We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ken’Nadi Broussard a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ken’Nadi, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

The first time I knew that I wanted to pursue creative arts through modeling was when I was about 7 years old. I had an interest in fashion and loved the way clothing and accessories could be used to express oneself. As I grew older, I understood that fashion and modeling could be further used to boost confidence, presence, and your overall essence. After that realization, I was hooked.

Ken’Nadi, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do? What you think sets you apart from others?

I got started in the industry at the recommendation of a photographer that I encountered during undergrad. I had my first photoshoot in Fall 2018, and from that point, I began to do fashion shows at other universities and work with more photographers. One notable fashion show, Acadiana Fashion Week, allowed me to connect with several talented creatives. After that show, my interest went into overdrive. I began to shoot on a regular basis and learn the ins and outs of being a model. I think what sets me apart as a model is that I represent not only non-ambiguous black women but also petite women in an industry that is dominated by the opposite. I’m most proud of the fact that I continued to persevere despite the industry standards that have prevailed for decades.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is seeing ideas become reality. Many of the projects you see on my portfolio start off as mood boards or inner visions. As a model, I don’t work alone. The photographer, stylist, makeup and hair team and I all pour our best into the project. Once the final images are produced, it’s so gratifying to see the results of the hard work each member has put in. These projects allow me to express myself in ways that I imagine. It’s like no other feeling to see the imagination come to life.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson I had to unlearn in this industry is removing external validation. Modeling can be very vain; After all, it’s based heavily on physical attributes. Add in the social media influence, likes, followers, castings and rejections to the physical attributes. It doesn’t take long for one to feel as if your brand depends on everything outside of you. I had to realize that this is my art, and as long as I like it, I’m doing just fine.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.itskbroussard.com
• Instagram: @kbroussardofficial

Image Credits
@sammiedor.photography @dele_vision_photography @frvcisbvssey @924photography @charmingcharltonphotos @chinoangles @126_photography @thecarlosvincent