Today we’d like to introduce you to Krystal Joiner.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started modeling about a year ago. To be honest, I kind of fell into it. It was crazy how it all happened. I was speaking to a friend at lunch one day and in passing mentioned to her how fun I think modeling would be. I love to entertain people, so the idea of getting in front of them and bringing about some kind of emotion through modeling sounded awesome. The very next day, this same friend sends me a screenshot of a “plus-size model call” that was coming up. I decided immediately that I was going to attend the casting because the timing was too perfect! I went to the casting totally unprepared and had no idea what to expect. What I did have was every season of America’s Next Top Model to rely on and used what I’d learned from the show to get me through the model call. Well, whatever I did worked and I was picked! I had my first fashion show in June 2018 and I’ve been pursuing modeling since then!
I have always loved the fashion industry and decided at a young age I wanted to be a designer. I went on to study Fashion Design in college and graduated with a BSFCS in Apparel Design & Product Development. I work full-time in the fashion industry now and pursue modeling with every spare second I have.
I’ve learned so much during my short career in modeling and can’t wait to see what happens this year.
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?
I’ve definitely had struggles. In modeling, there’s always the body-conscious aspect of it. Let’s not kid ourselves… the fashion industry is a beauty industry and modeling is about looks. So, even the most confident models will have their moments of doubt. Being an aspiring model myself, I’m still trying to figure out how everything works, and what is expected of me being a “plus-size” or “curve” model.
On that note, I am a size 10. In the fashion industry, that puts me on the edge of “plus-size” but outside of the fashion industry, I am a “normal size” woman. This has caused some friction for me when working in modeling because I’m kind of in a grey area. Never in my life would I think that “you’re too skinny” or “thick where?” would cause some frustration for me. These are comments you’d want to hear! They’d make you feel like you’re doing something right, right? However, hearing these comments from other plus-size models makes me feel, at times, like I don’t belong. On more than one occasion, I’ve had to tell people and models alike that I DO indeed belong in this category.
Lately, I’ve decided to present my size as a 10 and not label myself as “plus-size” or whatever category model. Instead, I show up, put my best foot forward and walk confidently in the body I have… whatever other people want to call me is fine. I’ll just stick with “size 10” for now.
Please tell us more about your business, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I do actually have a business in addition to my full-time career in the fashion industry, and modeling. I am an independent consultant for Rodan+Fields skincare. Currently, R+F is ranked the Number 1 Premium Skincare Brand in North America. I’m super proud to be a part of a successful company! I mentioned it in one of my previous responses as being a catalyst for my launch into modeling. It has truly changed my skin and given me the confidence that I have never had before. I’ve struggled with acne since puberty, and finally finding something that works for me was a God-send. I also get to work the business any and everywhere, how I want and when I want. It’s perfect for me because it fits with my busy schedule and most importantly, I get to share/help others with this gift that is good skincare! I do have a website that makes it super easy for people to learn about products and purchase if they want! If anyone who reads my interview is interested, they can email me at the email address on my website and I can give them more information.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I’ve loved every show and photoshoot I’ve been a part of. I want to say the proudest moment for me was being chosen to walk for J. Bolin earlier this year. He’s a celebrity stylist, so he knows his stuff and has worked with some big names. The fact that he and his casting director, Willie Johnson, chose me to walk was a game-changer! I’m also getting ready to go to a modeling expo at some point soon so I can’t wait to see what comes from that!
Contact Info:
- Website: kmjoiner.myrandf.com
Image Credit:
Nina Dior, Annie Marie, Ajax Rodriguez, Sara Wright, Dean’na Moore
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