From breaking barriers as a petite model walking in NYFW, MSW, and NYSW, Kalli Locklear has shown that confidence and resilience can redefine industry standards. As an entrepreneur and influencer, Kalli leverages her platform to empower women by sharing authentic insights into her life, beyond the filtered highlights. Her honest portrayal of the chaos and imperfections behind the scenes fosters genuine connections with her audience, inspiring them to build confidence and navigate traditional modeling standards.
1. Can you share with us your journey from being a petite model to successfully walking the runways of prestigious fashion events such as NYFW, MSW, and NYSW?
We’re in such a unique time as a society, really highlighting individuality and inclusivity as an industry. A decade ago it would have been impossible to walk in NYFW not being your standard runway height model. It really is amazing what taking a chance on yourself can achieve. I have worked exponentially hard at polishing my level of confidence and resilience to thrive in what modeling is today. You really have to paint the door of opportunity and walk through it. I am a true believer that being ‘delulu’ is the ‘solulu,’ lol.
2. As an entrepreneur and influencer, how do you leverage your platform to empower women in building confidence and navigating the modeling industry’s traditional standards?
I think it’s really important to understand with a platform comes a responsibility to show certain insights to your authentic life and not just a highlight reel. I get it-it’s really uncomfortable posting yourself in a filtered world as your real self and showing that not everything is perfect. I have the best connections and really can relate with my female audience when I bring up the chaos in life and show the real BTS, without the facetune. We love to see what’s really going on and we all relate in so many ways on a daily basis – we truly all have no clue what we are doing.
3. What inspired you to pursue a career in both modeling and entrepreneurship, and how do these two aspects complement each other in your professional endeavors?
I actually am nonexclusive as of now with all my agencies and I started out gaining bookings through social media. I’ve always been a creative and enjoyed the entire process of a campaign. I’ve been building my social media for 10 + years so as that grew, I saw my opportunity open for modeling as well.
4. Could you discuss some challenges you’ve faced as a model and influencer, especially considering the industry’s prevailing standards, and how you overcame them to achieve your goals?
The most vital piece of advice I can say is – no matter what keep your authentic self as close to your heart as you can. As a model, it’s our job to be the clay that all these designers mold. Everyone is going to have feedback on how you should look and what path you should be taking. Take everything with a grain of salt, remain resilient and true to yourself at the end of the day. Of course, it’s important to apply good critique from people looking out for you, but never sacrifice your morals or your authenticity to get ahead.
5. In what ways do you think the modeling industry is evolving to embrace diversity and inclusivity, and how do you personally contribute to this positive change through your work?
I love the changes we are seeing in the industry now. We want to see real people, we want to see real experiences and see the diversity of healthy bodies shown in marketing. With AI coming in hot, I do think that this is what will set real models apart – it’s our personality, passion, and individuality coming through our work.
6. What advice would you give to young women looking to start their own businesses or enter the entrepreneurial world, particularly in the fashion and beauty industry?
Take the first step. The answer will be no 100% of the time unless you take action for what you want. No matter the level of success, you will still feel that anxious, unknown fear in the beginning – but it’s learning to continue operating through that fear no matter what that puts you in front of the majority of people.
Credit teams:
Model: Kalli Locklear @kallilocklear
Photographer: Felipe Castruita @photo.felipe
Stylist: Stevie Glover @fashionwithstevieg
Makeup: Leslie Hernandez @backstage.life
Hairstyling: Elizabeth Bargas @backstage.life
Hair: Paola Cabiedes @paolacabiedeshair
