Agency signed Model | Model Coaching Expert PRIME ANGLES, INC. Working for clients such as The Ritz-Carlton, Stella McCartney, Chase Bank, DevaCurl, Ashley Home Store, Sea Ray Yachts and Atlantis Hotel Bahamas to name a few, Kamla-Kay has over 8 years working as an agency signed, international model & modeling coach to aspiring models.
Tell us about yourself. Why did you choose to pursue a career as a model? Who/What inspired you to be a model?
I remember myself being a huge Tyra Banks fan. I liked her so much that I began collecting magazines with Tyra on the cover. Seeing her as a super successful Black model in the model industry, propelled my love for my future job. As an added bonus, I also have green eyes and even people would tell me “you look like Tyra Banks”. As much as I knew that I wanted to become a model, going to University was also non-negotiable for me. That is why after first year of University, I resigned from my job and pursue modeling full time. It was a scary transition, but I knew that I always had 2 college degrees to use. For me, plan A was to make from my passion for modelling as my main job.
More and more people prove that fashion standards have changed. What do you think about new types of models? What do they look like?
They really have changed!With brands “accepting” models who are not the standard, we have seen a change in the direction of branding but at times this has been a result of performative activism. For brands who are opting to make the change because they realize the beauty of all different ethnic backgrounds, shapes and sizes. Adding to the uniqueness of the individual, modeling agencies and brands alike are now being open to the idea of models who have dreadlocks, braids, tattoos and piercings of all different shapes, styles and colors. It is refreshing to see this change in the industry.
If we compare Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty Show, which one is more modern due to different kinds of models?
I guess, watching a Savage X Fenty show checks off all the boxes of being more modern.Victoria’s Secret is known for their who are all slim and elegantly tall models. On the contrary, while a Fenty show includes many of the same models that you would see gliding down a VS showes. Rihanna balances and showcases the true nature of modern inclusivity and diversity without just having a token few. She promotes femininity and masculinity all in one show which many of these aspects is unlike what is portrayed in a Victoria’s Secret show.
You have your own model coaching business. Could you describe what the main idea of your business is?
I started my company Prime Angles, Inc. where I coach models via a series of live video model coaching sessions focused on how to develop their portfolio, how to spot and avoid scams, how to best submit to an agency to increase their odds of getting signed, hands on posing tips etc. I want models to be properly equipped to navigate the modeling industry safely and with the right tools so that they can make informed decisions along each step of pursuing their career goals.
And what about your modeling career? How have you been able to make a career as a commercial model?
I thought fashion was the only way to gain success in the industry and quickly realized that while I sometimes would book fashion work, that commercial modeling was best suited for my look. I have worked with brands and clients ranging from The Ritz-Carlton, Stella McCartney, Disney, IT Cosmetics, The Kardashians and Ashley HomeStore to name a few. I even got to travel to Cape Town, South Africa for 3 months with a modeling contract as a result of this commercial path in my career.
What are your plans for the future? Where do you see yourself
in 10 years?
I prefer to focus on my professional aspirations for purposes of this interview. One major career goal is to update and finally publish the full-length book that I already wrote which serves as a guide to aspiring models trying to break into the modeling industry. Next, I’ve always aspired to do more beauty work campaigns such as Sephora and Savage X Fenty. Ultimately, I see expanding my company Prime Angles, Inc. into other forms of model coaching classes, courses and products. I wish to branch out into doing more in-person seminars, blogger type conferences and women empowerment events.
