Today we’d like to introduce you to Sly Chick and Kylie Frey.
Sly and Kylie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In the before times when human interaction was permitted, specifically in the Fall of 2019, a fellow friend picked up a camera, I picked up the confidence, and we got together in downtown Dallas off of Swiss Avenue for what would be my first official photoshoot. Little did I know how hooked I would be; how enticing it would feel to be back in front of the camera, an outlet when the creativity in me had fizzled into oblivion some months prior. I cannot tell you how long because time becomes a meaningless fog of a blur when the artist in you dies.
Who am I? Or rather, who or what am I not? Broadly, I am a unique culmination of every single experience, both good and bad, that has ever happened to me. I am that finite fragment dubbed as “Sly Chick,” a nickname inherited from my writing days on Neopets. Yes, I went there. To narrow it down further, my name is Kylie. I am an educator, a writer, a tutor, a model, a gamer, a housekeeper, a workout babe, a yogie, a horseback rider, a survivor, a dreamer, a forever student of life, learning and discovery.
Without having to do the research, I am an Aries, borderline Taurus, for the curious zodiacs of the world. Reminiscing on my childhood, I cannot make much of a comment there. Simply put, I did not have one. I lived a rather nomadic lifestyle, born and raised throughout Texas, never really attending a school longer than a year. Tenth grade is when my life smoothed over, changed for the better, and provided me with what would be my first real genuine opportunity to flourish, establish roots and explore myself as a human being. A special recognition to my Grandfather, Stephen Fagan, may you rest in peace knowing you saved me. My life is not and will not be lived in vain.
With a stable foundation, love and encouragement, I did everything I could squeeze into my schedule. Back in high school, I was involved in color guard, choir, rodeo club, Ready-Set-Teach, all the while maintaining good grades, a job and a social life. A jack of all trades and a master of none. I began working at the age of fifteen, my first job being at Six Flags in the food industry. The moment I was able to drive legally, I had a car. One fond memory I possess is in my grandfather’s truck, him sternly telling a curb-happy teen that if she could learn to drive in his cattle-guard, giant monster, Chevy of a truck, that she would be able to drive anything. Tell that to the curbs of Mid Cities, and a female that stands at approximately 5’2 inches.
After high school, I went to college and graduated from the University of North Texas in May of 2016. I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and a certification in ESL, which loosely translates to I can teach Pr-Kindergarten up to Sixth Grade. I did so for a couple of years and will forever hold those memories close. As the story goes, my health did not improve. My immune system did not adjust. It was the complete opposite; It plummeted, leaving me constantly sick, stressed, and for lack of a better word, void. From there, it would take me two years to realize that teaching can transcend beyond four walls, that a classroom is not necessary to share my knowledge and zest for life. To what I left behind, I did not walk away from education because I wanted to, but because I had to. I was forced to halt, reevaluate and adjust. So I did. Cheers to chronic lung ailments, and to dreams that we sometimes have to leave behind.
Fast forward to the present day, from teacher to model. To break it down lightly, it is not something that happened overnight. It took patience, passion, and perseverance. It did not come without trial and error. I can still recall the first time I told my family this was the pathway I was actively choosing, and blessed be the soul that is my other grandfather, Daniel Boone. Rest in peace, and I thank you for that bit of extra faith given when the odds appeared stacked against me. Since the end of October in 2019, I have participated in a runway, modeled for an array of talented individuals, became a brand ambassador, as well as a promotional model.
From teacher to model, I am utilizing every skill I possess and honing it, applying it however I can logistically. I am taking a hand in which I was dealt and running with it, pursuing that leap of faith, giving it that final push. One more go around. I was allowed to share my story, so let this be my anthem. It is completely okay to crash and burn, to watch everything you once envisioned ignite right before your very eyes – Just make sure your comeback is greater than your setback. Be it mental, physical, spiritual, whatever it is that may perplex or plague you, know that you got this. Realize that you have to trust yourself, your gut and those around you.
Change is inevitable. Life adapts and continues, even if every fiber of our being screams otherwise. I cannot tell you how my story ends, because of the way I see it; it has only just begun. It is never too late to start over. There is always something to learn, experience and endure. My name is Kylie Frey, and I am “That Sly Chick.” Versatile in nature, diverse in my experiences, open-minded, adaptable in life and the conditions in which are seamlessly incorporated. I go hard, love hard, dream hard. They say life is what you make it, and in some perspectives, you only get one. Here is mine.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it has not been easy-going. The most challenging part was finding my niche. My community. What I represent. What I wanted to do. The freedom, in and of itself, is a challenge. Yet, if determined enough, you navigate through. Think journeys, like Skyrim, Fall Out, maybe Mass Effect? Dragon Age? A video game, something tangible as a reference.
Please tell us about your work.
I would not necessarily regard “That Sly Chick” as a business or a company. Not yet. The name itself was originally utilized in the writing realm as a nickname, so I figured if I could call myself anything, why not something nerdy and versatile? “That Sly Chick” is essentially me. I am an aspiring model, on my way to becoming an entrepreneur of sorts. I am open-minded, educated and comical. I am extremely diverse when it comes to hobbies, and I would like to one day successfully incorporate them into modeling. I love horseback riding, hiking at state parks and national parks, seeing what the world has to offer. It would be cool to be able to bring those dreams to life through modeling and photography, to write and potentially to act. I have been told I have a vivacious personality, an expansive mindset and do what I can not to limit myself. However, I have worked with local businesses in regards to promotional modeling and brand content. Growing up, I used to write fantasy-based stories, like wolves with wings, mermaids, pirates, elves like in Lord of the Ring? That would be awesome to cosplay. Need a model to pose somewhere spooky, haunted, or abandoned? Maybe the post-apocalyptic era? Yep, that is my vibe, too. But what about outside, looking graceful and serene in a natural setting? I am you, girl. Photographers just getting started, small business owners, clothing or accessory brands looking to work with a reliable, outgoing and personable model? Hi there! Anyone who needs an extra in a music video? Right here! What sets me apart is my can-do attitude, the versatility I happily display and actively work towards. I am energetic, yet professional in demeanor, and I would say my passion, love of life, creativity and learning spice things up a bit.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
• Charisma
• Communicative
• Dependable
• Flexible
• Open-Minded
• Personable
• Professional
• Punctual
• Respectful
• Responsible
• Seriousness
• Versatile
All of these combined characteristics sum me up, and I am sure I will think of more later. Regardless, I would never ask someone to do something I would not do. Practice what you preach.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thatslychick.myportfolio.com/home
- Email: thatslychick@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatslychick/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thatslychick/
- Other: https://www.modelmayhem.com/thatslychick
Image Credit:
Mad Raven Photography, Fino Zuniga, Sherman Orendorf, Bizzy Thomas, Jalisa Bolton, and Michael W. Norwood
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