Today we’d like to introduce you to Khalil Anderson.
Hi Khalil, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Born and raised as a small town kid out of Beckley West Virginia. My journey started as a weight loss plan. Back in 2020, at almost 300lbs. My goal was to get my health back on track, to be more active. The idea of modeling was something that was a tv thing.. but I figured hey I could try it. At the time, I was a trainer and a big part of my community with the youth. No one in my circle or the surrounding communities I knew of modeled. But that didn’t deter me. It was like I had tunnel vision. I started researching, what type of modeling did I want to do, as there were so many. Going into this adventure I had set. I thought.. well the first thing I need is a portfolio. I reached out to Isiah Moses, a photographer I knew from college. I explained I had a vision and I needed his help to achieve it. Looking back that shoot really inspired me to believe in myself.. I was hungry and eager for more. I knew I had more to do in the gym so that was my first step. Within that next year I was behind a camera and in the gym non stop. Getting myself more familiar and building my portfolio. Then came early 2021 I did my first runway show. As nervous as I was it went great. That sparked my second thing, I needed. An agent, someone who really knew the ins and outs of this business. Then came July of that year I finally got signed to an agency of out Atlanta, that moment felt like hitting the lottery. I have to give credit where it’s due. Denarrius, who was my agent at the time.. Had me booked and busy as they call it. All over the east coast shooting with many talented photographers. As I was still in West Virginia, commuting back and forth. Then came October of 2021 I got my first magazine cover. A phenomenal photographer Eduardo Fermin was able to make that happen. Within that next month I found myself on social media scrolling. I came upon an ad from a clothing brand BOX. Based out of the UK, they were looking for new faces. Something told me to give it a shot. After hours of researching and getting more info, not telling anyone I sent an email. Not long after, maybe a few days. I was suprised to find they responded. Now at first I was hesitant but only because I couldn’t believe it. After some back and forth the final email came.. You’ve been selected the words I read from left to right. My heart pounding, eyes watering. Me, this kid from the middle of nowhere is in contact and moving forward with my first campaign project. Not only that but internationally! I fell to my knees in my little double wide trailer. Shouting thank you lord! I messaged my agent and all my friends to break the news. In just a few weeks I’ll be traveling across the ocean. This was the thing I needed. That spark that turned the fire into a furnace. Things were moving so fast. I couldn’t believe in that moment a year ago I was just imagining. I flew to the Uk November of 2021 for a week. An experience I’ll never forget. That changed the whole course of my life. As I returned from that trip. I was even hungrier. My next goal was the fashion world. The big apple. Where dreams really do come true. By the grace of god it did. It came February of 2022 I was in New York. After a long day behind the camera I decided I’d step out and explore. Little did I know. I came to meet Darrell and Theo. One who is a stylists for Dior and the other for Gucci. After some back and forth, I was offered an amazing opportunity to shoot on 5th avenue with Dior. Once again my heart dropped. In awe another goal was getting checked off. That next day was like a dream. I was feeling all of the emotions but I got dressed and hit the city. Walking into Dior with a Nike duffle and a puffer jacket. Feeling like I was out of place but knew god had me right where I needed to be. As I made my way to the back I’m met with Darrel who asked for my sizes and reassured me not to worry. That made me feel a lot better. The shoot was phenomenal and I walked out knowing I was meant for this! As I was headed back to Wv. All these emotions went through my head. Something in me said I had to start preparing for this next chapter. Within those couple of months I had been back an forth with my agent on moving down and really taking this head on. The day came, July of 2022. I woke up and knew today is the day! I packed my bags. Me an my little Camry and the rest of my dreams. As I knew there was no coming back. I got here and got right to work. Getting settled and acclimated to the city was my first step. It took a few months but the time had come. by June 2023 I was walking in my first show put on by Dwight Ubanks. I had a great time and learned so much. That made me hungrier. I had nothing to lose and so much to gain. Within that next year, I worked my self day in and day out. I was fuiled. Eventually, I got to a point I was challenged, so much that I contemplated giving up and going back. But back to what, I thought.. that’s when it hit me I couldn’t leave. Everything up until this point wasn’t easy but I made it. Everything I had worked for was right in front of me I was just gonna throw it all away.. I had to go back the drawing board. Realizing that this isn’t a pond anymore. I’m with the big fish.. I had to find me again.. I had lost sight of my purpose for being in Atlanta. As time moved on I worked on more than just my physical. I was not the same small town kid. I was a living testimony I had more to prove to myself. Finally I cracked the code on my own life. I was able to find the balance and not let it get me so overwhelmed. I got back to runway. And over the few months I set the bar higher and higher. Doing castings and shows left and right. I was able to get plenty more opportunities. Then came summer of 2024, I get an unexpected message from a desinger Alex Holliman. I’ve walked his line for many shows. He stated I was nominated for Atlanta’s 2024 Top Male model of the year. I was in disbelief again.. everything that lead to that moment felt like watching paint dry. At that exact moment a little voice said to me.. Things take time and if it’s meant for you it will happen. I spread the news as to my suprise all my friends family were just as shocked. As time went by Alex updated me that I had become a finalist. Within that moment it wasn’t about winning it was a testament to myself that I was enough. I was capabale of being what I said I came here to be.
I’ve spent this last year. Preparing myself for the next adventure. Knowing that everything I been through is for what’s next.
Overall my journey this far has been nothing short of a blessing. Walking by faith not by sight.. Atlanta is a place that has made me realize you are, who you want to be. Never settle. When you reach one goal, set another. You are the builder of your house.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s definitely had its ups and downs. Challenges . But knowing who you are and what you’re meant for is what’s kept me from failing.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a campaign, print and runway model. A light to any room I walk into
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My biggest advice in this industry is don’t lose who you are! As a model the reason you’re there is because of who you are. The individuality and everything that makes you. YOU! We are often imitated but never ever duplicated
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thereel_khalil
Image Credits
@westhavenmgmt
@alexwightmanphotography
@forjvsh
