Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lauryn Kimble. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Lauryn , appreciate you joining us today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?
I’m a model. But I am also a freelance hairstylist. I started taking clients at the age of 16. I remember being in high school working my first job and doing hair as a side hustle. My first client was my dear friend turned sister (Shoutout to Courtney). She took a chance on me when nobody else would. I’ve been her hairstylist ever since. I remember her paying me for the first time and me feeling somewhat unworthy. I was so used to giving services for free because I felt I wasn’t good enough to receive compensation for my work. I was a work in progress nonetheless. Looking back, that was the push that I needed to keep going. Now, I focus my time more on modeling but I still have skilled hands when it comes to most things cosmetology. I’m grateful for the people that believe in me. I’m grateful for the people that have contributed to my hustle the right way. Friends or new clients. It’s important to pay people what they’re worth.
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
I got into modeling about a year ago. I took the leap when I got word that my model coach was doing coaching sessions. I knew I wanted to model but I wasn’t sure how to get into it. I went to my first coaching session and instantly felt at home. I knew then that this was bigger than just me. I needed to do this for the plus sized girls. The women that love to model but are scared to introduce themselves to the industry because of their size. And that’s exactly what I’ve been doing. After a few photoshoots, I landed my first runway appearance at the Kritiq Show. I fell in love with runway. The opportunity to be able to help a designer bring their pieces to life is like a weird kind of high. From the backstage glam process, to the nerves right before you hit the runway – its a life I never thought I would be able to live. But I’m grateful. Now, I’ve gone on to walk 5 runways in the little year that I’ve been modeling and I’ve heard that’s a pretty big accomplishment – although I’m ready to walk 5 more before the year ends! I want the girls like me to know this – take a chance on you. You never know what might be on the other side of the door you decide to walk through.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
As our good friends at ByDesign Magazine always say, “Give creatives their flowers.” And give them lots of them. Showing up to events, supporting monetarily, supporting on social media, etc. are all ways to do just that. It’s easy. Being a creative myself, I love when my friends come to support me at my fashion shows or when they hype me up on Instagram. It may not be big to them, but it’s huge to me. It motivates me to keep going. Keep giving creatives their flowers. Again, keep giving creatives their flowers.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
One of the most rewarding parts of being a creative has been the connections I’ve made along the way. I love people. I love meeting new people. I love networking. Being a creative gives me the opportunity to do just that. I also love the way Kansas City creatives know how to throw events. I’ve been to some pretty amazing events hosted by some very talented creatives. I love it here!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @lola.xo__
- Facebook: Lauryn Marie
- Other: Tik Tok; @thereallaurynk