Today we’d like to introduce you to Khaila Williams.
Hi Khaila, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born two months early with an extremely rare spinal condition called Caudal Regression Syndrome, which means the lower part of the spine is abnormal – or in my case – completely missing. In many cases, individuals born with this condition have little to no use of the bottom portion of their body.
When I first entered the world, doctors took one look at me and told my parents to just take me home and love me as I wouldn’t be able to live much of an independent life if I even lived that long because I was so small. Outside the NICU, my family prayed for a miracle, and that’s exactly what God gave. Today, the only indicators I have of this condition are a slight limp when I walk and a heart-shaped indentation in my lower back.
As I grew up, there were many milestones that were delayed, the most prominent being my ability to walk. While many children take their first steps around a little over a year old, I didn’t begin walking until I was almost three. Once I took my first steps, the numerous surgeries, intense physical therapy sessions, and use of leg braces and walkers began. I spent my entire childhood being the subject of many medical procedures that helped my physical health in the long run but ultimately took a toll on my mental health, which I didn’t realize until my mid-20s. This eventually landed me in therapy for my mental health at the age of 16, which I am still heavily involved in today.
Once I turned 18, I had my final visit with my orthopedic specialist who had been with me throughout my entire childhood and performed all of my surgeries. It was an emotional day to hear him say that I was “all clear” and that I no longer needed continuous orthopedic care because somehow, I had become strong enough to live life on my own like any normal person despite clearly missing my tailbone.
From that day forward, I vowed to myself to “Prove them Wrong” – “them” being every person who doubted I’d ever be able to live life on MY terms. Since then, I have been a cheerleader, participated in the marching band, danced in my high school’s version of Footloose: the Musical, gone to college, pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., moved to Atlanta to pursue a career in public health, and have been flourishing ever since.
I have always been an animated person, interested in the arts, and loved entertaining people. I even had a YouTube channel back in the day! During the pandemic, I was fresh out of undergrad and in the middle of my Master’s program. Like everyone else, I had ample time on my hands to really develop my hobbies into skill sets. I had built a persona called “The Tiny K” on Instagram in undergrad that had a pretty decent following at the time, and I wanted to somehow use this platform to inspire others. That’s when I took my hobbies of makeup, fashion, and beauty and put a spin on them. In 2021, I began my own series called “Makeup Your Mind” (shoutout to my friend, Thor, for the name!) which involved me doing different makeup looks and incorporating different colors to match my mood. I’d take pictures and post them on Instagram with extremely vulnerable and raw captions that allowed people to see a different perspective of mental health. These posts turned into brand partnerships which eventually opened the door for modeling opportunities.
Since my modeling journey began in 2021 (I’d like to personally thank Orlando Mcgill of Sniper Productions for being the first photographer to help bring my vision to life), I’ve spent a lot of time realizing myself and coming to terms with a plethora of things surrounding my spinal condition. My current therapist has played a MAJOR role in helping me along this healing journey, which has given me the courage to pivot The Tiny K’s platform as preaching self-love, promoting body positivity, and bringing awareness/acceptance to unique bodies.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This has NOT been a smooth road to say the least. Outside of the trauma caused by so many medical procedures and surgeries throughout my childhood, my biggest struggles come from me thinking I’m not strong enough or beautiful because I know that I’m visibly different. Although one would think I’d struggle with more physical things, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. It has taken me my entire life up to this very moment to even begin loving and appreciating the body that God blessed me with. Though I’m still a work in progress, I like to share my journey with others because I know that someone, somewhere is experiencing the exact same feelings.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I like to refer to myself as an ultra-petite model. Standing at only 4 feet 9 inches, I’m smaller than most women my age, which has also proven to be very intimidating sometimes, ESPECIALLY at castings. Seeing women who are tall and graceful in heels used to make me shy away from in-person castings. In the past few months, I’ve gained the confidence to not only show up in person but show everyone (myself included) why I deserve to be there as well.
I specialize in commercial/lifestyle modeling, and I’m most known for my tiny stature. I’m also becoming known for my ability to share my experiences in a relatable manner to inspire others to make room for themselves in spaces they wouldn’t normally be invited in.
I am most proud of my ability to use my obstacles as stepping stones for creating a better tomorrow for both myself and hopefully other women who may be dealing with mental health concerns, body image issues, etc.
What sets me apart from others is obviously Caudal Regression Syndrome, but despite the obvious, I can still command a room with my bright personality and welcoming energy.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something surprising that most people might not know is that I am actually a lot smaller than what I look like in my pictures, haha. Great photographers have a talent in getting the right angles so that I look taller!
Another thing is that I am a HUGE true crime and horror movie junkie. I get it from my dad. He used to watch scary movies at home all the time, and one day I sat down and watched a movie with him. I haven’t stopped since!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @TheTinyK
Image Credits
Orlando McGill – @shot.bysnipe | @sniperproductions_ BashBenzo – @bashbenzo
