Check Out Amaya Kender’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amaya Kender. 

Hi Amaya, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I would like to say my story sparked a few years back, to when I was in high school. My cousin arranged a photoshoot with me down in Florida for my birthday. Ever since then, I have fell in love with modeling. Specifically, I have really focused on my modeling for the past two years. I have won local giveaways for photoshoots, as well as making connections with numerous photographers by collabing with them. Furthermore, I have completed two runway shows. The first one was at Kent State University, and the seco9nd one was at the Cleveland Museum of Art, featuring The Fashion Talks. At this runway show, I had the opportunity to speak with press for this first time. Specifically, a photographer named Robert Cobb came up to me from the press and invited me down to Miami Florida to shoot with him. I took the leap of faith and went down. This was the best experience of my life. I met so many talented people, as well as forming connections. I was also published in my first magazine this year! This magazine was YLLE Magazine. People ask me all the time about how much money I make off of modeling. To me, that is not the important part. I genuinely love modeling from the bottom of, my heart, which is why I want to push myself to see how far I can go. Life can be challenging, but being in front of a camera light me up, and allows me to step away from reality. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
When it comes to my passions in the modeling industry, there has been many challenges. Doubt. Doubt from some family members and peers have caused me to struggle in this industry at the beginning of my journey. I was often talked down to and was told to understand the “reality” of it. The reality of this industry is that it is very hard to be “successful” and to make good money off of it. However, this stereotype of being successful and becoming rich in this industry is not the reason why I model. I model because I love it. It is funny to me because at some point in everyone’s lives, they are asked what they are passionate about. Every time I was asked this growing up, I had no idea what to say. It is true what they say, that one will find their passions in life sooner or later. I found mine later rather than sooner, and the timing could have not been more better. It is crazy to see how all the people who doubted me at first, are now reaching out to me on how to get started. Modeling is my passion, and I will never be ashamed to say that 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am currently a fourth-year college student, majoring in exercise science with a concentration in physical therapy. However, I want to concentrate on my modeling. I work with local and upcoming photographers across northeast Ohio. I also completed two runway shows. The first show was at Kent State University, and every single piece was designed and made by the fashion students. The second fashion show that I completed was conducted the The FashionTalks organization, which was held at the Cleveland Museum of Art. At this event, I talked to press for the first time which was a lot of fun. One specific photographer invited me down to network and shoot with him down in Miami Florida, for Miami Swim Week. I talked to my parents and took a chance, and it was such a life-changing experience. I networked with so many photographers, had a photo shoot every day in Miami, and I am working with an athletic business down in Florida, as well as potential opportunities. I was also published in YLLE Magazine, which was my first publication. I am in shock about all my accomplishments because I did this all on my own. Yes, my family supports me with every decision and accomplishment I make, which I will be forever grateful. I model because I light up. It is something that I love, and if I make it big one day, I hope to give back to those who supported and sacrificed so much for me. 

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My advice is to really put yourself out there. Remember, you have one life, and live it to the best of your abilities. Also, who cares what people think and do what you love. Eventually, your haters will become your top viewers. Also, you have to learn to block people out and really focus on who is there for you. Do what puts a smile on your face, because being in front of a camera is the best feeling for me. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: AmayaKender
• Facebook: Amayakender
• Twitter: Amayakender

Image Credits
Maddie Kontak
Chloe Stewart
Melinda West
Emily Marie
Apparel Lindsey Poyar