October 29, 2016

Meet Atlanta Model: Keenan Woods-Scott

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Keenan Woods-Scott.

Keenan, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am currently a senior at Kennesaw State University graduating in December with my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology.

Coming from a childhood of depression and low self-esteem, I never saw myself as a model or even in front of a camera as a career. I always complained about how awkward I looked and that I had to be a certain “size” to consider being a model. However, the times when I was in front of camera smiling away, my friends and family always pushed me and complemented saying “Keenan you should really go into modeling.” or “you are so photogenetic!”. Yes, those comments made me feel somewhat confident and good but was that enough? Not at all. It was time for a change.

Back in 2013, I decided to tryout and participate in the Kennesaw Activities Board Fashion Show which was my very FIRST fashion show in front of thousands of people (talk about nerve-racking). Hands down, the greatest experience of my life. In the following year, I was introduced to an organization called Xtreem Modeling Team which is a high fashion, creative modeling team that not only created fashion shows and various photo shoots but also strive to improve and empower students as well as improve dress and confidence amongst our peers. I came into this organization thinking I wouldn’t gain much out of it, but I was completely wrong. This organization allowed me to gain confidence within myself and showed me that putting in the work is going to open up many doors to my success.

Since joining the organization, I have ventured off into working with different photographers such as Atmos Photography, Orange Vaga, Mel B. Elder, Jr., Caleb Seales, Marcus Cloud, Devyn Springer, Calloway Captures, Dpicsphotography, and many other photographers. In addition, I recently joined Elbort Ivory Models which is based in Atlanta, GA. As you see, success didn’t happen overnight, you have to work for it.

Has it been a smooth road?
No, it has not been a smooth road at all. Eating and getting my body right was the many struggles throughout this journey. Food was life and I had to slowly make workout my life as well. My body has improved over the past two years, but not close to where I want to be. Also, balancing out school, work, and modeling has been stressful to keep up with but has definitely been a challenge.

What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
I believe the proudest moment of my career is signing with my first modeling agency which was Elbert Ivory Models. Coming from to experience to shooting with different photographers across Atlanta has been amazing and proven my hard work is definitely paying off.

Were there moments when you had to struggle?
There were moments where I struggled with my self-esteem. You would think that being photo genetic means I am always confident in myself, wrong. Through my first two years of undergrad, I felt ugly inside and out, not understanding who I was or what was my purpose. Even with people around me telling me that I am far from ugly and didn’t phase me and I stayed stagnant in my own thoughts. It took me a long time to build up my confidence and take control of myself.

What’s your outlook for the industry in our city?
I believe Atlanta has been a good place to an extent. The opportunity to grow is difficult but starting off here is a great start. It exposes you to different people and ideas that many other places may not have. I definitely would improve the connection level here in Atlanta with people outside of Atlanta. People tend to stick with you, they know and struggle with opening up and expanding their network.

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