fitness entrepreneur: she harnesses the power of social media, advocates for health and self-acceptance, and builds successful businesses from her authentic personal brand. Her journey from a bullied high school student to a global fitness influencer and mother is a testament to resilience, vision, and the power of self-belief. As she continues to grow her business ventures and influence, Katya remains committed to inspiring millions to pursue their own best selves—physically, mentally, and emotionally.