Daily Inspiration: Meet Kelis Cantrell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelis Cantrell.

Hi Kelis, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Philadelphia, PA for most of my lifetime. Growing up I was very active… I was into dancing, modeling, acting, and cheerleading. The one thing I seemed to cling onto the most was modeling. It was always something I enjoyed doing since the age of 5 or 6. As a tall female, I was always pushed toward the scene of basketball but I didn’t really enjoy it, it wasn’t something I could see myself doing in the future. So growing up my mom who I love dearly tried her best to get me into the “modeling scene”. It was definitely a trial and error thing because of scams and things like that. At a young age, I didn’t understand what was going on so it kind of discouraged me a little bit, but I never wanted to give up on it. As I got older, I decided to jump back into it and I’ve been working on achieving my dream as a professional model ever since. Now I’m currently based in Houston, Texas but I travel throughout the states for different things when I have to (including Philadelphia, New York, Atlanta, and Los Angeles).

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?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. But when has the road to success ever been smooth? Being a part of the modeling industry, there are many downsides. One of them being the scams. You get emails every day about jobs but you never know what’s real and what not. That’s why it’s great to do research or sign with an agency to help with that. Also, the modeling industry tends to be very challenging appearance-wise because body type and ethnicity definitely come into play a lot. Casting directors and brands know what they’re looking for. Sometimes they can be very harsh but you just have to try your best not to let it affect you. Modeling tends to be about trends a lot of the time so if you don’t fit the criteria of that trend at the time you may not be chosen. So I had to learn that just because you aren’t chosen doesn’t mean there aren’t better things coming my way for me.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’ve been modeling since the age of 5 or 6. I’ve worked with 2-4 agencies in my lifetime but none of them seemed like a fit for me. I’ve done a few runway shows. I’ve done photoshoots in a variety of different states. I’m most proud of my ability to not give up especially because modeling can be very hard. I’m currently working with Page Parkes modeling agency in Houston, Texas and I really enjoy it but I haven’t signed with them yet. I could definitely see this agency in my future though. I’m currently working on starting my YouTube channel back up, starting a clothing brand, content creating, and many more things in 2023 that I’m really excited about.

How do you think about happiness?
Modeling and being in front of the camera makes me the happiest. I feel most like myself when I’m working. I enjoy showing my creativity and feeling free in front of the camera. I just really enjoy working on accomplishing my goals.

Another thing that makes me happy is my family and friends. I really appreciate how supportive and loving they are. I would not be here without them.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keliscantrell/?hl=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Kelisworld