Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendalyn Aldridge.
Kendalyn, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My mom adopted me from Nanning, China when I was eight months old. I’ve always been interested in fine arts. So much so, I would direct my friends and even my family members while playing. As I grew older, I became interested in photography and acting. I gained most of my modeling experience from practicing with my sister or setting my camera on a timer then posing in front of it. I took photography, dance, and acting classes in college which helped me become familiar with what makes fine art effective. After trying to be an actor for a couple of years, I decided to take a break and ask a friend if they had any connections with people who wanted models; specifically special effects. I joined a Facebook page for models and photographers called Dallas TFP. I started working with a variety of photographers with street and small fashion photoshoots. Realizing that I had more skills as a model than I did as an actor, I have been actively focusing on modeling. I currently model for the online boutique Charlene’s Style Boutique and Charlene’s Accessories.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
One of the biggest obstacles I’ve faced is breaking through the competition. Like most of the fine arts, there are a lot of people wanting to do the same thing and who want to be recognized. I had to make modeling a priority, be willing to commute to far locations, and use the manners I’ve learned from acting such as arriving at least 15 minutes early. I also had to learn how to be flexible with each photographer since everyone’s style varies. I’ve always been aware that my appearance and height didn’t match what the photographers were looking for. I learned to not be intimidated by this and reach out to any model calls that interested me; even if I wasn’t what they were looking for. Thankfully, I had practiced posing when I was little and in photography classes. This helped me provide fun and efficient photo shoots with photographers that led to me being popular on the TFP page. My best advice to women who want to do something in fine arts is to always keep practicing and always keep putting themselves out there. Yes, you will fail a lot and be rejected a lot. Take every experience you get, positive and negative, to create a niche for yourself.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Even though I am focusing on being a fashion model, I also do other kinds of modeling. I specialize in portraying inhuman creatures with the help of special effects or using my dance skills. I’m known for being physically flexible and exotic. I have also directed, choreographed, danced, and acted in my former YouTube channel “kenniwithani.” I also was a photographer for about two years under the business name “Photos with Kenni.” I am most proud of my variety of skills and how I use them. I understand what the photographers are going through and sometimes what kind of shot they want. I understand that as a model I cannot see the bigger picture and have to rely on the photographer to tell me what looks good. My acting and dance experience helps me provide emotions and unique poses. I also try to be easily posed if the photographer has any suggestions.
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
I love the book “The Spark” by Lyn Heward and John U. Bacon. It discusses Cirque du Soleil’s creative process and how you can apply it to your life.
I am currently reading “So Good They Can’t Ignore You” by Cal Newport. It is a business book that discusses the importance of building rare and valuable skills.
The podcasts I listen to are:
Up for Discussion: An comedic emotionally honest podcast run by improv actors and other creatives. It’s a great podcast to wind down to but also get a lot of insight on.
They’re Calling Again: A analytical podcast about the sitcom “Fraiser” and how it relates to real life.
Cortex: A productivity podcast about how to organize your life and brings insight into developing side businesses.
Hello Internet: A podcast that is about everything and nothing. From discussing Internet news to the inner workings of YouTube, the hosts keep you on your toes.
Currently, I am using the Apple app ATimelogger 2 which helps track my time throughout the day by creating timers. I highly recommend time tracking to give you an accurate account of how you spend your day. (ATimelogger is available for Android devices.)
Contact Info:
- Email: kenniishere@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenniishere
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kenniishere
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6D0o6YRjRp43m8h-5_GlwQ
Image Credit:
Personal Photo (Self portrait) Photographer Kendalyn Aldridge, My Love and I: Photographer Bruna Kitchen, Male model Matthew Goss, Dance of the Nutcrackers: Photographer J2Images, Sunski in Oklahoma: Photographer Jon Grogan, Untitled: Photographer Charlene’s Style Boutique, Owner Keisha, Down by the Sea: Photographer David Huval, Vampyr (in Ft Worth) Photographer Kellye Bussey, Make Up Artist Rae Rain (Facebook Mitsu Bunny a.k.a Black Rabbit), Through the Trees: Photographer Nick Glover, Sensuality in the Rain: Photographer Daniel Arnauld
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