Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaye Sanders.
Hi Kaye, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been drawn to management for as long as I can remember. According to my grandmother, it started when I was about three years old—I would walk around singing “I’m Going Down” by Mary J. Blige while missing my mom while she worked. Music became my comfort early on, and that connection has stayed with me throughout my life.
Growing up, creativity surrounded me. I freestyled with my cousins and brothers, learned the flute, taught myself other instruments, and immersed myself in music. While I shared my family’s musical talent, what truly set me apart was my natural leadership. I enjoyed organizing people, taking initiative, and guiding others. By the age of eight, I knew management was my calling.
As I got older, I explored several creative paths—including sports, modeling, and fashion—and eventually modeled professionally while balancing athletics and band in high school. When it came time to apply for college, choosing Business Management felt natural. While attending Auburn University at Montgomery, I became pregnant with my son, Kailani, and that season of my life brought clarity and purpose.
That’s when K1 Management was born. Since then, I’ve managed premier artists, musicians, models, and creatives across multiple industries, building a company rooted in leadership, authenticity, and advocacy.
Since that time, I’ve also been blessed with another addition to my family. In 2023, I gave birth to my daughter, Kassidy, who has shown a deep connection to music since birth. Watching her respond to rhythm and sound reminds me why this work matters—not just professionally, but generationally.
My family has been a constant source of support throughout my journey. My younger brother, Willie, also known as Quad, has always been one of my biggest supporters, encouraging me consistently. My brother Ced, the owner of the most romantic pizza in the world, Can a Brotha Get a Slice, has been a tremendous inspiration in my life and stepped into a fatherly role, showing me what leadership, responsibility, and perseverance truly look like.
My mother, Channie, raised me to be strong, faith-driven, and unwavering in pursuit of my purpose. Becoming a single mother strengthened that foundation even more. My children are my greatest motivation, and with the support of my family, I continue to grow, lead, and build a legacy through K1 Management.
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 been a smooth journey. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, I’ve faced challenges that tested both my resilience and my values. Early on, I encountered moments of unfair treatment—being spoken to inappropriately, having my professionalism questioned, and being downplayed or underestimated in my role as a manager.
I was often told that I would have to work harder, prove more, and push further than my male counterparts to earn the same respect and compensation. Instead of allowing those obstacles to discourage me, I used them as fuel. I built my career on firm boundaries, clear standards, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Through perseverance, self-respect, and consistency, I’ve earned my place in this industry—and I’m still climbing. My journey has shaped me into a stronger leader, a better advocate for my clients, and a woman who creates space for others to succeed without compromising who they are.
As you know, we’re big fans of K1 Management. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am the Founder and CEO—what I proudly call the SHE-E-O—of K1 Management, an entertainment management company established in 2019 in Montgomery, Alabama. K1 Management was built to serve premier talent—artists, entertainers, and creatives who are serious about growth, visibility, and positioning themselves at the highest levels of the industry. We work across all genres, because talent doesn’t fit into one box.
What sets K1 Management apart is that it was created by someone who understands the industry from the inside out. As an artist and model myself, I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to create, promote, and manage yourself while navigating contracts, negotiations, and systems that aren’t always designed to protect talent. That lived experience shapes how I lead and advocate for my clients.
Trust is at the core of everything I do. I take time to educate my clients on the business side of entertainment—contracts, branding, strategy, and long-term positioning—so they are informed, empowered, and protected. My goal isn’t just exposure; it’s sustainability. I push my clients to reach new levels while ensuring they are connected to the right people, platforms, and opportunities without being taken advantage of.
I’ve also come out of retirement from modeling and am back on the scene alongside my clients. You can catch us together on commercials, television, film, magazines, and runways, building visibility and credibility in real time. Staying active in the field allows me to lead by example and remain fully tapped into current industry standards and opportunities.
Two of the multi-talented artists I currently manage are Swavy6a6y (IG: @swavy_6a6y) and Mahdi (IG: @dareal_mahdi). Both are accomplished artists and models, bringing strong creative vision, versatility, and presence to everything they do. Their music is powerful, authentic, and definitely worth checking out.
Beyond entertainment, I’ve expanded my professional portfolio even further. I am now a licensed Real Estate Agent, so when it comes to future home-buying needs, I’m someone clients can trust both creatively and professionally. This addition reflects my belief in building long-term stability and generational wealth—both for myself and for those I serve.
In addition to K1 Management, I am launching Eyefire by Kaye, an eye-beauty and skincare brand specializing in color contacts and eye-focused products, coming soon. I also continue to create as an artist under the name Kaye, with over 10 years in music and more than 20 years in modeling, with new releases on the way.
As a manager, I operate across multiple roles, including:
Account Manager
Talent Manager
Day-to-Day Manager
Tour/Road Manager
PR Manager (as needed)
This full-spectrum approach allows me to provide comprehensive, consistent management without gaps—ensuring my clients are supported strategically, creatively, and professionally.
At the end of the day, I proudly wear many hats. I am truly the JACK(IE) OF ALL TRADES—and I use every one of those skills to elevate the people and projects I believe in.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Instagram: @k1management and @eyefire_by_kaye
Facebook: @K1 Management
Twitter: @K1Management
SoundCloud: @K1 Management
Website coming soon! Be on the lookout
Contact Info:
