Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Adams.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Life turned me to the path I am currently taking on the first day of my senior year of high school. I decided to graduate early, which is how I was able to work my very first promotional modeling job in South Padre for the whole month of March. One of the girls that I lived within South Padre was a full-time promotional model so instead of going to college when I came home, I dove into the promotional modeling/brand ambassador industry. At that time, I was also trying to get started in modeling and although I was very motivated and making moves, the moves weren’t really the ones I originally had seen myself taking.
When this came to my attention, I decided to really focus in on promotional modeling and making a name for myself there. Being part of that industry is what really helped me with my communication skills and lead me to a lot of different opportunities. Fast forward a few years, I was working at the Dallas Market Center, where I met the owner of Bella Modeling School McKinney and one of their head instructors. After meeting them, I decided that in order to have the modeling career I desired, I needed to attend school. Fast forward a couple of years from that and now I work from home for the Bella Modeling School McKinney office, I instruct at both the Dallas and McKinney studios, and I am the volunteer coordinator for our staff volunteer days. At this point, most everything I do is within the modeling industry. Following all of that, I have now started a podcast about the modeling industry called The Real Model Talk, where I interview all different types of models and other industry experts to create awareness of all the different opportunities in modeling that are available to all different types of people while also giving tips and real-life experiences to help listeners navigate the modeling world.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all. Especially at the beginning. When I first started out in modeling (on my own with no proper mentors), I was taking advice from the wrong people who had the most selfish intentions. This leads me down a road I did not originally plan to take and was turning me into a type of model I knew deep down I didn’t want to be. One day I found myself in a not so safe situation that could have ended up being much worse than it was and that is when I realized I needed to do something different.
Being a model/promotional model means your paychecks are not consistent so that has definitely been a challenge I have faced at times but it really has never brought me down. In this instance, I would say I am blessed to only have known this way of working because if I had come from a place of regular checks and security, I probably wouldn’t have lasted as long as I have. Having to continuously motivate myself to be booking the next job or create the next stream of income. In the end, I am a business owner so if I am not hustling for the work, it won’t be there. Being a model is not as easy as most people probably imagine. There is a lot of behind the scenes work that goes into getting paid that includes much more than just standing in front of a camera.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a model (signed with Icon Studios Dallas)/podcast host. I specialize in promotional and commercial modeling/providing real & relatable conversations about the modeling industry. I am known for my fluid posing, smile, on-camera speaking, referrals and most importantly, being easy to work with/connecting people with each other and opportunities I am most proud of the fact that I am where I am and have done the things that I have done without going to college or having a degree. (Not downing college or degrees, its just not for me and I almost followed all my peers onto that path) I know I still have a long ways to go but I have never been more sure of myself and the actions that I am taking than I am now.
I am also really proud that I stepped out of my comfort zone and made The Real Model Talk. Before I had never really liked the sound of my voice but now I am really confident in it. Also, I wasn’t fully aware of what I was creating until I had actually launched the podcast. I am so proud that I have created a platform where people can talk about something they love doing, a platform where people can speak out about their experiences (good and bad), a platform that connects people with one another, and ultimately a platform that inspires people to go after their dreams. Through The Real Model Talk, I am able to provide a free resource for people to learn, become inspired, and get connected. Above all, I am most proud of my mindset. I credit that to everything.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The Covid-19 crisis has really reminded me of the importance of adaptability. Those who are able to pivot will survive, and those who aren’t won’t. However, times are different and not necessarily the best, its also important to remember to cherish the present and make the best of each moment. Being in the events industry (promotional modeling) Covid-19 left me without work for a few months. Instead of wasting all that free time, I really took advantage of the fact that I wasn’t constantly worn out from what pays my bills and focused on creating The Real Model Talk. Covid-19 might have taken a lot of money out of my pocket but it definitely gave me a lot of time and I am extremely grateful for that.
Contact Info:
- Email: kaymodels26@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaylanadams/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/TheRealModelTalk
Image Credits
Angela Webb & Toma Kozareva
