March Happenings

okay so now its April and I'm officially freaked out by time passing so quickly in heinsight! WOW .... a drudgery in the moment sometimes. I am sure ya'll can relate. Well, work slowly began sprouting up towards the end of March, yeeee! lol A couple of castings in San Francisco as well as a trip to Sacramento to teach runway classes for Macy's Teens prom event. I went to LA again for a show - great times with James Campbell productions. The event was for Brooks College Fashion Institute showcasing their most promising talent.... proceeds benefited the Gen/Art foundation. Jaguar was involved as a sponsor. Festivities and runway show were held in a beautiful cathedral. Gorgeous show!

I worked for Nordstrom as well this month - an instore informal. Had another show class at the agency and a few more castings. So at least its starting back up again, the Lord is at work in my career. The near future looks promising - but I don't wish to jinx anything by forshadowing here! Please keep me in your prayers, I'm still learning what my knees are for.
<3 KM

February Happenings

Wow... can you believe it is already March?! I can't - this is craziness. So, the start to February commenced with the bitter-sweet experience of Superbowl Sunday ... yeah, that's all I have to say about that =] Had a few print castings this month, but haven't heard from them since. Had 2 great photo shoot experiences as well, the third I cancelled - its complicated. BLAH. One of the shoots will produce tear-sheets for me! YAY finally. Anyways, I signed with another agency this month; this one in San Jose. I've been referred to this agency for quite some time now by people I respect and have worked with. So far it has been a very good experience, and the agent/model relationship is a very open/positive one! Traci (agent) seems very excited at my career prospects - and is wanting me in New York by May... before I am 19. I must go through FORD as my mother agent, but travel possibilities are looking up =] We shall see.

A negative to this month was that my long awaited/planned 3 week stay in LA for fashion week was cancelled. Im still sorta sulking. FORD felt that I had gained a bit of weight, and wasn't in shape to their standards. After a bit of debating back and forth, I decided to cancel the trip in an attempt to pick my battles; New York is more important. I have/will be using the weeks+ that I would have been in LA working, as a bootcamp... so they have no excuse not to let me at New York.

The end of February I was in Pleasanton and then Sacramento as the FORD representative for their model search in partnership with Macy's - I taught runway classes to the prospective models in preparation for their test, a formal runway performance for Macy's prom collection presentation to Teen Mag(?) I believe. It was fun-the kids were great, reminded me of my teaching days at the dance studio... made me miss my girls terribly.

So, we shall see what march brings! Im looking forward to having some FUN when friends come home from college for Spring Break... hoping I will be home and that we are blessed with some beach weather! =]

PS: Ah, yeah and I was also rear-ended this month on 101 ... my poor car! agh fortunately the lady is being really wonderful about taking responsibility and we're working it out.

January Happenings

Well, January was a little more productive than December (lol) but still no paid work. The 3rd was a Vogue Show casting in LA. The 9th was a print casting for fashion spread in the SF chronicle - was SOOO close to getting that one. Photographer put me on hold and then the client wanted the other girl (ugh). But I still may get a shoot with the photographer because she told me/jay I was her favorite and she wants to test with me. So we shall see.
I am now the FORD san francisco runway coach!
The 16th was a GAP casting. The show would be in Dallas, Texas. Wanted it really badly but apparently, I found out later, it was a men's show ... NO girls from SF were booked--they were all from Dallas. The 18th was a meeting with Mervyn's @ the agency in SF--they wanted to look at different girls/guys they hadn't previously used for the catalog. It went well--encouraging feedback--but haven't heard anything.
The 25th was a trip to LA for a print client request casting and a Luis Vuiton request show casting.
FINALLY I get something productive! I was chosen for a vintage bridal shoot on the 28th. SO FUN. Incredible crew and very positive/encouraging feedback. Film instead of digital--a first for me!--simply a magical shoot and I am very excited to see the film.
The 29th was nightmare on 101 lol
1) my runway class was cancelled
2) I got trapped in traffic and was on the 101/205 for about 6 hours ... resultedly missing a very important casting in SF for Macy's. Completely out of my control and yet I was still upset with myself and the situation!
3) On my way home Tuesday night I was in an accident involving a semi-truck. I had taken an offramp (I just wanted an In-n-Out burger!) and was stopped in the left hand designated left turn only lane; the truck was to my right in the designated straight or right turn only lane. He decided to make a left turn from the right lane! His back two drivers side tires slammed into the passenger side of my car. Severely damaging both doors, front fender, and dismantling the side mirror. I was not hurt--thanks to the Lords covering. Now I am trying not to stress out too much ... *haha* ... as I have much traveling already on the books coming up the next few months. We still have details to handle with the insurance companies - but from our research and people we've talked to, its lookin' like ill be investing in a new car. Which, unfortunately, will be demanding of me the money I was saving towards a trip to New York for work.
Im struggling spiritually with the situation. But Im trying to rely on the Lord, His Will is best I know... its still confusing and frustrating. Prayers are coveted!
<3 kayla michelle

December Happenings

WOW December was uneventful, at least in modeling. The fashion industry essentially shuts down during the holidays - they don't want to work either! lol So it was a very slow month. One casting in LA for St. Johns; the second time they have request casted me and the second time they have not booked me! I think it is because I look too young and the St. Johns line projects to the more sophisticated age ;)

But I welcomed the break. Granted it is nerve-wracking to not have a booking from December to look forward to payment from in this next quarter. Somehow, in a way, the stress of that pales in comparison to the memories made this month. It is was a joy to reconnect with friends and family. Some who we haven't seen in too long! New years was amazing. Our family was blessed to have time with Jonas, we are so grateful to him for sharing his New Year with us! A great time of sweet fellowship. We thank God for bringing him into our lives. Such a blessing.

So overall, December was rather quiet; a nice break to rejuvenate before the new year kicked into full swing. Looking ahead in January I am hopeful for some exciting prospects! Please keep me in your prayers as decisions being made this month are crucial.

Love to you!

November Happenings

(Ok so I just finished writing a super great blog entry about November only to have my computer lose it! AH I really need a new one lol)

November is the month celebrating Thanksgiving. Since this blog is on November, I’d like to begin by thanking all of you for your continued support, encouragement, and prayers. It all means so much to me I can’t tell you how I appreciate each one of you. Thank You.

Alright, sappy stuff aside =] The first weekend of November was spent as a beach retreat with my sister and mom celebrating Brooke’s Sweet Sixteenth Birthday! I can’t believe it! Special Memories …

I applied for my Passport beginning of this month! And received it yesterday. My hope is to travel abroad for modeling sometime this coming year. I’d like to push my career and see where God wants to take it. I have been met with opposition from (surprisingly) my agent! It seems he would rather keep me close to the nest. This is discouraging and rather disappointing for me—it seems reevaluation is a painful and necessary process. I covet your prayers as I desire and seek wisdom and discernment as I proceed with difficult decisions regarding taking this next step in my career.

On the 10^th I worked a cosmetics trade show for Nordstrom’s in Walnut Creek. Call time was 6am w/ a 2 hour commute (ouch lol) but it was great fun. I was the Chanel cosmetics girl. My artist was Chanels ambassador/representative and he offered much insight and encouragement to me. Great Guy. Amazing Artist. Priceless Contact.

On the 19^th and 20^th I was in SF: a fitting on Monday for Macy’s Vale Monte show after Thanksgiving, and Tuesday was my most insecure adventure to date! Swimwear … dun-dun-duuun lol Nah, it really turned out fine. 3 other girls—about 10 bikinis each—closed executive meeting where we presented swimwear lines being considered for s/s ’08 seasons. Bill (Passport Exec) gave me a wave and a smile. I was so excited he remembered me! The other girls were jealous. =] It’s funny … I’m known as a Passport Model now—pretty famous among other girls. Ha

Thanksgiving was a blast! Uncle Bob—G’ma & G’pa—Family, Food, Football—Corvette =] —4 pounds gained … lol good times. See slideshow

The 26^th began the whirlwind of fun—Macy’s Vale Monte. Monday: Dress/Segment Rehearsals. (Those 4 pounds were talking in those jeans! Lol) T/Wed/Th: 2 Shows a Day w/ fun & friends throughout. Tuesday’s morning show was the biggest status for the models. Larry (Passport head) Duran and Tiffany (other Macy’s execs I have worked with) were all present in the audience watching. I received amazing feedback from Larry and Natalie (head of vale Monte) after this show. “We are going to miss you so much! We just try and use you any chance we get for as long as you’re here. You know, you’re going to get picked up for NY &/or Europe!” Natalie said. “OH yes, but she has to come back for Passport!” Larry said … =] I’m still smiling.

So there’s November! God is so faithful – He offered me such encouragement and confirmation to counter my agent’s negativity. Maybe my ambition could get me into trouble … but I’ve got the feeling God’s pretty ambitious right along with me =]