Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiy Chasley.
Kiy, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’m from the south side of Chicago. I think people from Chicago will tell you they’re from Chicago every chance they get. I actually got my Instagram handle from a very special friend of mine Candice. We were in college August 2010 and I wanted a name that would stick to other me forever and she was like Kiya (they called me Kiya back then) how about Waytoochi bc your definitely way too Chicago lol. That name has stuck with me since. I never thought in a million years, I would dedicate a lot of my life to becoming a plus-size model. I love it here! Lol. I think I started modeling as just something to explore when my friend Chris @wearethefords on Instagram (check him out by the way) decided he wanted to be a photographer. I look back at those pictures and laugh because we’ve both have grown in a tremendous way. That was probably eight years ago. Over the years, I’ve picked up many trades. It wasn’t until I saw @TNZagency and I knew it was time to get serious about something that I really love to do. I finially found something I love to do. I have been working consistently for the past two years trying to establish myself as a plus-size model.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This journey in becoming a plus-size influencer has not been easy at all. There’s a lot of companies and businesses that say they would like to “support” body positivity and plus size influencers but typically, it’s only for one body type. I’m pushing and pushing that there are different body types that come into that category. We all don’t have flat stomachs and wide hips. Some of us, like myself, have wide hips and big bellies. Which is ok and it does not make us less beautiful. They’re also people that prey on a bigger woman because society makes them feel like we come with low self-esteem. That’s definitely not the case. Advice I would give is keep pushing and never limit yourself because of society standards. There’s not a limit on what we can’t do. And if someone doesn’t respect or see your potential, let them regret it in the long run!
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I’m an aspiring plus size model of course but I didn’t want to limit myself so I’m rebranding to name my self a plus size influencer. I’m most proud of never leaving myself inside of this box and pushing myself past my limit. What sets me apart from others is my gift of networking. I love meeting new people and also love showing people my hard work. I’m always looking for an opportunity to grow and become better. I think a young thug said, “horses don’t stop. They keep going” I live by that. I keep going and growing and evolving.
Do you feel like there was something about the experiences you had growing up that played an outsized role in setting you up for success later in life?
I was taught to never be afraid to stand out and be yourself. That has played a huge role because sometimes I am the only plus-size model in the model call, which may be discouraging to some but for me I see it as an opportunity. I’ve been told all my life if you see an opportunity to take it. I live by that.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/waytoochi
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/theecoldestbenz
Image Credit:
@wearethefords
@tnzagency
@stillgoingdesigns
@daelouisebeauty
@thelexipoo
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