From Parika to Runway: Kayla King on a quest to cement her name in the modelling industry

Kayla King, a rising star in the modelling industry, is making waves with her unique blend of talent, determination, and passion.

Hailing from Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), Kayla’s journey to success is hinged by her dedication to her craft.

A HUMBLE BEGINNING

Growing up as the youngest of four children, Kayla’s early years were filled with dreams of becoming a model.

I think modelling is something I’ve aspired to do for as long as I can remember. After concluding secondary school and waiting for CSEC results, I used that time at home to explore my love for modelling by setting up the time on my phone and shooting myself, striking various poses both indoors and against whatever aesthetically appealing backdrop I could find outside.

THE ROAD TO MODELLING

In November 2019, this ‘west sider’ took a bold step and auditioned for the House of Pearson Fashion Show. Her debut runway appearance in February 2020 marked the beginning of a remarkable journey in the industry.

Since then, she has graced the catwalk of Orange The Runway.

“I AM NOT THE TEXTBOOK MODEL”

Despite her early success, this beauty faced her fair share of challenges. “I am not the textbook model,” she admits, referring to her average height and curvy physique.

However, she believes the industry is evolving to embrace diversity, making it easier for models like her to thrive.

My challenge to this effect was the internal fight of trying to convince myself that despite my appearance, I am worthy of being a part of the industry and have the necessary capabilities to thrive in it as well. And now that we’re heading towards what seems to be a more inclusive and thoughtful society, I think all of those commercial beauty standards are slowly changing and adapting to include people from all walks of life. As a result, this is no longer such a challenge for me.

PAGEANTRY AND BEYOND

With four pageants under her belt, including a win at Miss Guyana Independence 2022, Kayla’s journey shows her dedication to her craft. She also placed in the top five for the Miss Guyana Culture Queen 2023.

She believes that success comes from hard work and sacrifice, lessons she has learned from her pageantry experiences.

A valuable takeaway I’ve had in every pageant I’ve competed in is that by working hard, you can bear the fruits of your labour. If you truly want to achieve a goal you must be willing to make sacrifices and cultivate the discipline that will help you to do so. There’s so much that goes on behind the scenes while preparing for a pageant, and to be able to handle those hurdles, determination is a necessary skill you must learn to master.

A VISION FOR CHANGE – BLUEMOON MANAGEMENT

Kayla’s passion for modelling and desire to create opportunities for fellow creatives led her to launch Bluemoon Management. This venture aims to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity in Guyana’s entertainment industry.

“Guyana lacks nothing where talent is concerned,” she said, “but access to diverse opportunities is limited.”

Through Bluemoon Management, this model hopes to change that narrative and provide a platform for creatives to showcase their talents.

For a longtime I’ve felt severely stuck when it comes to my creativity because I feel like it was more of a hobby than something profitable because there weren’t really many avenues for monetising my talent. This, along with my passion for my fellow creatives in the entertainment and arts industry, fuelled my desire to start Bluemoon Management. I would also be doing my amazing partner a great injustice by not including the drive and support he provided for me to be able to kickstart this business. He played a very important role, and I believe that this dream wouldn’t have so fast become a reality had he not been a motivating force.

UNIQUE SERVICES, UNMATCHED QUALITY

What sets Bluemoon Management apart is its commitment to providing a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the needs of its clients.

From promotional modeling to brand ads and photoshoots, Bluemoon offers a one-stop solution.

We make the corporate world’s job easier, especially in the area of marketing. For example, should a company need to complete a brand shoot or ad for marketing purposes or otherwise, our team can handle the entire operation. We would cast the models to suit the client’s direct requirements, ensure hair and makeup are done for the models, and take care of their outfit styling and overall production and creative direction. To complete the process, the client will be kept in the loop the entire time so they can ensure the production is up to their standard.

LOOKING AHEAD

Looking ahead, Kayla aims to expand Bluemoon Management’s reach by providing innovative services to clients across Guyana.

Personally, she aspires to further her education in psychology, combining her love for modelling with a career as a clinical psychologist, making a positive impact on the lives of others.

I hope to achieve my individual idea of success one day, and I think that with the continuity of a booming business and appetite for further education, I will be on the right track to achieving said thing.

A FINAL WORD OF ADVICE

Kayla offers a simple yet profound piece of advice to aspiring models and entrepreneurs: “Learn to take risks when necessary.”

She believes that waiting for the perfect moment may lead to missed opportunities and encourages others to pursue their dreams with courage and determination.

We can be so preoccupied with perfection that we often withhold ourselves from the things we want to achieve. We get a great business idea, and all we can think about is how unprepared we feel about pursuing it. The truth is, if we wait around for the day that we feel one hundred percent ready, it may never come. Sometimes, it’s better to take risks and pursue your aspirations even if they are uncertain rather than to stick around, waste time, and slowly fall out of love with your dreams and aspirations.