Kayla Kay of Curly Queen Models is more than a talented actress, model and talent executive. She is a beautiful human being who strives to create safe and creative opportunities for others.
You have been modeling and acting for some time, what has been the biggest lesson you have learned so far?
Confidence and consistency are all you need to succeed. There are two quotes I live my life by and they are “confidence is key” and “ everything you’ve ever dreamed of is eating for you on the other side of consistency” I believe anyone who masters these two elements of life has the ability to be successful.
Tell us about Curly Queen Models. How does your brand differ from others in your field?
Contrary to popular belief I do not run an agency, The curly queen is me and I am modeling IE: Curly Queen Models … I guess I didn’t think the name through very well (Laughs awkwardly to fill silence).
But the major focus of what I do Is expression through arts, and modeling is my largest form of that ideology. What sets me apart is the fact that underneath the composed model exterior is a girl ready to bring people from all walks of life together.
As someone who is multifaceted as far as talent, in what ways do balance all of the opportunities before you?
Planning, My planning routines are almost rituals at this point. From what day I update my website to what’s running low in the fridge writing it down, planning it out. That’s what makes all the difference.
What do you look for when it comes to acting roles?
Passion, and emotion. I’m not particularly funny, I’m just awkward…So comedy roles feel foreign to me. But as a person who has been through some of the worst that life has to offer and succeeding despite it, I can tap into and represent emotion from a place of being there.
I answered earlier about what sets me apart as a model, I feel like this is what sets me apart as an actress.
A lot of people believe the false notion that acting and modeling are interchangeable. Share your thoughts on this misconception.
While modeling and acting can be compared to as similar they are each their own industry for a reason. You can not take a model and assume that because he/she/they can make a certain facial expression that he/she/they’ll be able to tap into that same emotion in script , just as you can assume because an actor does an excellent running scene that he/she/they’ll produce stunning movement stills. Each comes with its own set of skills to master.
How do you relax when you are away from sets and photo shoots?
I wear many hats even in my down time, I like to garden, color, dance. I’m a canna mom, so many days since the pandemic started have been spent enjoying the herb and teaching my sons new things.
There are so many predators in the entertainment and fashion industries, what advice would you offer an aspiring actor/model?
I know many people are sick of this bit of advice but DO YOUR RESEARCH !! Please, please, please I beg of any newbie models out there to please don’t assume anything of anyone for better or for worse without proof. Inspect their instagram page, ask for references, CHECK the references, Ask questions, BRING a friend !! But stranger danger is real and you can never be too safe.
My condolences and respect go out to the model who was assaulted by someone who was well known. He recently made bail and was continuing to lure young women in under the guise of photography, when she found this out instead of sitting in her trauma she used it to speak out and bring attention where it would have otherwise been overlooked by the checkmark by his instagram tag. She’s my hero. You can check her out on instagram @sydneyxstanford
You can help her and victims of this monsters abuse by demanding that Kalaan Walker be put back in jail and held accountable for his actions. Call these numbers, make noise, and demand justice for his several victims.
George Gascon (DA on the case) : Ggascon@da.lacounty.gov
Van Nuys Detective: (818) 374-0010
Cape Cod Detective: (508) 790-5799
Where can we expect to see you in the immediate future?
For the midst of this pandemic you can catch me @lm.meets, a safe community meet up hosted by Rachel Mehan, and the absolute best place for upcoming creatives in Southern California to get their stripes up. You can catch me on my website curlyqueenmodels.com and when the pandemic subsides at the block party on Sunday! And who knows maybe you’ll see me on the cover of an esteemed magazine, or on a billboard / Big screen near you ( winks) .
