We were lucky to catch up with Kaya Rossey recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kaya, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on as a model was my mental health shoot with Hailey Birchfield. I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety when I was in sixth grade and struggled with suicidal ideation throughout high school. A coping skill I relied on often was writing and public speaking but when I couldn’t find the words to express my struggles I turned to modeling. My friends started taking photos of me when I was around twelve and around eighteen I began taking it much more seriously. Many of my Instagram followers are from my time as a mental health activist so I love incorporating my struggles into my work. Hailey is one of my absolute favorite people to work with and beyond talented, when I wanted to do a shoot for mental health awareness month I knew she would be the perfect photographer. The photos perfectly capture the isolation, pain, and hopelessness I struggled with for so long and they will forever be some of my favorite photos.

Kaya, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a full-time student studying criminal justice and psychology and I model! My passion is bringing photographers’ ideas to life. I am very expressive in my work and am trained in photo movement. I do a lot of editorial shoots because I love how they push me to grow. Something that adds to my service is my ability to take constructive criticism and my years of experience. When shooting photographers don’t have to worry about directing poses too much or spending a lot of time shooting. I would love for people to know their support means so much to me and if I have the privilege of working with any photographers reading this we will have so much fun creating together!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding part of being a creative person is the community I have built around me. I have become friends with many of the photographers and models I have worked with. I know I have people around me who support my growth and are rooting for my success. Modeling always provides opportunities to improve my skills and push myself creatively.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My goal in everything I do is growth. I have learned so much about myself through modeling on a personal and professional level. I have had to learn to be confident in my abilities and trust that things will work out the way they are meant to. There have been months where I am fully booked and months with barely anything but I try to show myself grace through every phase.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: kaya.rossey

Image Credits
Hailey Birchfield, Mya Kacvinsky, Melinda West, Tiffany Williams