‘Model’ Kendrick Smith [ Interview ]
Photo Courtesy : Kendrick Smith
Kendrick Smith is a man of many talents, and he has the ambition to match. From humble roots in Texas, he’s come a long way to become the business professional that he is today. Kendrick recently turned his unshakeable focus to a new, but not unexpected, endeavor – high-fashion modeling. He took the time out to share with Carib Domain team where he’s been, the work he’s doing now, and where he’s going next.
Carib Domain: When would you say you really started getting noticed in the modeling and fashion industry?
Kendrick Smith: True stardom in the modeling Fashion didn’t begin until November 2015. I have been trying to break into the industry since I was in my native [town] of Dallas, Texas. It wasn’t until the last quarter of 2015 that I was able to tap into the industry if you will.
CD: What are you passionate about in this type of work?
KS: I’m most passionate about the creative side of fashion and being able to tell that story through the eyes of the designer’s work when walking the runway.
CD: What first sparked your interest in the world of fashion?
KS: My love of fashion started with the “golden days” of Oprah, The Cosby Show, A Different World, Different Strokes, BET, JET Magazine, Ebony Magazine etc. I could go on and on, down the list.
These are who homage goes out to, for they paved the way. I was always a TV show fanatic and loved to read high-fashion magazine articles and watch those types of shows. I said to myself, “One day I will be in magazines, on billboards, and TV”. I did a few extra scenes in a movie named “Public Affair” filmed here in Norfolk, VA.
Photo Courtesy : Kendrick Smith
CD: When did you realize that fashion was something you wanted to pursue as a career?
KS: I realized that fashion is what I would like to pursue at the age of 5. I never had a lot growing up, but what I did have was the support of my family in whatever I aspired to be.
CD: Would you like to share a little about your background. Where are you from?
KS: I’m from Dallas, TX – born and raised, and I moved to Houston in 2012 to pursue a job promotion. In 2013 I decided that I wanted to resign from my company and move to the
East Coast where I now reside in Suffolk, Virginia.
CD: How about your parents?
KS: My mother is from Dallas, TX and my father is from Terrell, TX. I’m the eldest of four children: two boys and two girls. Each of us grew up with different dads who were always in and out of our lives.
CD: Did your family have any of these backgrounds that you are pursuing?
KS: My immediate family didn’t have a Design or Fashion background. However, my Aunt Pam was a seamstress and could sew her tail off. I wanted to learn from her, but over time, she had to stop because of developing arthritis which prevented her from doing a lot of sewing. In the beginning, she was such an inspiration to me when it came to fashion. I not only do this for me and my immediate family, but also for her because she was always on her sewing machine, especially when it came to [clothing] her own children.
CD: Did you go to an art and design college, or did you study something else?
KS: I’m the first of my family to graduate college. I hold a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix with an undergrad in Accounting from the same university.
CD: How would you describe your modeling style?
KS: Hmmm… Depends on the event. I’m more of a modern trendy type. I can also be a mogul as well as the boy next door. I would love to be able to share all of my talents with the audience. This creates visibility for me and allows me to be an inspiration to others who think they can’t do it.
CD: Who are some of your role models in the industry, and where else do you find inspiration?
KS: Some of my design and fashion inspirations are Tyra Banks and America’s Next Top Model, Naomi Campbell, Tyson Beckford, Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren, Gianni Versace, a host of others and Project Runway.
CD: Can you tell us a little about some of the recent modeling work you’ve done?
KS: My modeling projects consist of “The Arts” 2015 and 2016, New York Fashion Week in February 2016, and DC Fashion Week both in February 2016 and September 2016. I’m currently working on a project that is TBA – it’s a work in progress.
Photo Courtesy : Kendrick Smith
CD: What do you like to do when you’re not working in fashion?
KS: Outside of this line of work in the industry I am still working a full-time job with a large retailer. Soon and very soon, I will be able to stop working this full time with the expectation of signing contracts with major brands.
CD: Why do you want other fashion designers to know about your work?
KS: I would like to tell other designers about my work to create bonding relationships and to network with like-minded individuals.
CD: IS there anything you’d like to see happen for all models?
KS: I would like to see all models succeed with their goals in this line of work. Often times we tend to give up just because someone tells us “NO”. We have to learn to fight through the “NO’s”. Strong Determination as well as your will to continue to climb this ladder of success predicts your outcome. We have to put in the work in order to see the wall of success and then pass on the legacy.
CD: What are some of your personal long-term goals?
KS: In the next 5-10 years I see myself as spokes-model for several major brands, traveling more not only nationally, but abroad as well. I believe I’ll appear on international TV shows and movies. I would also like to develop my own brand and bring visibility to that on a global spectrum.
Photo Courtesy : Kendrick Smith
CD: How can your fans contact you on social media to learn more?
KS: People can contact me via the following social media sites:
Facebook: Ken TheModel Smith | Instagram: datmogulken
CD: Thank you.
Editor ~ Kristen McMahan
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