Life & Work with Kathy Bustamante

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathy Bustamante.

Hi Kathy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
It was definitely a long process. I started by studying what I was always passionate in criminology/psychology. I received my bachelor’s degree in general psychology in California State University. Following that, I waited a year, worked as a behavioral therapist helping those with mental illness. I loved and enjoyed that job because I got to help those in need, as well as guide them to live better lives. Along with the tough commitment of school, I never gave up on my dreams of becoming a model. I modeled for several fashion shows in Los Angeles, as well as for different brands. I also joined an international pageant in Honduras and represented Ecuador (the country where I was raised). It was memories full of joy and accomplishments. I moved to Arizona, started working as a law document specialist, and continued modeling and met so many beautiful people. I also continued my education to follow a master’s in forensic psychology. Today, I am days away from receiving my master’s in forensic psychology.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wish it was smooth. However, it took long, long hours of studying, memorizing, researching, practicing, scheduling a calendar. The most challenging was trying to schedule my personal time, along with getting free time for modeling bookings. The obstacle for finishing my Masters’s was the virtual side of it due to the pandemic. I usually ask many questions and it was challenging to email each one of those. Another struggle was facing the computer both with school/work for most of the day. Along the way, I am glad I stayed committed and accomplished it!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Currently, I am focusing on finishing school and will be done in a week. I specialize in mental health within the justice system. I want to be a juvenile offender advisor and looking forward to intern and start working in a juvenile justice setting to help adolescence rehabilitate and to help with reducing recidivism. Further in my career will seek to get my doctorate and become a forensic psychologist. I also work as a model. I often love to work with artists/creatives. I enjoy being part of photoshoots, commercial work, print work, catalog and runway. I am known for being very committed to following my dreams, and I am proud I have accomplished many and more to come, how I stayed positive and confident along the way. I enjoy being myself, staying optimistic and always seeking happiness.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My school Grand Canyon University website, there are many different options to network. There are lists of many mentors relating to each field, as well as many events, workshops to network to gain more inputs and information on careers. I enjoy forming part of networking events in modeling; I seek out to directors and model coaches for any type of improvements in modeling.

Contact Info:

• Email: kathy_b_4191@hotmail.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/kathybsvg
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathy.bustamante.58

Image Credits
Scott Hays Mario Eguez Harlan Cone (R&R Amore Productions)

 

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