Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenai.
Hi Kenai, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in a very quiet, conservative town in the suburbs. Picture that pastel town from Edward Scissorhands except the people living in the town are very wealthy. Then picture Edward, just existing being himself. Growing up I felt like Edward. When you’re different in an environment that is constantly pushing you to conform, it weighs on you. It warps your perception and sense of self. Even though I lived in a wealthy town, my family was nothing of the sort. My parents struggled to maintain the suburban lifestyle. We couldn’t afford trips to the mall or seasonal wardrobe changes like a lot of my classmates. So my mother took us thrift shopping. This is how I fell in love with fashion and developed my own personal style. I’ve been expressing myself through art and fashion ever since.
I’ve been an artist for as long as I can remember. The way I view the world is art. I can paint, draw, sculpt, and even animate. So when it comes to modeling, my creativity and style is always being put to use.
After graduating high school, I met a local photographer. We shot one day and it was magic. This was my first time ever shooting. I always knew that I was full of potential. But seeing my pictures for the first time made it really click. After that, I decided “yea, I’m gonna be a model”. I didn’t know how I was going to make it happen but the one thing I did know was that I was going to get the f*ck out of that town.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road for me. There were definitely struggles along the way. Things like finances, location, and even mental health problems. However, my main obstacle was my location. So I focused on solving that issue first. I knew that I could model but it would be way harder not living in a city. I worked multiple different jobs and saved up for almost 2 years to be able to move. After I bought myself a car, I finally moved to Atlanta! It was then that things started happening for me. When I moved to the city, I finally felt like I belonged. My mental health significantly improved. There were so many opportunities in art and fashion. There’s so much community here and I really do love it. Edward Scissorhands would fit right in, in Atlanta lol.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a model, creative director, and digital media artist. I do runway and fashion editorial print. I’ve done a fashion film, a brand ad, and multiple runway shows in just a year. My biggest accomplishment so far is me being published in 2 magazines. I think what sets me apart from others in this field is my passion. I take my craft very seriously. I’ve been studying modeling and runway since I was a little kid. It’s more than just a hobby for me and I’m not doing it for fame. I understand that it’s not an easy path but I have what it takes to handle obstacles because I am destined to succeed.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I want to give a huge thank you to my little sister for always letting me talk her to death. She helped me through some really hard times. I wouldn’t be where I am now without her support. I also want to give a big shout out to my aunnie, Kottavei, who has always nourished and encouraged my creativity. Knowing that at least one person understood me helped me be confident. I also want to thank my family for letting me be me, even though they still struggle to fully understand. Lastly, I have to give credit to the photographers and designers who saw the potential in me. I’m so proud of myself and I’m excited for the rest of my journey!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kenai.pixieset.com/modeling/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenai.lala/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/kenailala/
Image Credits
@danusesfilm @Jerry A. barnes @Ubido @isuhbel @Tylervisuals @J.sya @whereisyancey
