We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kalonie Fall. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kalonie below.
Kalonie , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been one of the most interesting investments you’ve made – and did you win or lose? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)
Growing up, I didn’t necessarily receive the guidance that I really needed to grow into a well rounded, structured adult. I never had routine or responsibilities. I didn’t go through the regular milestones of getting your first job or car in my teen years to learn what it was like to have to balance life and juggle general adulting tasks. It was very scary for me to go into adulthood feeling so unprepared and overwhelmed. But, I’ve always had the sense that I had to do something significant in my life. My biggest ear was to reach mid ages and not have accomplished my ambitious goals. However. to step into the shoes of that person I wanted to become, there was going to be a lot of inner work that needed to get done.
The best investment I ever made was that investment of time and effort into myself. Being vulnerable and real enough with myself to be aware that I did not have the best work ethic, prioritization and time management skills. Instead of being a victim to being stunted in my growth during childhood, I decided to change the cards I had been dealt. I began to educate myself and set goals. I read self help books like Atomic Habits and implemented the skills.
Being a person is very complex let alone trying to build yourself into a new one. But in just the past two years I have improved my life and mindset by leaps and bound. This type of self growth is one of the greatest investments anyone can put into themselves. Not only have I reached many steps closer to becoming my dream person but, I have learned so much about myself and developed a sense of true self love and confidence.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am a model specializing in the categories of editorial fashion, commercial and beauty. My role is to advertise products for brands such as clothing, accessories, makeup, skin care products, etc. I allow brands that I work with to bring their products to life and give their audience the sense of what its like to experience their products. I am set apart by my versatility. From an elegant ball gown brand to a punk rock all leather brand, I have the ability to develop a character that effectively communicates the story of each piece.
I first got into modeling during summer of 2023. I was tired of the 9-5 life and decided that I needed to feed my creative outlet. I had to look for ways that I could make a career out of doing something that is fun, artistic and most of all, something that gave me a sense of autonomy and freedom. I have always loved all things girly from makeup to hair styles to fire outfits and I love taking photos. I did lots of research about the modeling industry and different approaches taken to get into the craft. I decided to start out freelance and began collaborating with local photographers to build my portfolio. I went to every casting I could imagine and engaged in every opportunity to network; I followed the socials of local industry leaders and their mutuals, if I didn’t make the cast into the show, I still attended to mingle with the other attendees, I went to as many fashion events as possible to pass out my comp card. I made myself known and I always made sure to ask questions!
I am very proud of how far I have come in less than a year. I have already been in numerous runway shows, made Phoenix’s Top 40 models as we speak and have even organized a club of models dedicated to supporting each other and sharing knowledge so that we all can win! Any one can come to me for any guidance if they don’t know where to start. You know where to find me! (@kaloniethemodel on IG)
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative or artist is the outlet of expression it provides. I believe that many other creative individuals would agree that being able to express your ideas and art is often key to our happiness and mental wellbeing. When I was in school growing up, art and sports were my escape from the chaos that often disrupted my childhood. I engaged in every art elective out there- playing instruments, singing, acting. I believed that whatever I pursued, it would be something that allowed me the same sense of freedom and elation. Yet growing up in a society where you’re pressured to see these dreams as unrealistic, that vision was set to the side and I pursued a career in healthcare. While I love to help people and enjoy learning about human biology, something about the mundane day to day tasks involved with this field really took a toll on me. I was bored, I was burnt out, I was miserable. Since becoming a model I have actually been able to tolerate my day job a lot better, Still the contrast in how I feel after a long busy day of modeling versus seeing patients, motivates me to one day be able to quit my day job and express my self through art , movement and beauty.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My biggest goal in life is to be able to live it freely. To have autonomy of my schedule and be able to live spontaneously. I aspire to be able to do what makes me happy in each moment. When I am modeling or doing anything artistic, it never feels like work. I often have to be reminded to take a break because I get so immersed. It also has the potential to lead me to financial freedom which will support my ability to live life day to day stress free. I plan to continue working on my craft and building client relationships to one day leave y day job permanently and pursue and life of freedom and leisure.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kaloniethemodel.squarespace.com
- Instagram: @kaloniethemodel
- Facebook: Kalonie Fall
- Other: Snapchat: Kaloniethemodel
Image Credits
Ron Brewer
Geoffry Batz
Portrait Masters
Martin Lowenthal