Introducing Kenedi Jenkins

Blog / Introducing Kenedi Jenkins

Welcome back to our Emerging Series – where we highlight emerging fashion creatives in hopes that through this series, the support of our community and ecosystem grows for Black fashion. Today, we introduce to you Kenedi Jenkins!

Kenedi Jenkins, an 18 year old aspiring model, was born and raised in St. Louis. Her ambitions to play a big role in the fashion industry, whether that be studying for fashion brand management at the Fashion Institute of Technology or entering the life of a supermodel herself, has been the start of a life changing progression in her development. Kenedi has always been talented in the arts such as playing cello for 12 years, singing opera for 5 years, drawing, and studying any topic in fashion but it was recently discovered 2 years ago her passion for being the art and creation that brings artistic visions to life, through modeling. As Kenedi is going to school for her studies, she is getting limitless opportunities to pursue her dream in full time modeling internationally, which she hopes to continue her “rise to stardom” with her passion.

Advisor.: Can you share your journey into the world of modeling? What inspired you to pursue a career in the industry?

Kenedi: My journey with modeling felt almost unexpected because I absolutely loved fashion, and wanted to pursue a career in marketing, management, or styling. However, I did not realize that I could become a model that represents the brands in the fashion industry until I got scouted by a mother agency in St. Louis, and they saw potential in me at the mall where they pursued me. I gave it a try and loved being a part of a vision that people have.

Photography: J.Braggs, Styling: The Fashion Firm.

Advisor.: How do you approach each modeling opportunity, and what aspects of the profession do you find most rewarding?

Kenedi: I approach each modeling opportunity by “always staying ready” because you will never know when the next job is where it could be the next day, next hour, or just in any case. I am currently signed with a mother agent called MFore Models, and they are super engaged with developing me as a model to get to bigger places and goals that I want in my life within this industry. Where the reward comes in with all of this, is that I put in my best effort to put myself out there and working hard to strive for my dream jobs and traveling especially is the rewarding part for me because that means I can say that I am learning and prospering in this business and as an individual.

Advisor.: How do you navigate the balance between staying true to your identity and meeting industry expectations?

Kenedi: Staying true to my identity in this industry has never really been an issue for me. I am a black woman who has short curly hair, distinctive looks, and an overall quirky human being which I will say makes me different and more expressive when it comes to who I am. I don’t think I will ever lose myself in this industry with who I am as a person because who I am now, is why I am getting booked for jobs and getting numerous opportunities.

Glamour UK and Elle magazine serving looks from luxury designers like Balmain, Gucci, and Burberry serving as a long-term celebrity ambassador of these brands.

Advisor.: Are there Black models or figures in the fashion industry who have inspired you? How have they influenced your career?

Kenedi: A black model who really inspires me is Anok Yai because being a self-made model who has grown up in struggle by being a refugee and still being able to make it in a tough industry being a black woman and earning the title as a supermodel is inspiring. She is an incredibly hard worker and I look up to her as someone that is humble and a great example for other aspiring models. Her beauty is captivating on the outside just as much on the inside and I would absolutely love to meet her one day.

Advisor.: Are there specific photographers, designers, or brands you would love to work with in the future?

Kenedi: Well, I really cannot say just a singular designer that I’d want to work with in the future because I am happy and blessed with any opportunity that comes to me. If I absolutely had to choose, it would be Iris Van Herpen because the designs are elegant, innovative, and priceless.

Advisor.: What advice would you give to aspiring Black models who are just starting their careers?

Kenedi: The advice that I’d give to aspiring black models is #1 to never take anything personal. Rejection is a common thing in this industry and everyone has their own reasons and it will be tough, but as that door closes many more will open. That’s also not to say that that door won’t open again because it could but it might just not be your time yet, THAT’S OKAY. #2 Do not compare your journey to others (AKA I had to learn the hard way) because we each look different, we act different, and we grow differently so worrying about why this other person is getting so many opportunities and you feel stagnant is only going to do more detrimental harm to your self esteem. We all go through different journeys. Keep working on yourself and those opportunities will flow to you when the time is right.

Please make sure to connect with Kenedi on Instagram. If you have an emerging creative to nominate – submit them here.