Life and Work with Kailee Cannady

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kailee Cannady.

Kailee, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
As a young female model, I started at 12 years old with a modeling school in Phoenix. Through that program, I gained some insight into the industry and they had sent me on an audition for a company called IMTA. At 14, I was headed off to New York City to do a runway show for IMTA. The purpose of the company was to be seen by a lot of agents and hopefully get signed. Even though I received over 20 callbacks from agents, I was too young to sign and move anywhere. It was an unforgettable experience and gave me a dream to one day be walking the runways for New York fashion week or Milan fashion week. After I got back from New York, I focused most of my time on school which I struggled with but I pushed myself hard and got my GED. For the next couple of years, I did photo shoots here and there but I never pursued it as I am today.

When I turned 18, I knew that this is the career I wanted more than anything. I made vision boards, saved images I wanted to recreate and thrift shopped a lot of unique clothing. The next step I took was messaging local photographers, in May of 2018, I had worked with Mike Valenz. We created images for a brand Bella Thorne had created. She saw the images and reposted it for her 19.2 million followers on Instagram to see. I gained self-confidence and thousands of followers from my first shoot getting back into modeling. I realized that manifesting is key to any goal. Any thought you have to write it down, repeat it in your head and believe that it had already happened. Ever since that shoot, I have been dedicated to my career. Opportunities came left and right all because I believed in myself. In October 2018, I auditioned for a company similar to IMTA that went by the name of Preview models. America’s Next Top Models Laura James (cycle 19) and Don Benjamin (cycle 20) were the faces of Preview models. I got selected to do a runway show in front of more agents and ended going in March 2019. I got callbacks and now, I am hoping to get signed by one of the agents. Signed or not, I love creating art and meeting so many gifted peers it has opened my mind in multiple ways. At the beginning of this year, my main passions were to pursue my career, be in a magazine, travel to new places and be on the runway in Milan Paris. Most of my dreams are coming true. The universe has a very unique way of putting things in front of you right when you need it. At 19 years old, I can confidently say that anything is possible and to never limit yourself due to society’s standards. Growing up, I was always pointed out as different because I was tall, awkward, shy, and I have a scar of my face. Kids will be mean but I learned to love and accept myself for everything that I am. I am so proud of all my accomplishments and I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for me. I am on the path to following my wildest dreams, as you should too.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Nothing ever comes easy and I learned that early on. Modeling is a very competitive industry as much as I wish that wasn’t true. You will hear way more No’s than Yes’. That can be discouraging to some, but it makes me learn from that experience and accept that the opportunity was not meant for me. My biggest advice to young women starting their career would be to know what your end goal is and to be confident from within and it will show on the outside. If you truly love and accept yourself, nothing anybody can say should damage your ego or self-esteem. Some models feel pressure to lose weight or to fit certain criteria. DO NOT lower the standards you have created because of what someone else said. Be you and own it.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am most proud of being an individual who is unapologetically myself. Throughout my years of modeling, I have learned that my creative ability is my strongest asset. Thinking outside of the box no matter how “weird” you may feel really sets you apart in this industry. I mainly specialize in runway walking and photo shoots, but I’m always open to grab any opportunity that comes my way. I adore anything that has to do with creating art, whether that be modeling, styling outfits, makeup and shooting my friends and places I have been on film. You can find my modeling work on instagram.com/kaileecannady and my film work on instagram.com/frenchkissinginthegarden. I started shooting film photography about a year ago and I fell in love with the idea that you can capture a moment and make it last forever. I am known for being an open-minded, creative, passionate and resourceful individual. I am beyond blessed to have family and friends who fully support my journey. My greatest desire is to empower and inspire young women all over the world.

What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
The greatest advice I could give to young women is to follow your heart and set standards for yourself. As women competing in this industry, it is very important to be kind to each other, and trust in the path laid out by the universe. Networking is a huge part of this industry. Talking to other local models, seeking out casting opportunities and messaging local photographers to create something with you is a huge role in building a career. Also, having a vision of what you want to create really prepares you for the outcome when shooting. When I have a runway show coming up, eating healthy and exercising helps me look and feel my best. It’s all about putting forth your best effort and feeling confident no matter what you do.

Contact Info:

• Website: Kaileecannady.com
• Email: kaileecannady76@gmail.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/kaileecannady
• Other: instagram.com/frenchkissinginthegarden

Image Credit:
The chanel photo was taken by (@jimhestermanphotgraphy) on Instagram in Phoenix. The black and white film picture was taken by (@studyofnight) on Instagram in LA. The glamour shot with the white jacket was taken by (@primordialcreative) on Instagram in Phoenix. The blue photo was also taken by (@primordialcreative) on Instagram. The beach photo was taken by (@isaac_roller) on Instagram in Laguna Beach California. The window look was shot by (@smallerocean) on Instagram in Phoenix. The pearl photo was shot by (@rkartistry) on Instagram in Phoenix. The cowgirl photo was taken by (@mikevalenz) on Instagram in Phoenix

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