I don't know what it is about Kyra, but she definitely has a special space in my heart. She came to The Bahamas last year for a few photoshoots, and I got the chance to meet her in Bambu, a popular nightclub. Ever since then, we've been in touch through text, and even Snapchat! I wanted her to be one of the first interviews I posted, but things have been really busy for her in London (and I completely understand how that is). I've been looking forward to her answers, and I finally got them! Check out the interview from the flawless Kyra Tavernier below:
IG: @kyratavernier
Twitter: @kyratavernier
Tumblr: kyratavernier.tumblr.com
Facebook: Kyra Tavernier
OTC: What’s your name?
KT: My full name is Kyra-Jade Chanay Tavernier, but call me Kyra :-)
OTC: How old are you?
KT: 17. 18 in April!
OTC: How did you get into modeling?
KT: Well, I have always been told that I could be a model from very young, but was never really interested until I was older and got scouted by a modeling agency at a fashion event in Birmingham (UK). From then, I decided to go in, and they wanted to sign me, so yeah!
OTC: What’s it like living in London?
KT: Well, I grew up in a town called Swindon around 2hrs from London, which is fairly small, so everyone knows each other's business. There's pretty much nothing to do and there's like 0 opportunities for modeling, or pretty much anything really. I recently moved to London and it's 100000x better. There are so many more opportunities, new people, new places and everyone I meet seems to have good mindsets and goals for their future (which is good energy to surround myself with).
OTC: Would you rather be based somewhere else? Like NY or LA?
KT: I've never actually been to either NY or LA but, I would really like to go to New York as it's such a great place for models to get work, and of course people are always raving about it. But I feel like I'd be more of an LA girl. I just love the sun, sea, sand and good food!
OTC: What has been your favorite photoshoot/campaign so far?
KT: Hmmmm, I enjoy working a lot, so that's hard, but the most fun campaign was AQ/AQ because it was in a cool location, had great outfits, an amazing hair stylist, and the make up was bomb AF! Also, the team/models & everyone were super cool!
I also worked on Rihanna's Puma x Fenty shoot in Paris, and that was a great experience! I got to travel, plus I got to meet the goddess herself!
OTC: Is having a good connection with the photographer important to you?
KT: Yes, of course! I feel the best images come from shoots that you have the most fun on. Feeling uncomfortable shows in the pictures, I think.
OTC: Who is your favorite photographer and why?
KT: My favorite photographer that I have shot with would be the one and only @philippraheem. It's always fun to shoot with him, plus he gave me those bomb ass Bahamas beach shots ;-)
OTC: Do you have a special ritual you do before or after a photoshoot?
KT: Not really. Apart from cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturising my face the night before, which I do most nights anyway, so no lol.
OTC: Have you made any friends in the modeling industry? How do you help each other?
KT: Yess! I have made sooooo many amazing friends, from models to photographers! Everyone is so nice! It's good to talk to people who understand the industry you are in, and can give you honest advice on everything you do & the decisions you make. It's so hard trying to talk about modeling to friends who have no idea about the industry. It feels like you are either showing off, or talking to a brick wall lol.
OTC: Do you practice poses or do they just come naturally to you?
KT: I think practicing poses in the mirror is always a good way to see what your best angles are. However I always get called vain as I check myself in almost every reflective object haha! But it also depends on the style and vibe of the shoot, I think your hair, make up and clothes influence your natural poses.
OTC: Who is your favorite model at the moment?
KT: Jasmine Tookes! Her body can keep me motivated forever, wow! Or Jourdan Dunn, killing it for London <3
OTC: How has Instagram contributed to your success?
KT: I think Instagram is so important as it gives people an insight on you as a person as well as just a model. Especially for someone from a small town like me, it's really different to see someone doing this as a job, and how people are interested in what goes on in your life. Also, my following has increased a lot since I started!
OTC: Is there any advice you would give to someone trying to get into the modeling industry?
KT: Yes. Look after your body & skin, work out, eat well, drink water, and stay natural. Market yourself smartly, be nice, focus, go in with a hard head, and don't let anything bring you down (as it's a brutal industry).
OTC: What’s the secret to getting and maintaining your killer body?
KT: Eat your fruits & veggies, and not too many carbs. Work out, drink lots of water, and don't stress. Simple.
OTC: Are you single?
KT: Lol! No comment!
OTC: What does your dream date night consist of?
KT: Omg, I could get so carried away right now as I'm such a romantic lol, but probably a nice walk and chill on the beach, watching the sunset, with deep talks about random stuff. And of course, pizza!
OTC: Does modeling get in the way of your love life?
KT: No, not really. Haven't ever had a bad experience.
OTC: Netflix or chill?
KT: Chill!
OTC: Where can people find you?
IG: @kyratavernier
Twitter: @kyratavernier
Tumblr: kyratavernier.tumblr.com
Facebook: Kyra Tavernier