We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kaylan Simmons. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kaylan below.

Kaylan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

I’ve been modeling for some years now and it has brought me great opportunities. Throughout my journey I’ve seen others wanting to break into modeling, but they didn’t know where to start. I have a true passion for helping others especially when it comes to pushing people towards their dreams. I did go to college and received my master’s degree in social work, but I figured I could use it towards something I really love to do which is my passion for modeling. Therefore, I came up with my business, Perfectly Imperfect Model Therapy. My modeling program consist of two parts. I have my model coaching/mentoring program and my therapy program. My therapy program is to help build confidence within others and help develop thick skin for the industry through my workshop. I also offer sessions where my mentees can come talk to me about any stressors one might be dealing with even if it’s doesn’t pertain to modeling. My model coaching/mentoring program is where I will help with showing you the ins and outs of modeling such as posing and walking, the do’s and don’ts of modeling, help my mentees become a professional model and more!.

Kaylan, 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?

Modeling has been a passion of mine since I could remember. I would always play dress up, and I would put on fashion shows for my family. However, I never thought I could do it because I neither looked like the girls I seen on TV nor did I have that much encouragement to push me towards my dreams. My mom was one of my biggest motivators at the time, but when she had a mental breakdown I lost all hope. As time went by I tried reliving my dream in high school by auditioning for a modeling agency. I made it past round 1, but unfortunately my fear of rejection got the best of me so I decided not to continue. Overtime I worked on myself mentally and started manifesting my future. When I got to college there was a social organization called Ward Modeling Troop, Inc that I thought could be beneficial for me to learn different techniques of modeling and a great networking platform. I went through the process and made it into the organization. From there on out I have been putting in work nonstop to get myself out there as a model by going to casting calls, participating in runway shows, setting up photoshoots, etc… There have been moments where life kept trying to get the best of me, but I didn’t let it stop me and I’m proud of myself for it. If it’s one thing people can learn from me, it would be to never give up. As long as you believe in yourself everything else will follow suit.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Being creative definitely helped with growing my audience, and social media has been a big help. I started out brainstorming creative photoshoots to post that caught the attention of others. I would come up with the concept, outfit, makeup and hair, and everything else that went into the photoshoot. It sounds like a lot, but when it comes to something you love you’ll work hard to achieve it. When it comes to gaining the attention of others you have to think of “What would they like to see?” Keeping up with what’s trending will keep you ahead of the game. Also paying attention to the changes with social media helps as well.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

During my journey on becoming a professional model I lost my mom in the process. She was suffering in silence with a lot, and for the longest I blamed myself because I felt I’ve could have done more to help. However, it was hard because she didn’t want to accept help from others. It kept me down for a while, but I never let it stop me. My mom’s dream was to become a singer. Although she never reached her fullest potential, I’m still proud of her and what she accomplished. She always encouraged my brother and I to chase after our dreams. That’s why I work so hard now. Everything I do is for her. I know she’s not here with me physically, but I still feel her close by cheering me on.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://kavyar.com/kaylan-simmons
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perf___imperf/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaylan.simmons.79?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/officia1_kaylan
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@dazzleofkay

Image Credits
Mondre Johnson