We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Khayshea Pope a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Khayshea, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I learned how to model by practicing, joining modeling groups and studying other models. Knowing what I know now I could’ve sped up my learning process by finding out what modeling niche worked best for my height and appearance and studied that more closely. The most essential skill in modeling I believe is being able to move your body and being able to adapt. The main obstacle that stood in my way as I was coming up in the modeling industry I felt was not personally knowing a model that was successful in the way I wanted to be. I always wished I had a mentor in the industry that could tell me exactly what I should be doing.

Khayshea, 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?

My first experience with modeling I went to a modeling expo with my mom that she wanted to attend for herself when I was 10 years old. They asked that anyone that was interested get up and walk. There were people of all ages there so I decided I wanted to try it. They played the song “I’m too Sexy” by Right Said Fred and I walked without fear. Once I got older and was able to start pursuing it on my own I dove head first and I haven’t looked back since. With what I have learned over time, I use that knowledge to teach other models how to do the same thing. I am most proud of how I have grown in this industry and that now I can be of service to the next aspiring model. I have written an e-book and my goal through that is to provide the knowledge an aspiring model would need starting off so they have an idea of where to go from there.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The goal that is currently driving my creative journey is the desire to put out content that speaks to people’s spirit in some way. Whether that be content that is encouraging, educational, or relateable, I have the desire to provoke connection and content that goes beyond surface level. I also want to shed light on the realities of modeling. The challenges that being a model poses so that I am being transparent about the good and the bad.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the freedom that comes with it. I value freedom and have been able to learn just how much I do through being a creative and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: ooohkhay
• Facebook: Khayshea Pope
• Linkedin: Khayshea Pope
• Twitter: ooohkhay
• Youtube: Oh Khay
• Other: Etsy mattieluxe.etsy.com where you can find my Model Guide e-book.

Image Credits

Justin Isaac, Odell Carson, Krista Miller, Jackie Tzang, Catherine Johnston, Marina, The Shed ATX, Carlos Vincent, Sherri Prillerman, KSBS Studios, Ellen Yang