Interview with Micayla Kay — Colorado-Raised, Hollywood-Trained
Micayla Kay is a 22-year old model residing in Los Angeles, California.
How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
I was born in Golden, Colorado and grew up with my amazing parents and my older sister. In high school, I involved myself in theater, dance and cheerleading, but I quit all of that to focus on pageantry. Since I was a little girl, I’ve been a huge bookworm and writer, which led me to my decision to study public relations and journalism in college. Growing up in the beautiful state of Colorado is what infected me with my undying love for the outdoors and fitness, and I think the two family dogs I had are to be credited for my obsession with every dog I lay eyes on.
When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?
My modeling career really got going through pageantry. In 2009, I was crowned as Miss Teen Colorado-World and the ball just kept rolling. As I got older, nothing else ever crossed my mind that I would want to do with my life. By the time I was 18, I was moving out of town on my own and wound up in New York City alone at age 19. Now, at 22, I’m living in Los Angeles doing what I love. I have never felt a stronger, growing connection with anything like I do with modeling and acting.
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
Honestly, ten – and even five – years ago, I never would have thought I would be where I’m at now. I pay a lot of attention to my followers and make sure I’m someone who can be looked at to inspire and motivate others to take chances for their biggest dream. I set really high goals, like appearing in Vogue or walking the Victoria’s Secret runway. I know they are pretty steep, but it keeps my ability to strive and work hard alive and passionate.
How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?
The majority of my video and acting experience is in short films, commercials, music videos, and my favorite – starring in the female prank segment “Pretty Pranks”! As far as modeling goes, I love using my face and body to express my artistic side. I love concept photography, and I love high fashion. My look is pretty easy to work with, so I’m often doing editorials as well. You will never see me doing any erotic or nude photos. That’s just not me.
Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.
I would probably credit my earliest years starting out with modeling as the worst years. I had no idea what I was doing, and the feedback was all pretty embarrassing. But I moved past all of that, and I learned to train myself to be the kind of model I wanted to be all along. Now, the best experiences are the ones in which I’m able to connect on a personal level with my photographers. I’m not too afraid of making a fool out of myself, and if they can laugh with me, it’s easy for me to lose myself in a shoot. I just show up, crank my music, and flirt with the photographer – whether they are male or female! I just dance and have fun, and the results from it are so much better.
Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?
There are always crazy things going on behind the scenes. For one shoot, I had to lay in mustard and I ended up getting sick from the smell. I’ve had rabid coyotes on set of a desert shoot. I’ve had a huge snake draped around my body that used its tail to pull my swimsuit bottoms down. Half the time, I’m wishing we had a behind-the-scenes videographer as well as a photographer!
Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?
I fell in love with the industry for a reason. I love how the sky is the limit, and there are countless creative minds in this world always looking to collaborate and create things that haven’t been done before. I’m also really proud of how far the industry has come in terms of accepting diversity. Of course I come across creepy non-legitimate photographers or talent, and that’s always annoying to have to weed through, but as far as the industry as a whole, I love it for what it is.
Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.
Fitness and health play a huge part in my everyday life. I am always emphasizing the importance of being fit over skinny. “Skinny” just looks hollow and empty, but “fit” looks powerful, glowing and healthy. I’m a size 0 with a low percentage of body fat, but I don’t consider myself “skinny.” I love to cook and experiment new recipes. I pay attention to the quality of ingredients and nutrients that I’m putting into my body every day – no chemicals, no processed foods, no saturated fats, things like that. I love living in Los Angeles because there are ways and places to exercise all over. I especially like hiking and yoga, but I love going to lift and do cardio at the gym, too. People who follow my social media networks will find my eating habits and fitness motivation pop up on their feeds. I love treating my body right and discovering just how capable it can be.
Please share something people don’t know about you.
I have a firm belief – and somewhat of an obsession – with the zombie apocalypse. It might derive from The Walking Dead, or from the littering of zombie-like drugged-out homeless people on the streets of LA, but I’m always on the lookout for zombies. You won’t survive if you’re in denial that it’s happening!
Would you change anything about yourself?
If I could change my natural hair color, that would be cool. I hate having to get my hair touched up every couple of months. There are other things – I wish I had fuller lips, bigger eyes, things like that – but I don’t dislike them enough to do anything to change it!
How do you think you are most likely to die?
I like to think I’ll die doing something heroic or cool, but it’s more likely I’ll trip over my dog in a pair of heels and choke on a spoonful of Nutella or something.