Today we’d like to introduce you to Angel Kayondo.
Hi Angel, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am an Atlanta-based model and Youtuber. I began modeling when I lived in Boston for a short while at the age of 15. There, I started taking modeling classes and walking in local fashion shows. When I moved to NJ with my dad, everybody kept telling me that I should model so I said, okay, let me see how far I can go with this. I wasn’t doing anything at the time but working retail. So I started collaborating with local photographers, going to NY for casting calls, applying to modeling agencies.
At one point, I was signed to an agency that got me booked in my first NY fashion week. I did a few more shows for years after that and boy. It was an experience. I loved the fast-paced environment and watching everyone work so hard for their dreams. After some time, I decided I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I wanted to own something. I wanted to be a boss. I knew I couldn’t work for other people, even if it’s still in the creative industry. I really wanted to do my own thing. So I decided to move. It was between LA and Atlanta and eventually, I went with my heart and chose Atlanta. Now, I do my own home photoshoots and I have a hair business where I model my products. I have so much more I want to do and I’m honestly so excited for the future.
Alright, 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?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. When I first moved to Atlanta, I dealt with crazy roommates, getting into a car accident, my car being broken into at my job… it’s definitely been a lot! But I have to say, when my father passed away, that was truly the hardest time in my life. It’s something I still get emotional about. I was lost and sad and just didn’t know what to do anymore. On top of that, COVID happened three months after and I had nothing to do but be locked in the house with my emotions. I definitely do appreciate that time period, though, because it gave me time to grieve properly and reconnect with my inner self. There’s always a positive to every negative and even though my father’s gone, I know he watches over me and he’s proud of the woman I’m becoming.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a model, dancer, and YouTuber. I would say I’m mostly known for my modeling pictures and the vlogs that I post. A lot of people became interested in my journey once I moved to Atlanta back in 2019, so ever since then, I’ve been doing a few vlogs here and there to keep my subscribers updated on my life. I can’t say that I’m specifically proud of anyone achievement of mine. And I’m not saying this to sound deep, but I’m just grateful for every opportunity that comes my way. I’m always proud of whatever last project I completed. Or whenever a brand reaches out to me to collaborate. It reassures me that I’m exactly where I need to be, doing the things I need to do.
What sets me apart from others is my authenticity. Since I was young, I always knew I was different from my peers just because of the way that I think and the way that I do things. Everything I do comes from an inner voice that guides me. I don’t care about the latest trend, or becoming an influencer, or posting certain pictures to get ‘likes.’ I post what I post because it represents me and my art and because I hope I can inspire other people to do the same. A lot of things are fake nowadays and people think you have to look a certain way or dress a certain way or whatever just to be accepted. But as long as you love yourself, the outside opinion does not matter at all.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
One person who definitely deserves a lot of credit is one of my very first photographers from 2016. His name is Stuart and he helped me so much with my modeling career and we ended becoming really good friends to this day. I actually spoke with him a few weeks ago and it felt just like old times. He’s the only photographer who taught me how to pose, how to use photoshop, and even how to shoot! He would just teach me all these things and I didn’t understand why up until now. He was literally an angel in disguise and he never asked for anything in return. And of course, my dad. He always supported me and encouraged me to go after my dreams. One thing he always said was, “As long as it makes you happy”. It didn’t matter that he didn’t know what ‘YouTube’ was or the fact that I wasn’t making any money from modeling. He was always there to give me what I needed and to catch me when I fall. I think everybody needs a parent like that. He trusted that I knew what I was doing and that I would eventually find my path in life. I couldn’t have asked for a better father.
Contact Info:
- Email: angellkayondo@gmail.com
- Website: angellkcollection.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angell.kay/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL1I9Sgsbr0PPs-2FFB_nPA
Image Credits
@classyjorge @shotbyj.o @manleyphotography @g_u_eye @nukanchik
