Today we’d like to introduce you to Kilo .
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I initially started live modeling at contemporary art centers in Orlando, Florida back in 2016. That experience was amazing because it was refreshing seeing people view the human body as art without hyper sexualizing it. I was able to work on posing and creating deeper connections within the fine arts industry. I ended up leaving Orlando and moved to New York in May of 2019 and began my journey as an independent model. I was constantly reaching out to agencies and I didn’t get accepted the first year, which led me to say “All right, let’s just focus on collaborating with black and brown artists within the industry”. Which is how I was able to get to where I am today.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It most definitely hasn’t been a smooth road for me. However, now I’m learning how to navigate myself within the industry by remaining dedicated and self motivated. For me, it’s very difficult getting booked for jobs due to my physical appearance. I’m a 5’7 brown-skinned woman with 4C hair and face tattoos. This industry deems marginalized groups as unmarketable before seeing our work. Therefore, it’s important that to constantly create personal work when i’m not getting booked.
Navigating an industry that glorifies ‘thinness’ while being a ‘curve’ model can be exhausting. There were times where I would get upset for weeks because I didn’t get booked. Now, I just allow for rejection to roll off my back and focus on passion projects that fuel the soul.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a model, creative director, stylist, photographer and poet. I specialist in serving as a visual aid for brands and Essence Magazine was my most proud moment. It was surreal seeing myself grace a magazine that I enjoyed as a child. I feel as though that campaign had a huge impact on my career. There were young women with my skin complexion, hair texture, and similar aesthetic that felt like they couldn’t achieve their goals, this campaign made them feel seen. Essence was a stepping stone in the right direction to advocating for marginalized groups.
My look and energy sets me apart from others. I’m striking, daring, confident, and eccentric. A lot of times this industry wants you to have a certain look, and I do not fit that mold. It’s refreshing knowing that there’s not one model that looks exactly like me. I am unique and different in my own way, and I will brand myself as so.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kilokews.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kilokews/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerra-harris/
