We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kairon Manzano a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kairon, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
I take inspiration from of different things and people. For one I always try to incorporate my culture and heritage into the things I’m doing and coming from Trinidad and Tobago, we have an abundance of inspiration. I see everything around me it may be the colors, music, art, history anything that I can use to inspire me when creating. I also take inspiration from other creatives that I look up to across the industry
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My name is Kairon I am a Trinidadian born Creative, for those who dont know Trinidad is in the Caribbean. I’ve worked in the field of Fashion for almost 10 years now, ranging in a number of different roles. I’ve gone from Marketing, Product Development, Events Management, Runway Production, Styling, AI Fashion. 3 years ago I first ventured into my current profession after needing credits for my degree. I started at a Model Agency as an Intern and now 3 years later I am the owner of my own Model Agency that oversees models in Paris, Milan, London, New York and other areas like Berlin, Japan, Spain…My agency’s name is KMK Model Management or KMK Models for short.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey would have to be:
1. Networking. I think this is probably one of the most important things I’ve learnt in my 10 years in the industry. Networking through events, online via social media and just word of mouth, can be the most beneficial thing. One thing anyone looking to get into this field should know is that, it’s one thing to network but always follow up after or learn how to properly network. This can take your career to new heights.
2. A formal education is not always necessary. It’s ok to have the theory knowledge but practical and hands on experience would take you further.
3. Go above and beyond when doing an activity. Your work ethic shows your seriousness when it comes to the work you are doing and leaves a lasting Impression on the people you are working with
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
As I am a Model Agent and Owner of KMK Model Agency, the types of creatives we would be interested in Collaborating with are:
Fashion Photographers, those that work with high fashion brands or have similar photos to Ben Fourmi, Sam Turrell, John Picciuto, MAX HOELL to name a few. HMUA’s like Shaina Ehrlich, DAVIDE NUCÀRA,
Stylists like; Shino Itoi, Carolina Augustin etc…
Basically we are looking for creatives that fit our aesthetic and have worked with fashion casting directors, fashion magazines and on creative editorials.
They can connect with us via IG: KMKModels
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kmkmodels.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kmkmodels/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/menssartorialfashion/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@K.M.K.Models
Image Credits
Models: Sofia Immonen
Photographer: @annapozzi_portfolio
Styling: @sofia_agnese
MUAH: @_maryrush_
Designer: @nicoletta_cavezza
Our Models: @sofianenn
Sunglasses: @prada
Model: Camilla Rochel, Gyuseung Park, Jero Yang, Anna Kennedy, Rue Charlotte
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
