We were lucky to catch up with Keaira Atkins recently and have shared our conversation below.

Keaira, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

Vision Statement: I aim to equipped the youth with some of the most valuable life skills. Skills that will aid them as they carry on their journey. With the keen skills of politeness, chivalry and self-awareness I aim to create a lasting and positive impression on the minds of the youth who are ultimately our future. With these skills they will be able to adapt and overcome any obstacle ahead of them. I aim to instill the values of each of the skills taught in the program so that the children carry the lessons with them throughout their adult lives. Thus, creating Role Models in the Community.

Mission Statement: “ We help craft not only Models; we help to craft Role Models.”

-A Masterpiece is an outstanding work of Art. I am outstanding and I am a work of ART. I only say Masterpiece in the making because I am constantly creating. Adding and taking away parts of me until I feel like I am the masterpiece I wish to be.- keairene

I am Keairene, freelance runway model and coach. I have been developing my skills for years dating back to 2011. During my journey I have been issued in “Beladonis” an online magazine. (Nashville 2011) Walked for Celebrity Designer’s such as Brammer Léon Couture of Atlanta. I’ve had the opportunity to travel to different major cities across the country. I’ve walked in competitive shows i.e., Bronner Bros. Hair Show held in Atlanta and I have also had the honor of shooting with Celebrity Photographer; Michael Lopez of Charlotte, NY. Here in the mid-south, I have received awards for my skills. I was crowned MIFG Queen 2014 (Memphis International Fashion Gala) and a few others. I moved to Texas in 2013 where I was offered a contract with the Wilhelmina Bazaar Modeling Agency *El Paso, TX. Lived there for a year then move back home. Upon my return I was offered and instructors position where I worked with Carolyn Yancy’s Finishing Academy and Charmed School located on S. Main St. of Downtown Memphis, TN. I was there for a short while before inspiration kicked in which led me into my deciding to branch off and build a foundation similar. This way I can reach more of the community who may not be in the financial position to attend her school. I myself, attended and I received a scholarship to do so. I wanted to create a place that caters to social skills development. My course coverers the basic knowledge of runway walking and “Need to know” etiquette. This program is also financially designed to fit the budget of low to mid income families. My journey is and will always be the continuation of becoming the best version of myself for myself and those around me. I learn more and more about my craft and apply my knowledge so that I am able to speak from experience when equipping and encouraging others on their journey as well.
Here are some services I offer
Services:
During any scheduled sessions I will provide the necessary tips and knowledge to help shape the runway skills of my students as a model. This will include techniques such as: Runway etiquette catwalk skills, passing and turning on the runway, posing and angels. I will personal nature the developing skills of each of my pupils. I use a direct and hands on approach to ensure each person is catered to in the aeras they need most. In addition, I will be sure to stress the importance of how to prep for a model call and what is to be kept in a model bag. I will also incorporate what I feel is most important: health and beauty tips, dietary information and lastly and equally important self-love practices. Aside from model training I have created an Etiquette Lesson Plan based off a childhood favorite book: 50 Things Every Young Lady Should Know [Kay West]. It has been designed and modified to fit the Goal of the Program. I am happy to say that with these skills both runway and etiquette I can help the pupil(s) become a “*Model* Citizen”

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Services: During are scheduled sessions I will provide the necessary tips and knowledge to help shape the runway skills of my students as a model. This will include techniques such as: Runway etiquette catwalk skills, passing and turning on the runway, posing and angles. I will personal nature the developing skills of each of my pupils. I use a direct and hands on approach to ensure each person is catered to in the aeras they need most. In addition, I will be sure to stress the importance of how to prep for a model call and what is to be kept in a model bag. I will also incorporate what I feel is most important: health and beauty tips, dietary information and lastly and equally important self-love practices. Aside from model training I have created an Etiquette Lesson Plan based off a childhood favorite book: 50 Things Every Young Lady Should Know [Kay West]. It has been designed and modified to fit the Goal of the Program. I am happy to say that with these skills both runway and etiquette I can help the pupil(s) become a “*Model* Citizen”

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

We have to first look at the word resilience. What’s it mean, ya know. By definition it means: “the capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.” I’d say that was the time that I’d accidentally kicked my leg through a glass window. Resulting in torn ligaments tendons and nerves; also the possibility of never being able to walk again, well we all know that I walk pretty darn good nowadays. And that’s because I didn’t allow that fear to settle into my mind or into my heart. I didn’t allow that fear to stop me from doing the things that I really truly wanted to do. I didn’t allow what the doctor said to be the final say. So there’s just one testimony to my level of resilience.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I’m being such a people pleaser. It’s something that I still have to review my lessons on. I had to say that’s because I’ve always come from a place of wanting to only hear good things of myself. So I would bend to the whim of others rather than having a backbone and standing on my own or standing within my own beliefs. That to me says that I liked confidence in what I believe. I had to unlearn things like, needing outside validation. I had unlearn things like the people around me have to like me I have to have them like me. Having to unlearn that everybody won’t like what I’m doing and I’m unable to please everybody; just told me to make sure that I’m pleased with myself and my creator is pleased with me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: keaira_rene/www.instagram.com
• Facebook: KEAIRA ATKINS

Image Credits
Cashmere (Michale Lopez): Como card Photo Andrea Fenise(memphis Flyer Photo) iPhone user Silver outfit (Designer : Malcolm Staples)