We recently connected with Kirin Dejonckheere and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kirin, thanks for joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

My parents, both karate sensei, gave me a strong foundation in self-defense, awareness, and resilience. Growing up, I didn’t fully appreciate how these teachings would shape my future, but they became invaluable as I embarked on my modeling career at 14 and started traveling the world alone at 16. Their lessons in grounding, focus, and safety, learned through resilience training and the Rock and Water program, provided me with the confidence to navigate new environments and challenges. It also gave me the courage to move to New York City at 19 and start my own coaching business, alongside my modeling career. Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for the strength and independence they instilled in me.

Kirin, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Kirin Dejonckheere, and I began my journey in the modeling industry in Antwerp, Belgium, where I was scouted at 15. The world of high fashion took me to many incredible places, and gave me the opportunity to work for brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada, Dior and Vogue Magazine, but it also brought intense challenges—self-image struggles, loneliness, and a relentless lifestyle. Over time, I realized that beneath the glamorous surface, I craved balance, authenticity, and a deeper sense of purpose. This inner drive led me to pursue a path beyond the catwalk.
After years of navigating this world, I realized the importance of mental and physical well-being and this led me to pursue a path beyond the catwalk.
I pursued certifications in life coaching, personal training and nutrition coaching. These tools allowed me to further understand how integral self-care and holistic wellness are, not just for appearance but for genuine, lasting fulfillment.

Today, I’m based in New York and through my own transformation, I’ve developed a holistic approach to coaching, blending empathy and understanding with actionable strategies for alignment and balance. My work centers around empowering people to reconnect with themselves, particularly those who feel isolated, pressured, or judged solely by their performance or appearance. I guide my clients in uncovering their authentic selves, breaking free from limiting beliefs, and learning to value who they are beyond achievements or societal expectations.
My coaching focuses on guiding clients to reconnect with themselves, build sustainable wellness habits, and align their lives with their own values. I know what it’s like to feel surrounded by success but still feel a void inside, and my goal is to help others bridge that gap, reach their fullest potential, and accomplish their personal goals.

For anyone following my journey or considering coaching with me, I want them to know that I truly understand what it’s like to face intense external pressures and the feeling of not being “enough.” My goal is to help each person find not just success, but a sense of wholeness and resilience—something I believe we all deserve.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Redefining Success Beyond Appearances

A key lesson I had to unlearn was that success is defined by how we appear to others—whether it’s based on looks, career milestones, or achievements. In modeling, so much hinged on external approval, and that shaped how I viewed success for a long time. But I realized that external validation is fleeting and often doesn’t align with our inner values or well-being. Unlearning this taught me that true success is found in inner alignment, self-respect, and feeling fulfilled in one’s life. Now, I help clients reframe success beyond appearances and external accolades, helping them find joy and fulfillment that’s aligned with their inner values.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Resilience in Overcoming the Pressures of Perfection

Early in my modeling career, I was constantly bombarded with feedback on how I should look, move, and present myself—an endless chase to meet an impossible standard. It was exhausting, and I found myself questioning my self-worth. But instead of letting that pressure define me, I took a step back and focused on my well-being. I turned to personal growth, earned certifications in personal training and nutrition, and ultimately found my calling in life coaching. That journey taught me that resilience isn’t about enduring external pressures but redefining what success means on my own terms. Today, I guide my clients to do the same, to focus on what truly fulfills them instead of conforming to outside expectations.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kirind.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kickitwithkirin/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirin-dejonckheere-340435174/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/kirindejonckheere/