Kya M.
Measurements
Waist: 23’
Hips: 32’
Bust: 32’
Height: 5’10
Hair/Eye Color: Brown Hair Green Eyes
Tell us about yourself
I am from Boston and I am 20 years old. I grew up outside the city in a small town with my dad, and right in Southie with my mom so I got to experience both rural and urban lifestyles which was really cool. I am currently in school getting my bachelors for criminal justice and plan to be a lawyer one day! I was a dancer for 15 years of my life which I loved dearly, but when the pandemic hit decided I wanted to try something new which is when I fell in love with modeling!
Tell us about your modeling experience
I started modeling about two years ago and it has turned into so much more than I could’ve imagined. It has brought me to the most incredible cities for Fashion Weeks and it is so rewarding to get to do what I love around the world. This last year I was featured in Vogue and ELLE magazine and it is so surreal to see yourself in magazines you have been reading your whole life. I typically book runway jobs but I love doing commercial work too! I can’t wait to keep growing these next few years.
What is your biggest dream?
My biggest dream is to be a member of congress or to be the first woman president of the United States. I am someone who has always loved advocating for others and being a leader. There is so much change we need to see in the world and I look forward to helping make it. My goal as a model and a person is to let other woman know that they can accomplish anything they put their mind to and that nothing is impossible. With hard work, consistency, and self confidence you can achieve anything.
What does it mean to be your own kind of beautiful?
Bring your own kind of beautiful is to stay true to yourself inside and out. Wearing and doing things that make you most confident even if it is different from what others are doing. It is standing standing and being unique on the inside and the outside.
How would you describe your fashion style?
My fashion style is very classic old money style. When I was younger and saw Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl for the first time, I feel in love with her mature timeless looks. I incorporate lots of houndstooth, neutrals and make my shoes or purse the pop of color in my outfit. I love this style because it has been in forever since the royal family and it will forever be relevant.
Who or what inspires you?
I am so lucky to be around so many powerful woman who inspire me. Both of my grandmothers have created such large impacts on me and always pushed me to tackle my goals. One of my grandmothers was a scientist during a time when she was the only woman at most of her workplaces. My other grandmother has her doctorates and has worked in education for most of her life. They are the most amazing people I know and they never stop pushing themselves to learn more and expand what they are capable of.
What is your advice to someone who is just getting started with modeling?
When getting started in modeling it is so important to be your own advocate. As you start it essential that you build up your portfolio so you can start getting as much work as possible. As the model, it is your responsibility to keep up to date with your digitals, keep in contact with your agency, keep updating your photos etc. When I was starting out and not yet signed I reached out to ten or more brands a day letting them know I was a model looking for work and was available whenever they needed! This is how I got many of my first jobs and photos to start my portfolio. Also it is important than all of this is to be kind to everyone you meet! The industry is smaller than it looks and everyone knows everyone, being kind goes a long way in rebooking jobs or getting recommended!
Describe some obstacles you have overcome in your life and how that has changed or shaped you.
I have really struggled with my mental health over the course of my life. I was diagnosed with anxiety at a very young age, and started showing signs in 1st and 2nd grade. As I got older, I had really severe anxiety and panic attacks that caused me to stop attending high school in person before the pandemic. It got to a point where I could barely leave my room or speak to people around me. It took years of learning coping mechanisms and pushing myself out of my comfort zone to even be back in public again. I am so grateful now to have the confidence to walk the runway or go to networking events, it is something that my younger self could’ve never imagined.
What makes you beautiful/handsome?
What makes me beautiful is my individuality and my personality. It can be so easy in this industry to want to replicate the looks of those around us but it is so important that we keep true to ourselves. Being a bubbly and outgoing person is what people love about me and what I love about myself! Staying true to who I am makes it authentic when u market myself and keeps me feeling beautiful and confident.
What would you say to another girl/guy your age who is struggling with their confidence?
In the moments where you feel confidence it is so important to figure out what components can be replicated so you can create that feeling whenever you want! For me it’s my favorite songs playing but maybe it’s a certain way you do your makeup, having a dance party before you go out, or something else! When I need to be in a confident state I make sure I play uplifting music to get my mood up! Another key part of confidence is no one knows if yours is real or fake. So many times I’m not feeling my best but I just play pretend that I am feeling super confident and it translates to others as real! Over time it becomes easier.
