Interview with Kelly Wykstra — Maxim model
Kelly Wykstra is a 21-year old model residing in Fort Collins, Colorado.
How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
I was born in the small town of Steamboat Springs, CO. I am the youngest of four kids but my cousins are all basically like siblings to me. My cousin and best friend PFC Jacob Wykstra died in Afghanistan earning the bronze star among other awards. I enjoy hiking, rock climbing, sketching, and traveling.
When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?
I first got involved when I was nine and got published in Patagonia, I was hooked from then on.
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
In five years I see myself being hopefully published with Sports illustrated swimsuit edition and getting cover spreads in Maxim. In ten years I want to travel the world.
How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?
I mostly do print work involving swimsuit and lingerie as well as some high fashion shoots. I model typically once a week.
Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.
I think the best experience was the first email from Maxim. It was so exciting to get that recognition. The worst experience was when I did a casting call in LA that lasted 18 Hours a day for three days! Those are the tests that show how much you really want it.
Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?
I mean, I am clumsy… I have something else happen to me every shoot! There was one shoot where I was working with a photographer in Arizona and doing a shoot with only one ace bandage covering my body. We ended up doing the shoot in the Middle of the U of A campus. It was mortifying when my ex boy-friend came up to say hello!
Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?
I don’t think so. It’s a cut throat business and it’s a harsh business, but that’s part of what makes it so attractive to me. I love modeling and the competitiveness just pushes me to be the best I can.
Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.
I go on a two mile run with my dogs everyday and go to the gym for an hour a day. As far as nutrition goes, I’m pretty lucky. I eat more than most girls probably do, and sugar is my kryptonite. I try to eat a balanced meal the best I can but I am in college so sometimes I go back to the ramen diet!
Please share something people don’t know about you.
I can cross one eye at a time and love wearing onsies at home!
Would you change anything about yourself?
As ironic as this sounds, I would change my self esteem. I have always been a little shy and never had much confidence. Most of the time modeling is networking, I have most out on a lot of opportunities because I was too scared to say I wanted it.
What is the kinkiest thing you’ve ever done?
One christmas I went home to a boyfriend’s house with him, his parents had us in separate rooms all week. So one night I snuck out of dinner early complaining of a stomach ache. Instead I tied myself to his bed with ribbon as a little christmas surprise!