Finding My Light with Keenyah Hill

Summary

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Furious Thoughts: "Finding My Light" with Keenyah Hill

Podcast: Furious Thoughts (CAKE MEDIA)
Date: April 29, 2026
Guest: Keenyah Hill (model, pose coach, modeling mentor, Top Model alum)
Host: [Name not specified in transcript; appears as "B"]

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Episode Overview

This episode features an in-depth, vibrant conversation between host and renowned model/mentoring coach Keenyah Hill, best known from America’s Next Top Model Cycle 4. Centered on building confidence, demystifying the modeling industry, and the need for true representation, the episode explores Keenyah’s reflections on recent Top Model documentaries, her personal journey, and the creation of her modeling mentorship platform, "Find Your Light." The discussion weaves humor and honesty with poignant insights about race, self-worth, and the evolving landscape of fashion, modeling, and social media.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Reality TV, Documentary Reflections, and Accountability

[02:10–07:17]

• Keenyah reflects on being contacted for the Netflix documentary about America’s Next Top Model (ANTM).
  • She was surprised by the “exposé” tone, expecting a nostalgic recap rather than a dramatic deep-dive.
• She acknowledges the dual truths: while some criticisms of ANTM are valid, the overall experience was still “legendary” and formative.
• Producer manipulation in reality TV is a shared theme:

  “Oh, these people really will say one thing to your face and then go right back to video village … like, oh, yeah, we got them on this thing.” (B, 04:12)

• On accountability:

  “I do feel like they all kind of hot potatoed the accountability.” (A, 05:49) “Two things can be true. This could have been a monumental show ... and at the same time, we can acknowledge the ways that they could have done better.” (B, 06:15)

• Keenyah describes how time context matters:

  “It really was a different time. ... When they did the race swap … I thought it was comedy.” (A, 07:29)

2. Virality, Social Media, and Revisiting the Past

[10:04–13:38]

• “Top Model” memories resurfaced in the TikTok era lead to both amusement and anxiety.

  “It gives you a little bit of anxiety to have all of these things, like, being unearthed again.” (A, 10:54)

• Life before social media meant privacy from public opinion:

  “There was no everybody’s two cents plastered all over the place. Everybody doesn’t deserve to have a microphone.” (A, 12:54)

• Social comparison and constant feedback now affect models and public figures more intensely.

3. Keenyah’s Journey & Birth of “Find Your Light”

[14:55–19:28]

• Moving from LA to New York as a young, unsupported Black model:
  • Lacked guidance, faced unspoken industry rules, rejected for not being “thin enough.”
  • Noted a preference for international Black models over African-Americans in high fashion.
• After years of perseverance, built a successful runways and campaigns career globally.
• Recognizing a widespread lack of entry knowledge, she created "Find Your Light" to support aspiring models, especially Black women and those outside the industry’s narrow standards:

  “There’s no blueprint … YouTube videos … if you’re not like a 15, 16 year old blonde hair, blue eyed girl, that advice might not work for you.” (A, 17:17)

• Modeling (“cookie-cutter” look) and acting: both lack accessible, universal roadmaps.

4. Social Media, Branding & Industry Shifts

[19:28–21:50]

• The significance of Instagram and personal branding for casting.

  “If you don’t know how to not oversexualize yourself as a model or really have your own voice and build a brand ... then you’re gonna have to go like the traditional way.” (A, 20:09)

• “Go-sees” and auditions have become largely digital, losing the intimacy and energy of in-person interactions.

5. Confidence, Coaching, and Mentorship Philosophy

[23:13–25:19]

• Keenyah emphasizes confidence:

  “It’s hard. But ... we’re not really trained on how to be super confident.… It’s either in you or it’s not, or it comes later. And it’s such a huge requirement for life.” (A, 23:56)

• Positive affirmation and self-talk for mental resilience (meditation, morning routines, building foundational self-worth).

6. Keenyah’s Coaching Successes & Approach

[25:19–30:36]

• Proudest moments: six mentees in current Sephora beauty campaigns.

  “Every time I walk into Sephora to buy makeup stuff, I see my girls all over the place. That is a super proud moment for me.” (A, 25:29)

• Description of how “Find Your Light” works:
  • Welcoming, “big sis” energy — a nurturing, honest, but loving environment.
  • Practical advice: real portfolio building, posing science (“10,000 hours”), working with the right photographers.

7. Modeling Technique, Demonstration, and Application

[33:15–34:12]

• Keenyah gives a live breakdown for confident, effortless posing (“relaxed, but creating so much shape”).

8. Representation, Diversity, and Industry Biases

[48:20–54:29]

• Challenges for Black American women in fashion:

  “...the 90s was really the last era of ... a lot of black American models that look like African American. ... Now ... the only model is really dark skin with a shaved head.” (A, 48:54)

• Industry often prefers foreign Black models or a specific “exotic” look, often requiring shaved heads for hair/makeup convenience.
• Commercial print: resistance to straightened hair; preference for afro or braids.
• Larger issues of tokenism, fetishization, and underrepresentation.

  “It’s not even just a waste. ... companies ... put themselves at a disadvantage when they only choose one type of person.” (B, 54:29)

9. Advice for Aspiring Models and General Listeners

[44:16–46:12]

• Keenyah’s advice:
  1. Ask yourself why you want to model — is it validation, or a genuine love for self-expression?
  2. Don’t compare yourself to others — comparison is the thief of joy.

  “Be inspired by people, but don’t compare yourself and base your value on what another model looks like or has, because that ... will never end.” (A, 45:28)

  3. Celebrate uniqueness and invest in finding your own path.

10. Miami Swim Week & Keenyah’s Upcoming Projects

[38:07–42:43]

• Miami Swim Week described as a more inclusive space than NYFW (height/body standards more flexible).
• Keenyah’s summit with Paraiso: panels (Wilhelmina agent, industry pros), runway coaching, and professional digitals for aspiring models.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On media manipulation:
  “You never know what the narrative really is going to be.” (A, 02:10)
• On time/context:
  “It really was a different time … I was just in a different mindset.” (A, 07:29)
• On comparison and confidence:
  “The quote, that comparison is the biggest thief of joy is so true.” (A, 44:23)
• Hosting energy:
  “If you need help with getting out there and making it happen, you come find your light with me. I'll help you.” (A, 46:12)
• On representation:
  “Why do we have to. ... We don't have any hair either. Like, you don't allow us to have the hair. Why are you shaving our heads?” (A, 49:14)
• On legacy:
  “I just hope that God’s happy with me because I’m trying.” (A, 42:53)
• On modern social media culture:
  “Everybody doesn’t deserve to have a microphone. ... We've just given so much too much of a platform for everybody's opinions.” (A, 12:54)
• Host praise:
  “You make me very proud. I feel very proud to see us living in our purpose out here and changing people's lives ... You're just doing really amazing, inspiring work.” (B, 57:12)

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Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment/Topic | |------------|-------------------------------------------------| | 02:10–07:17| ANTM documentary, reality TV manipulation, accountability | | 10:04–13:38| TikTok/virality, anxiety, pre-social media era | | 14:55–19:28| Keenyah’s modeling career, barriers, mentoring | | 19:28–21:50| Instagram & branding shifts in modeling | | 23:13–25:19| Confidence, self-worth, mentorship lesson | | 25:19–30:36| Success stories (“6 at Sephora”), “Find Your Light” method | | 33:15–34:12| Posing technique and hands-on demonstration | | 38:07–42:43| Miami Swim Week, upcoming summit | | 44:16–46:12| Advice for aspiring models (purpose, comparison, uniqueness)| | 48:20–54:29| Black American women in fashion, representation challenges | | 55:57–56:32| How to connect with Keenyah / Find Your Light |

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How to Connect with Keenyah Hill

• Website: findyourlighttoday.com (consultation required before booking services)
• Instagram: @KeenyahHill — modeling tips, pose demonstrations, event info
• Miami Swim Week: Open to all levels — model coaching, summit, and professional digitals available; details and tickets on the website.

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Episode Tone & Style

• Candid, witty and warm: Both Keenyah and the host balance industry critique and humor (“Do you remember Ricki Lake?” / “We rebuke it!” / “Invisible hair tuck”).
• Empowering and real talk: Emphasis on self-worth, resilience, and healing from industry wounds.
• Nurturing mentorship: Keenyah’s tone is big-sisterly, supportive, and practical—rooted in both success and hard-won lessons.

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Takeaways

• The modeling industry is full of invisible rules, shifting standards, and real hurdles, especially for women of color.
• Confidence and self-talk are as critical as technical/modeling skills for career progress and personal well-being.
• Comparing your journey to others, especially in the frenzy of social media, is self-defeating; individuality is key.
• Keenyah Hill is pioneering accessible, holistic mentoring for the next generation of models—emphasizing not just looks and technique, but personal growth and authenticity.

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Transcript

[A]

So that's. That's why it's also important for me when I'm coaching my girls now to, like, help them build their confidence and not take this stuff personal. Be yourself. Like, come in the room. I miss the age of men really approaching.

[B]

Yeah, respectfully.

[A]

Respectfully.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Come and talk. Like, we don't bite.

[B]

Confidence.

[A]

I'll give you a wink. I'll let you know, hey, anybody can buy a camera and become a photographer. So these girls are thinking, let me just do some photo shoots. And usually you get exactly what you pay for, right?

[B]

I want to know about the documentary that most of us watched on Netflix that attempted to give a reality check to America's Next Top Model. Folks, we are back to fearist thoughts, and I am honored to have yet another icon in the room with us. This woman is a pose coach, a modeling mentor. She's a top model alum, and a literal black goddess. So please give honor to one Kenya Hill.

[A]

Thank you.

[B]

I am so excited to have you here.

[A]

I'm excited to be here. I feel like I've been inducted into official goddessness with that intro.

[B]

Well, you know, to give honor in where it is deserved. First of all, it's so amazing to be sitting across from you as someone who's been familiar with you for so long.

[A]

Thank you.

[B]

And you, you know, you're radiant. Oh, and also, I was quite honored that you agreed to do this, because, you know, I'm about to talk shit. So let's just get into it.

[A]

Let's get into it.

[B]

So I want to know about the documentary that most of us watched on Netflix that attempted to give a reality check to America's Next Top Model. I'd love to hear what it was like getting contacted to do that and what the filming of it was like, for sure.

[A]

So for one, TV Land is very interesting because when you sign up to do a documentary or reality show or anything, really, even a podcast, you never know what the narrative really is going to be. And so, because I'm used to. I've had so many experiences with just, like, journalists and producers who, like, will smile on your face and make it seem like it's gonna be one way. And then you see the published material, and it's like, oh, there was totally, like, an angle. Or they only use this one little bit.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And I love the producers at netfl. I honestly felt so honored that they reached out to me. I thought that the documentary is gonna be, like, maybe 15 girls, and I thought that it was more going to be a recap of this iconic show that we all used to watch. I mean, it was really one of the first reality shows ever, like in. And Tyra really is a visionary and a pioneer in that sense that she's created the format for a lot of these reality shows, the chef shows, the makeup shows of these shows that use that same format. She was really the first one to do it. And so I thought it was just gonna be like, let's dig, dig into the crates and like, see about these top model girls. And I did not think it was really gonna be an expose.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know, it was like, so. It was so heavy and dramatic.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I mean, every girl has their own experiences for sure. Like, we all don't have the same experience, but I definitely don't feel as though it's like ruined my life and I'm scarred and damaged right now. I'm sure we'll probably get into it. There were some issues, but I'm still so proud to have been a part of such a legendary show.

[B]

Yeah. I mean, I do agree that I think since watching reality TV and being really fascinated by where the producer randomly comes from, if someone's fighting or whatnot, like, oh, these people really will say one thing to your face and then go right back to video village with the birdman hand rub, like, oh, yeah, we got them on this thing. And I suppose it is like a really, I guess, normal factor in reality TV today. I will say that when I was watching this documentary, I wanted to like the ring through the television and just look in some of their faces and say, stop lying. However, you know what I mean? Do you feel like some of them could have taken more accountability?

[A]

I think so. I think so for sure. Now. My angle has always been that I'm so appreciative to have been on that show. I'm really appreciative to Tyra and everything that's going on. And I also understand she's a businesswoman and that there are other people that are kind of like higher ups that are more in control. However, just being and living the show, the closeness and the dynamic between Mr. J and Tyra was, it seems like he's the creative director. You're on here as the creative director. You have some kind of say here creatively just on whatever's happening. And so I do feel like they all kind of hot potatoed the accountability.

[B]

That's noticeable. Yes.

[A]

And, you know, but I will say that Ms. J, who I absolutely adore, never really did anything that was problematic personally to me that, that Made me feel like he should have taken, like, any accountability for anything. Like, I don't feel that way. But I definitely feel like, to answer your question, that maybe I also think

[B]

that, to your point, and I said this a lot after watching it, that, like, two things can be true. This could have been, like a monumental show. First of its kind, incredibly entertaining. Did a lot for a lot of really talented women, some who maybe didn't even know they were talented at the time. And at the same time, we can acknowledge the ways that they could have done better and hope that they could have done better. I don't believe that that takes anything away from the overall experience. I wish that there were a bit more people who were criticizing who could have just taken those two things simultaneously. Cause I don't believe it was all Tyra Banks. I don't think it was this expose to destroy her. Not from my perspective. And I don't even think it was destructive as much as it was just like, post Covid, a lot of people are watching this and going, huh? Yeah, let's address that. Yeah.

[A]

But, you know, in terms of the time, and I know it's like a cliche thing that no one really wants to hear, like, oh, it was a different time.

[B]

Yeah, I say that all the time.

[A]

But it really was, though. It really was a different time. And there were some things that were not. Like, for example, okay. And even as a black person saying this, it's like, what? Really? But I guess I was just in a different mindset or just state of mind in general during the competition. But when they did the race swap and we had to be different races, I thought it was comedy, that they wanted to make me an Asian woman. She's like, well, your eyes and everything. We're just gonna make you Asian. And to me, I'm such a competitive person, I can't believe that I made it onto the show. So now that I'm on the show, I'm gonna do whatever I have to do. I'm not gonna be the one to ruffle any feathers. You know what I mean? And then considering, you know. Cause I've watched previous seasons, I was on Cycle four, but watching previous seasons, like, you don't be the diva. You don't be the one to cause trouble. And, you know, you just don't wanna be that ungrateful one, you know, who's causing trouble. And so there were certain things that I was just like, well, I need to win this challenge. That's where my mentality was, right? Like, let me Win this.

[B]

And it was a different time around then. I was also watching a woman put a whole chicken into the microwave to date Flavor Flav. So it was a wild, wild west. Have you heard of hot ice cream? And can you tell me what the hell it is?

[A]

I don't know what hot ice cream is.

[B]

Me neither.

[A]

It's such an oxymoron. I don't. It's in Australia as well, so I can't personally tell you what that is like, but from what I've seen, from reviews of what I've seen, everyone is just as confused when they try it.

[B]

Got it.

[A]

I'm not trying to shade Tyra whatsoever.

[B]

I think these are just questions. I need answers. Yeah, I'm just answering the question. Great.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

How many. I mean, did you do. Were there other Top Model girls who reached out after they. They saw the documentary? Um, I. I heard you say that you thought it was going to be this huge group of girls. I imagine maybe some girls didn't take the opportunity, maybe didn't want the opportunity. Did anybody hit you up after?

[A]

Well, there's a couple of things. Like, to answer your question, yes, quite a few of us were all, like, messaging each other. I've always stayed in touch with quite a few of the girls from my season, like Yuvi, Kaylin, Brittany, and I think, like, a few other girls, like, we. You know, Instagram makes you feel like you're connected with everybody, right? Pretty much. And so I've spoken to a few of the girls from my season and also, like Joanna, who was from, I think, season two. She was a Cycle two winner, I believe, icon. But there's an. There was an issue because we did another. There was another documentary that we also did for E. Which came out after the Netflix one. But the Netflix one, of course, was like the one everybody wanted to hear from because Tyra was on that. And so some of the other girls did that other documentary, which was like, Dirty Rotten Scandals is what it was called. And I kind of talked about a few other shows as well, but there was a conflict. And so some of the girls didn't want to do. Couldn't do both. Netflix and that. I did do both. But in terms of us connecting, what was really interesting was that there was. It gave a few of us anxiety because for me, I hadn't watched the show. I hadn't watched it since then. I've gone on and doing my own thing now. And so to have the whole world come. I mean, there's videos that have gone viral of them Talking about my weight and all this stuff, and it's just, like, it gives you a little bit of anxiety to have all of these things, like, being unearthed again and, you know, and brought back to the surface. Barely thinking of something from when I was 19. You know what I mean? So that's been a very interesting dynamic.

[B]

But, yeah, that's actually what I was gonna ask if you had noticed these, like, TikTok clips of people doing, like, parodies of traumatic moments from this show, like how, you know, I was on Top Model or what Top Model said about my mother and things like that. What has your, like, response to that been or your thought process to seeing these things?

[A]

It's hilarious. It's hilarious, for one. But, you know, it's so interesting. Like, I didn't think. I didn't know that it was gonna take over the Internet like it did for so long, the fact that it came back out. But I think it's funny and it's just. Hindsight is 20 20, right? And so we all. In hindsight, it just was like, this was traumatizing. This was traumatizing. And I think a lot of people. You know, another, like, traumatizing factor is that when we did America's Next Top Model, there was no such thing as Instagram.

[B]

Right?

[A]

At all. And we're in a where. Even for myself, when I was going out and meeting fans, like, every single day, people recognizing me, that was the only interaction that I would get from people who would watch the show is if I meet you in person. There was no everybody's two cents plastered all over the place. So that was another part that also gave us a little bit of anxiety because it's like, now everybody's damn opinion is everywhere, and everybody doesn't deserve to have a microphone. Everybody doesn't need to be, you know, like, their opinion. Like, it's just like, we've given so much. Everybody is entitled to their own opinion, but we've just given so much too much of a platform for everybody's opinions. And so it's been. It's been very interesting.

[B]

Yeah, I think the girls should invest in a journal, a diary, period. Yeah, Just write something to yourself. That's it. I want to pivot to you. I want to talk about everything you're doing right now. Finding light Find your light today Find your light today I'm so incredible. This is something that makes me very proud. It's something that makes me so excited. Every single thing that I've seen you, all the photos and everything is like, this Person won all the seasons. Right. What led you to creating this space for mentoring girls? Like, it feels like. It feels like if you were. I'm gonna do a Pokemon thing. Just ride with me. It feels like if you were like a Charmander, like the first on Top Model, you were in your youngest form, and now you're a mighty charizard, breathing flames into the sky. Like, you've evolved into such a great example.

[A]

Oh, my gosh.

[B]

And I hear from so many people who've worked with you about how. How much you've changed their life. So.

[A]

Really?

[B]

No, genuinely, I just watched a clip a second ago. Like, I see it all the time. So what led you into this space?

[A]

Well, for one, after I did Top Model, because I'm born and raised from la and I'm like, okay, I've got to move to New York. I've got to make my modeling career happen. And I was hit with a real reality check there because Tyra didn't help me. Like, no one from the show helped me. I had to do every single thing on my own. By the way, I love these shoes. Are these. I. I've seen these. Sorry, random. Fashion girly. Fashion girly. I got a fashion girly. They're so chic. I need a chic sneaker. Okay. But. So when I. When I moved to New York, I had just no guidance. And especially, like, as a black model, there's really only, like, a few different hairstyles that are even considered acceptable with the modeling agency.

[B]

Right.

[A]

This is like a secret. This is not common knowledge. They don't say, oh, let's. They don't give you suggestions when you submit to agencies. It's like a yes or no situation. Yeah. And it was just. It was really tough. It was really tough. I was 19, but I was competing with, like, 15 year olds.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

I had lost all of this weight, you know, to be a size 0, because I knew that I was going to New York to compete. Um, and the agencies were still saying, you're not thin enough. Um, which. This is like another conversation that we can talk about. But it really was an aspect of the modeling industry where they don't really hire African American women too much for high fashion. They really are hiring women from other countries, from foreign countries, like, you know, Senegal, Sudan.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And these girls are, you know, gorgeous. Sure. But there's just. There were all of these invisible rules that I didn't know about in terms of getting started. And it just took me like, two and a half, almost three years to get signed but then I finally got signed to an agency after because I was like, I've moved all the way here broke. Okay, I'm making this happen.

[B]

Yeah. So Denzel, I'm leaving here with something.

[A]

I'm leaving here with something. Exactly. So I just, I never gave up. And yeah, eventually got signed and went on to do Paris and Milan, London Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week, of course Miami Swim Week a few times and just like started working. And so it's been like 20 years since I've, since I've kind of started that journey. And about 11 years ago I noticed I'm not the only person who had a really hard time starting out. Like all the aspiring models, regardless of race, have no idea how to start. There's no blueprint. There may be a couple of YouTube videos that you can watch, but if you're not like a 15, 16 year old blonde hair, blue eyed girl, that advice might not work for you.

[B]

Right.

[A]

In terms of like getting signed and what to put in your portfolio. How to pose, like how to convey different facial expressions. That is not common knowledge. So I decided to develop my course. Find your light.

[B]

What an odd level of entry. So like this huge business. I mean, I get. It just seems really strange that it's so mysterious.

[A]

You think it's mysterious?

[B]

I mean just the way I think it's mysterious to have all of these potential models go. Like it's mysterious for them. Like how do I get started if

[A]

I'm not a cookie cooker? Oh, it's a complete mystery as to how to get started for sure. It's, it's kind of like the same in any of the industries. Like if you want to be an actor or a singer as well. There's no, there's no university that you go to. And now you are going to be a paid working actor or now you're going to be a hit maker singer. You know, like there's no, there's no blueprint for it and there's all these gatekeepers and nobody's really sharing. You know what I mean? That's why it's just so fulfilling for me because we also. It shouldn't have to be so much of an industry of a secret.

[B]

Right?

[A]

You know what I mean? It shouldn't have to be a secret as to, as to like where to go now. Some girls definitely need a little bit of. They're a little delulu in terms of like where in the modeling industry they fit in. And so that's where I come in. As opposed to most modeling Agents who will just not tell them anything and like not respond at all. I'd rather say, okay, maybe not Victoria's Secret, but maybe we can do some commercial print over here where you'll be appreciated and you'll actually be booking jobs and getting paid.

[B]

Right.

[A]

Because the commercial print girlies are getting their money. They're getting paid.

[B]

One thing I think. Cause when you mentioned acting and music, and that also being a mystery, I do think of numbers. Because one of the things in acting and film and television, I notice, is you got the numbers on your Instagram page. We'll find a place for you.

[A]

Right.

[B]

So what do you think about that? Cause it seems like a lot of people do just go with that one common blueprint of let me get my Instagram followers up and then see what happens.

[A]

Yeah, well, that is a way to go. But also, if you don't know how to build your Instagram brand, if you don't know how to stand out, if you don't know how to not over sexualize yourself as a model or really have your own voice and build a brand on social media, then you're gonna have to go like the traditional way. But it's still important nowadays. That's how the industry is very different than how it was before. Like I said, there was no such thing as Instagram. It was like, what's in that portfolio, honey? Show us the walk. What are you working with? And now, because everybody can be their own brand. I mean, you just have to change with the times. Like all the brands now even you would think that like, even a huge brand like Coca Cola or whatever, that they're not gonna be concerned with their, the model's numbers. But it all plays a part on attention to a brand who's gonna bring more eyeballs. We want even more eyeballs. Yeah, it's just like a new level of greed that's entered the chat.

[B]

It's a good point. You know, and when we say there was no Instagram, Gen Z, Alpha Beta, whoever's after that, I know that when we say that y' all think that we're saying like, oh, we used to, you know, we used to bang our names into a stone tablet and then we'd go into the village square. No, bitch, we just had time to ourselves and other things to do. We weren't doom scrolling. God bless y'.

[A]

All. I know, I know. We were actually out in the streets. But a lot of things change. Like, especially even with the modeling industry before we were actually hitting the pavement, going to tons and Tons of castings. But now everything is digital.

[B]

Are ghosties still a thing?

[A]

Go. Sees are still a thing. But everything is more so digital. They're still like, okay, email us, we'll set up a site, a Skype meeting or zoom meeting, you know, with you to see your potential. Or you're sending in your self tape. Self tape videos.

[B]

That's what I was gonna say. Like, even film and television, it's just like more often now it's like, okay, send in a. Or you go here and do a tape. I don't know that many people are still like going to auditioning places.

[A]

And it's sad because that's where the sauce is. Let me tell you. Let me tell you. I auditioned for America's Next Top Model twice. The first time I auditioned, I sent in a video. Sent in a video. Oh, this is really gonna age me. Oh, my gosh. But I rented from my college dorm, I went to UC Riverside here in Cali. I rented a. From like the, the film center or whatever on campus, a VHS thing. It was literally this big.

[B]

Amen.

[A]

Popped the video in. I had somebody record me. This sounds ancient in my head. This sounds like ancient.

[B]

Sounds like home to me.

[A]

And so they filmed me walking down the dorm doing my Runway walk. I sent in some photos, didn't hear a thing. That was for Cycle three. And then I was watching Ricki Lake. Do you remember Ricki Lake?

[B]

Do I remember Ricki Lake? I remember Ricky. I remember Jenny Jones.

[A]

Jenny Jones.

[B]

I remember the girls.

[A]

Yeah, right. So I was watching that and a commercial came on and Tyro's like, if you think you've got what it takes to be America's Next Top Model, we're doing live in person auditions here in la. And that's where I was able to go and like, actually make it happen from, like being in person. They need to feel and sense your energy, you know what I'm saying? So that's why it's also important for me when I'm coaching my girls now to help them build their confidence and not take this stuff personal. Be yourself, come in the room. And it's hard. But we typically are not trained, depending on who your parents are. We're not really trained on how to be super confident, you know.

[B]

True.

[A]

There was no training for that. Like, I got bullied really badly when I was in junior high. Did you? And like that kind of stuff. It's like, it's either like in you or it's not, or it comes later. And it's like such a Huge requirement for life.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know what I mean?

[B]

Just in general. Yeah, yeah.

[A]

Just in general for your, like, just general. Your decision makings making and like just every. The way you navigate, the way you move, all of your behavior, all of that stuff comes from your level of confidence in your self talk.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And so if that is not good, like, if you're not talking positive to. Positively to yourself, that can really affect where you're. Your trajectory of everything. So I make sure to instill that in the girls so they're ready to. Ready to rock and not take this stuff personal. They don't get jobs.

[B]

And speaking of that, I will speak positively back in you and say, don't feel no type of way about having that VHS and shooting the vhs. Cause let me tell you what the babies are doing now. Getting old VHS cameras to look edgy. Using VHS filters to be like, ooh, once upon a time. So they can kiss both of our asses as far as I'm concerned. So, okay, I know that you have prepared your girls for campaigns for Runway for the Met gala, even. What's been one of your proudest moments as a coach.

[A]

I would say, well, currently I have six models who all have beauty campaigns out at Sephora right now.

[B]

Work.

[A]

So every time I walk into Sephora to buy makeup stuff, I see my girls all over the place. That is a super proud moment for me. Every single time I go into Sephora. And I'm in there all the time. Sephora. You owe me a check. I'm providing McDonald's for you.

[B]

I mean, come on. A couple ads, a couple little packets up. Yes, yes, yes.

[A]

But so that's something that I'm super proud of. But also, yes. Coaching Savannah. James lebron watched as I was coaching her, which was incredible. But Savannah's like, she's a fellow Virgo. She's so classy.

[B]

And that's where I get this energy. You're a Virgo?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Good girl.

[A]

What are you?

[B]

I'm a sag. Don't hold me again.

[A]

I'm a sag.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

Yes. For once, Yes.

[B]

I said on this very podcast about, you know, the Sagittarius. I mean, a lot of the astrology folk, when I say I'm a Sagittarius, are like, but why?

[A]

What's the thing?

[B]

What's the thing that they never tell me?

[A]

Oh, well, that's messed up.

[B]

Exactly.

[A]

Cause you know why? You don't like any other sign. You know why?

[B]

It just tells me you don't know

[A]

what you're talking About I don't know what you're talking about.

[B]

Right.

[A]

We rebuke it. We rebuke it.

[B]

Does that kind of does stuff like walking into Sephora. I'm a crybaby, so I would walk into Sephora every time and go up to the register and be like, sir, do you want this lip gloss? It's not that expensive. Why are you crying? Like, I might just. Do you need help? Buying a lip like that has to be so, so fulfilling.

[A]

It is. It really is. Or when they message me, when my, my girls message me and let me know that they've got signed to an agency or you know, that they've. That they're more confident with some of the tools that I give them. Because we talk about meditation, we talk about positive affirmations, giving them a morning routine. Like we get to the nitty gritty of it all. And so just knowing that you have an impact on people, but that's where God, like blesses you. You know what I mean? When you decide to do something for other people with whatever it is that you know, I mean, you're a blessing. You're able to get people to come on here, express themselves just from you being vulnerable and being honest about things. Like I've seen your vids, your work, your, your clips from this show. Like you are super vulnerable and honest about things and who you are. And it makes other people feel like, okay, I'm normal or I can. You know what I mean? Or I can, I should express myself more or whatever the case. It is like you have impact.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

What's like, what's some of the sort of like the breakdown of the experience? Like how. What can someone expect when they come in to find your light? What's the experience like? Cause you break. Do you talk about meditation and self affirmation?

[A]

That's a really good question. I'm excited to answer it. So first and foremost I understand. Okay. Because also this comes with being a Virgo. But I understand the human mind and psychology really well. So I know that most people who come, who come through my doors, I do in person sessions as well. Like at my studio here in Hollywood. I know you've most likely seen me on tv. You're probably a little nervous. You don't know what to expect. And so I, because I do this from my heart, it's not hard to do, but I try to break the ice immediately. I'm giving you kisses and hugs. I'm coming in as like big sis.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know what I mean? Whether it's like a virtual course or in person. I want you to feel really comfortable and confident. I don't want you to come in here feeling intimidated or like you can't be yourself. Because there's nowhere else in the modeling industry where you are nurtured. This is the only place where you're gonna be nurtured. And somebody's gonna, like, probably keep it real with you and tell you the truth about some things. But it's going to be in, like, a sisterly, motherly way where it's like, with love, baby, we gotta work on this hair. Or, okay, what's the skin routine? What are we doing? You know? And so that's the general. General feel and vibration of it. But, you know, when we first start, we talk about just all the agency logistics, just how to start, like, what to put in your portfolio, girl. Because that's a big issue. A lot of girls, because of Instagram, now anybody can buy a camera and become a photographer. So these girls are thinking, let me just do some photo shoots. Let me just call anybody who's willing to do a free shoot. They don't want to pay for shoots. Let me just go do a photo shoot. And usually you get exactly what you pay for. And so these photos don't work in your favor at all.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So I break down to them. Like, they have a whole, like, guide on. This is how you actually look like a model. You got to pick. You're a businesswoman. As a. As a model, you have to pick. You can't just do a photo shoot with a photographer and be like, oh, I didn't like the pictures. The pictures. You chose that photographer, sis. You know, like, we need to work with photographers that are going to elevate you.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So I show them that process, and of course, I show them how to pose from head to toe.

[B]

I just saw a clip of you doing a thousand poses and 60 seconds. I was just like,

[A]

well, I've broken it down. Thank you. I've broken it down into a science. When you do anything for a long time, you know, there's a book, I think, or like, a concept where they talk about 10,000 hours. Like, once you've put in 10,000 hours of doing something, like, you know it, Right?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And so I have really. My mind has really broken down the body into a science in terms of, like, understanding dimension and shapes and, like, how everything should be looking when you are in front of the camera. And so I've just broken it down in a really fun way where you can be really graceful and fluid because you need to feel it. You need to be. You don't need to be thinking, oh, did I do this pose already?

[B]

Did this look stiff?

[A]

You don't want to need to see the photos every five seconds, you know?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

How do you feel when you're taking photos?

[B]

I feel like I'm in a different universe, so I don't have to accept that it's happening. But I do. Like, I. When I see you do, like, several poses at a time in a video, it feels like it could just be a video on it. It doesn't feel like I'm going and pose and pose and pose and pose. It feels like a dance. It feels like you're just hitting these different poses as you move with grace. But then you also have to, I imagine, be aware of the camera and angles and light and how to catch those things.

[A]

Yeah. But if you understand. So light is a basic thing. Right. So naturally, from me having this conversation with you, I understand where the lighting is. I'm gonna try, like, naturally, your subconscious kind of picks that up and so you understand where the lighting is. Then once your brain kind of understands creating shapes with your overall silhouette, then it becomes a lot more easy. And once you realize that you are. You're taking photos, you need to offer a moment worth being captured. But we're not. We never freeze for. We never freeze our bodies in time for the photo. We're offering a living, breathing moment, and then the camera captures that moment.

[B]

Right.

[A]

So you need to be a little fluid. We need to have that. So once you kind of understand that all posing is. Is really creating shapes, think of yourself as, like just a silhouette. I need to create shape. I can create some shape by just like, tilting my head, pulling this elbow out a little bit. Maybe a little something here. We just need to.

[B]

Teach me what, like, teach me, like, sitting down?

[A]

Yeah, sure. Yeah. Ok. Okay, so let's. Let's see. Let's give something that's gonna be a little confident, but also like relaxed, unbothered, effortless. I love an effortless moment. So maybe we can bring an elbow up here that's automatically. We've introduced some new dimension to it. We're bringing this further away from the camera. Okay. We can come here and then maybe we wanna cross. Let's see. Come. Bring your booty to the end of the chair a little bit. There we go. Nice. Now let's kick up a leg here. Nice. Very good. So now we're. We're relaxed, but we're creating so much shape.

[B]

Got.

[A]

Yes, you are coming across here. You know what I mean? If you wanted to bring this hand up, I know the mic is in your way. If you wanted to bring it up and meet here, then you have these head angles. You get into these head angles right here. You're going to catch. We're going to get as much out of this pose as we can. You're going to catch this pose exactly. Period. Yes.

[B]

That was fun.

[A]

See?

[B]

Okay, I don't know if you know this, but I'm from Miami, Florida born and raised.

[A]

I'm about to do a whole swim week workshop.

[B]

I know. That's what I was gonna ask you. Okay, so you're going to invite me Swim week?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

This sounds really exciting. First thing I want to know is, as a woman, how do you plan on dealing with all of the drunk ass men on Ocean Drive?

[A]

Hmm. You know what? This is gonna sound horrible, but men don't approach women anymore nowadays. Work. They don't really approach anymore. I think.

[B]

I'm so glad to hear that.

[A]

Stuck in the scrolling of it all or maybe the swiping of it all that they have less. I. And this is just my, my experience, I just feel like they're less enthralled or like they're just kind of afraid to come and do it in the wild and approach you in the wild. They just kind of observe. So I feel like I don't really have to deal with keeping cat calling and. Yeah, not really.

[B]

I guess that's the one blessing of the doomskull.

[A]

Yeah, there's some perks.

[B]

If these niggas ain't bothering women in the street, then we are sincerely fucked.

[A]

Yeah, but it's also. I think it's about your energy. If I'm walking down and I'm really dressed, I'm like bringing the energy of like you could never.

[B]

Yeah. Facts.

[A]

Then they just don't even try.

[B]

You give. Oh, my homeboy said he wanna. He wanna know you have to really love your homeboy to be that nigga.

[A]

You do. But that is the place where they do that a lot. Yeah, the homeboy thing, that is the place. Miami is the place for that.

[B]

And I'm always like,

[A]

who?

[B]

Unless you're LeBron James. Well, he's married, but you don't. Unless you're like a superstar. Like, oh, here's Drake, you know he wants to happen.

[A]

Yeah, then that makes sense. Exactly. But if it's otherwise, where are your balls, baby?

[B]

I prefer you come over here and speak to me. Is this A setup. This is a kidnapping.

[A]

Is this a kidnapping? Who knows? I. But, you know, I miss. I miss the age of. Of men really approaching.

[B]

Yeah. Respectfully.

[A]

Respectfully, yeah. Come and talk like we don't bite.

[B]

Confidence.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

A little swag.

[A]

Because I'm not coming in talking to you.

[B]

Damn. Not damn sure.

[A]

Not traditional.

[B]

Not in one of God's living days.

[A]

I'll give you a wink. I'll let you know.

[B]

Hey, and a wing is power.

[A]

Is it? It is, right?

[B]

Oh, I love a wing. I love a pretty wing. But, yeah. I could also see with you just naturally having confidence in the grace and look of model. Yeah. Most men are probably gonna be like, with women like you, it's tough.

[A]

I'm tall too. I'm 5 11.

[B]

Right.

[A]

And then let me put on a heel or a boot. I'm six two now.

[B]

Yeah. All the more reason, I think a confident man would be like, oh, let me go and approach this one. But Miami's also. They're like, really pretty women all over the place.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But I think some men just get overstimulated.

[A]

Yeah. Did you know it's the onlyfans capital of the world?

[B]

I'm not surprised you know that. I did not know that. But I am not shocked. Growing up there, it was all about hitting the block and, you know, hitting the pavement, if you were. I grew up knowing escorts of all all kinds in Miami and a lot of famous men coming and getting to know them and then going back to their families. So, yeah, I know. I know what Miami has to offer, but what I've never actually experienced. Miami Swim Week. What's the plan?

[A]

Okay, so Miami Swim Week is incredible because it's the one place that a lot of girls have more opportunities to actually walk on the Runway. Now, we're not gonna talk about pay too much, because in Runway world in general, New York Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, or whatever, it doesn't pay the most. You'd have to get the really top 10, top percentile of models to really get paid a lot for a fashion show. You've gotta have a huge name, top supermodel, really, to get a lot of pay. And so, I mean, it's the same thing working for Vogue. I'm not sure if, you know, but, like, sometimes you can do the COVID of Vogue or an editorial or a story in Vogue and not get paid anything at all, because the name of the magazine is so big that it's just. It's. It's supreme exposure for you. They're not going to pay You. You know what I mean?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And so outside of that, Miami is way less strict than New York Fashion Week. New York Fashion Week, they're looking for the 5, 9 size 0. Miami, bring us the body.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

We'll bring you on if you're maybe a little 5, 6, 5, 7. But you have a nice little walker. You've got some curves.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Or you've got an athletic build or you got a juicy booty. You know what I mean?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And so they're way. And it's been that way for Miami Swim Week, which I love. It gives way more women opportunities. Also, they're not as exclusive for, like, sometimes when you go for fashion show castings in New York, you have to be with a modeling agency in Miami. These designers are just like holding open castings for, like, anybody to come.

[B]

Yeah, that's cool.

[A]

So it's just like more opportunity for you to go have fun. You can find out other girls that are there, see what castings they're going to, and just like, have a whole Miami Swim Week moment. So what I'm offering the girlies is a one day, like, model summit. I've partnered with Paraiso, who are the official producers of Miami Swim Week.

[B]

Awesome.

[A]

And thank you. I'm super excited about it. It's. It's like a first for me for sure. And we're doing it at. I'm not sure if you've, you know, you're from there, so you know that, you know the big parking structure at the end of Lincoln Road.

[B]

Oh, yeah. The huge, huge. Pretty. Yeah, yeah.

[A]

Gorgeous.

[B]

Right. It's kind of iconic.

[A]

So up on that seventh floor, they have like their event space. Like Chris Brown's done his video there. Victoria's Secret shot campaign's there. Bentley. All kinds of brands. They like, they do these amazing.

[B]

Yeah. Oh, yeah, I think so.

[A]

I mean, it's a. It's an. It's an awesome space. And so I'll be doing like a two part, like, summit. So the first part, I'm doing a legendary panel. Okay. To offer the girls all the tea that they need to know to, like, really kill it at Miami Swim Week. So I'm bringing on an agent from Wilhelmina, one of the top agencies.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Ty Pike. He's going to be on there. He. He offers a lot of advice online as well. But we're trying to, like, give the girls the tea.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And then I'm bringing on Nolay from Top Model. Yeah. Because I'm like, no. Like, come on down. Let's Talk to the girls and help them out. No way. Does casting, directing, fashion show, produce, production. He does, like, a lot of things in fashion still. And Liliana Montoya, who's a designer there, she has a storefront there on Lincoln Road. But we want to. I'm going to curate all the best questions, because I want to know the tea, too, from a Wilhelmina agent. Tell me.

[B]

That's cool to have, like, huge people from, like, different aspects of it, too. Yeah, yeah, for sure.

[A]

Because this. When else do these girls have an opportunity to ask people at this level these questions? You know what I mean? It's like. Like I said, it's such a mystery of, like, how to get started. It's. It's gonna be nice to. To. To bring. The. Help them find their light in that way. Okay. And then I'm helping them with the Runway walk. We gotta have the walk together.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah.

[A]

Okay. Especially because you're walking in swimwear. Everything's moving.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Everything's all out.

[A]

Everything's all out. We still need to be confident. We need to, like, have engaged core. We need to be bubbly. It's not like your typical fierce Runway walk. Some designers want to have, like, a little playful Betsy Johnson moment. You know what I mean? And then I'll be shooting their digitals as well, so they need those shots to, like, submit to agencies and stuff. So I'm just, you know, having a little day where I can help the girls.

[B]

So when you get through Peter's gates and God is, like, wrapping up the meet and greet, what are you hoping that he says to you? Cause you're making it. You're doing the work.

[A]

I just hope he. Thank you. Thank you. I. I just hope that God's happy with me because I'm trying. You know what I mean?

[B]

You're doing.

[A]

It's. It's. I. I wish that I would have been able to get just a fraction of the help that.

[B]

Exactly.

[A]

I. I give my. My light keepers, my clients, because it would have. Maybe I would have had a different trajectory or reach my success faster. You know, it wouldn't have been so delayed.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So.

[B]

But, I mean, I think when it's time, it's time.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

When it's time, it's time. You're. Okay. I have a couple more questions, so, I mean, I think that you've already answered a lot of this. I was gonna ask what is, like, one of the best pieces of advice that you can give a model or someone who maybe even is just thinking about it, because one of the. And Top Model kind of showed me this, actually. There are a lot of. Of people who have amazing potential to be really, really great models, but don't think that they can because of maybe societal norms or expectations or things that they hear. So what is something that you would say to someone at home who might even be a little bit interested but unsure?

[A]

A couple of things, actually. It's a great question. So ask yourself why you want to do this.

[B]

Great. Great start.

[A]

Why do I want to do this? Do I feel like I need to be validated, or do I genuinely light up at the idea of, like, expressing myself in front of the camera or walking down the Runway and, like, morphing into different characters with different outfits for. You know what I mean? Like, what lights. Does this light you up? Does this light you up? Or does it just sound like a quick way to get fame or recognition? You know what I'm saying? And then I'd also say, don't compare yourself to anybody. Like, the quote, that comparison is the biggest thief of joy is so true.

[B]

And we're just.

[A]

Hey, as a millennial, I'm saying right now, I'm so glad that we didn't have Instagram, that I didn't have Instagram in high school. Because when you're in high school, you're only comparing if you. If you are comparing yourself. Right. Like, your only range is your high school. Like, all the girls at your school.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know what I mean?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Now it's the whole world. The whole world, Entire planet, the most beautiful women ever with the most insane bodies or whatever thing that you want to acquire. I'd say be inspired by people, but don't compare yourself and base your value on what another model looks like or has, because that will. That's an abyss that will never end.

[B]

Exactly.

[A]

It doesn't feel good. You know what I'm saying? Like, we have to develop love in our uniqueness and exactly who we are. There's no one like you.

[B]

No one.

[A]

There's no one like you.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So, you know, if you need help with getting out there and making it happen, you come find your light with me. I'll help you.

[B]

I think that's great advice. Regardless of what it is that you want to do, ask yourself why you want to do it. Is your light somewhere within that journey and then doing the work? Or do you just want to be on Temptation island because you want attention or validation?

[A]

Right.

[B]

Cause why are they doing that?

[A]

I don't know. I would say that, though, that the new season of Temptation island is pretty interesting. It is deep. Have you been watching? I have.

[B]

He cried on the first episode. Oh, it's so fierce. But I'm also like, why would you do this?

[A]

I can't believe his girl, like, she fell in love and she did not care at all.

[B]

Momma didn't care from the moment she sat down and he was trying to be cute the whole time, like, oh. In fact, at one point, this brother, when they brought out the men models, this brother said, clock it. And I'm like, okay, my gay ass. We can't have nothing no more. If the straights are saying clock it, and using the right finger.

[A]

And using the right finger, it's cooked. So, yeah, no shade to Temptation Island. But the girlies just know who you, know who you are, know who you are. And it doesn't have to be through. Through social media either. It's a great place for branding. It's a great place to, like, self express and to network with other industry professionals. But you don't, like, that's not the end all be all be amazing in real life.

[B]

Yeah. That is one thing. And I don't gas myself or give myself a lot of credit, but one thing that makes me comfortable in the things that I do is that I know I'm me. There's not gonna be another me. And it doesn't. That's not me putting myself in any hierarchy below or above anyone. It's just that I know I have my thing that God's called me to. So comparing myself, my jokes, my face, or anything to anybody else doesn't serve me at all.

[A]

At all.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

At all. Period.

[B]

I do kind of want to go back a bit and ask you about Black American women and Runway and fashion versus, like, black women from other countries and other parts around the globe, because I've definitely noticed that. And, like, an affinity for a specific type of black woman that I think may be termed as, like, exotic or just have some element to them that doesn't feel like us, you know, for sure.

[A]

It is, like, the one area of the modeling industry that still needs to evolve. And I have to be very careful with my words, because I'm a black woman, obviously, I'm rooting for everybody black, and I think that we're all amazing and beautiful in our own way. However, if we're going to be in a time now where we're talking about inclusivity, body positivity, we have androgynous models, we have trans or fluid gender models, and we're embracing everybody that we're doing this because society and all the different variants of a person that makes up society, we wanna see ourselves where we're buying the clothes, where we're spending our money. I wanna see some version of myself. And so I noticed this a really long time ago, like the 90s with, like, Tyra. I'm blanking on her name right now. But the 90s was really the last era of, like, a lot of black American models that look like African American. And it's kind of now. We used to have, like, Alek Weck. Alec Weck was like the first model who was really, really dark skinned. Gorgeous, gorgeous shaved head. It's now turned into. That's all that it is. And I have to be very real with my models, my girls who come to me who do fit the requirements of like 5 foot 9, size 0 or whatever, but don't have that really dark skin look. And I have to be like, real with them and tell them it might be a little bit of a struggle. We've got to make you, like, edgy or stand out in some kind of way. But then that's another aspect of it is why do we have to. We don't have any hair either. Like, you don't allow us to have the hair. Why are you shaving our heads? Like, every single model, like, she doesn't have any hair. And so it just kind of begs the question, like, well, do you not consider African American women to be exotic enough, to be beautiful enough? Because why can't. Why is. The majority of the shows. I have this magazine from Vogue, Runway shows that I bought in Paris that I kept. Because when you flip through it and onto any page, the only model is really dark skin with a shaved head. And I think the shaved head things comes because they're hiring makeup artists who don't have the experience.

[B]

Exactly.

[A]

That to do our hair or don't want to. They don't want to deal with it. But even like the commercial print girlies, they don't want to see us with our hair straightened, period.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

They only want to see us with the afro or braids.

[B]

That is so wild that that's a thing still.

[A]

It's still very much so a thing. And so it's like, well, our hair can do a lot of different things, but we're not allowed to do that. That's not considered, like, appropriate for marketing and branding.

[B]

Our hair can often do a lot more than other people's hair.

[A]

It can do a lot.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And why are we only. And I'm Telling you, like once you really open your eyes to seeing that, you can't unsee it. But especially with the luxury brands, that's where it makes me feel like we could do luxury too.

[B]

Obviously. Yeah.

[A]

1,000% could put luxury on anybody. Like, you know, and so. But I understand, I don't want to say that I don't see, I don't see why they're using dark skinned girls. Like color looks amazing on color.

[B]

I love seeing super, super, super dark women.

[A]

Super, like, give me the darkest. Like, I love to see that. It's crazy gorgeous to me. I'm just saying if we're going to be in this age of representation and you being able to see some version of yourself when you go out into these stores, then we. I want to see some more like brown skinned girls that are like American, you know, different features and you know,

[B]

my family is Jamaican. I'm first generation. So I grew up with black Jamaican women, Black British people in my family. So I'm very accustomed to having black women from other countries around me. My concern. And I'm not a black woman and I'm not a model. The reason I find it not questionable but fascinating is because I think of the sociopolitical aspect of it. The possible intention to keep certain black women, black people in a space where they don't feel as accomplished or confident as you as they would want them to. And then I also can't help but consider fetishization. I can't help but think of tokenism. And why is it that even if you do have a woman with really, really deep colored skin that she has to look like this? Her hair has to be like this.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Or you know, you know, get the one with the gap or whatever thing. Like I'm of the mind that black women are just magic in general and not like black girls are magic. I say this all the time. I think black women are naturally attuned with the earth and with energy and with creation in a different way. So I just, I think it is in general a complete, not even just a waste. Like I feel like somebody, companies and brands put themselves at a disadvantage when they only choose one type of person.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, absolutely. That was articulated beautifully.

[B]

You know, I be trying. I read books and things.

[A]

Yeah. But I. But, and you know, just to say also, it's not just American that I'm talking about, like it's absolutely Jamaican. There are absolutely women that are African American or not African American, but British women that are of color. Right. That are not necessarily really dark skinned that we just don't see. But I will say Naomi's British.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Jordan Dunn. A lot of the girls who you do see, like, they're Spanish or something like that. But there is just this. There's just such a huge lack of the diversity there. And I need that to evolve. Let us do different hairstyles and show some different shades of brown, please.

[B]

Yes. And if you can't do the hair, first of all, why are you a hairstylist? But maybe give the jobs to folks that can.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Okay. I'm gonna let you get out of here. But before that, I really would love for you to share with people watching this how they could get in touch with you, how they can get in touch with. Find your light and. Yeah. The things that you have to offer. Because I'm sure people are watching this and are like, I need this. This is what I've been looking for in terms of a coach, a mentor.

[A]

Yes. So my website is findyourlighttoday.com and you can sign up for a consultation. You can't just book the services outright because I need to talk to you, see what your goals are like. I really wanna know how can I serve you best and give you some guidance and let you know exactly what this relationship would look like? And so they can set up a consultation with me online. Of course, if you want to get all the posing drama, you can come to my Instagram. I love doing the invisible hair tuck, by the way.

[B]

So do I. I'm surprised I haven't done one yet. Yeah.

[A]

But my Instagram is Kenya Hill. And, yeah, if you want to come to Miami swim week, it's open to anyone. If you want to do a little Runway strut with me or get your digitals. Those tickets you can also get online so you can DM us always. And, like, we'll get back to you. But either way, we can have a little chit chat, help you find your light, man.

[B]

Okay, Kenya, listen. This is magnificent. It was so lovely to speak with you, to look at you, and you gave me so many unnecessary but correct compliments. So I appreciate that, too.

[A]

Correct. Yes.

[B]

I'm very honored to have had you here. You're an icon. You're doing really, really, really magnificent work. And I will say this again, and I don't want you to think that I'd just be saying it. I've said this to a couple of people who've been here even though I have not met you. You make me very proud. I feel very proud to see us living in our purpose out here and changing people's lives and working so hard without, like, the expectation of thanks or a big reward. Like, you're just doing really amazing, inspiring work. It's really beautiful to see where you've come from and to see you set such a major example for the women next to you and behind you and around you. So I want to give you your flowers and know that we love you out here.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. That was so sweet.

[B]

I mean it. I really do.

[A]

And I feel that. I really appreciate that so much. Like, don't make me cry up here. Okay, I will. Please.

[B]

Yeah, we'll just go there. Yeah. Findyourlighttoday.com if you would like more with the icon, the goddess Kenya Hill here. And yeah, that's it. I will see you next week. Cause I don't think it's getting any better than this. So thank you for watching Furious Thoughts this week. I will see you when I get back.