Meet Destiny Kalinowski

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Destiny Kalinowski a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Destiny, so great to have you on the platform. There’s so much we want to ask you, but let’s start with the topic of self-care. Do you do anything for self-care and if so, do you think it’s had a meaningful impact on your effectiveness?

In today’s fast-paced world, self-care is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity. Personally, my self-care goes beyond a skincare routine or a fresh manicure. It’s a practice that nurtures both my body and mind, blending beauty rituals with mindfulness techniques to create a well-rounded approach to well-being.

At its core, my self-care includes the essentials: skincare (face masks, vitamin serums & lotions) to keep my complexion clear, hair care (masks, oils & leave in products) that nourish and strengthen, and basic nail care that adds a polished touch. These rituals form the foundation of feeling put together and confident. But the real self-care doesn’t stop there—it extends inward, addressing emotional and mental wellness just as much as physical aspects.

Meditation offers a moment of stillness in an otherwise chaotic day, helping to clear my mind and restore balance. Journaling provides a space for self-reflection, allowing thoughts and emotions to be expressed on paper, which can be reflected on later. And breathing exercises which can often be overlooked but are incredibly powerful and can reduce stress in an instant, grounding you in the present moment.

By combining these elements, self-care becomes a transformative practice, not just a routine. It’s important to show up for yourself every day, honoring both your outer radiance and inner peace. In the end, self care isn’t just about how you look, it’s also about how you feel. And when self-care is approached with intention, the glow comes from within and can boost productivity!

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I am currently balancing two passions: operating a gluten-free home baking business and pursuing a career in modeling. Whether in the kitchen or on set, I find joy in creating beautiful things. This journey didn’t happen overnight—it took years of dedication, both financially and mentally, to reach a place where I can fully pursue what I love.

Flexibility is key in modeling, as castings can arise at a moment’s notice, requiring prompt responses and availability.

Recently, I began working with Premier Model Management, a mother agency based in New Smyrna Beach. Together, we developed new composite cards and have been actively submitting them to agencies throughout Florida. As a result of that, I have started working with The Diamond Agency in Orlando, further expanding my opportunities in the industry.

I am currently seeking additional representation and will continue submitting my digitals and composite cards to agencies to further advance my career.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Some of the most valuable qualities a model can possess include strong time management, professionalism, confidence, kindness, and gratitude. These attributes not only enhance your presence on set but also contribute to building lasting relationships in the industry.

From the start of my career, I have been dedicated to refining essential skills such as posing, mastering different runway walk styles, and effectively conveying emotions through expression. While professional guidance is beneficial, there are many ways to develop these skills independently. Online resources can provide valuable insight, but I have found that recording my runway walk allows me to review and refine my technique. Similarly, practicing facial expressions through self-photography helps identify strengths and areas for improvement. Seeking constructive feedback from others can also be an invaluable tool for growth.

Continuous practice and self-evaluation are key to evolving as a model, ensuring that you bring confidence and versatility to every opportunity.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

As I continue to build and refine my portfolio, I am always looking to collaborate with talented photographers who share a passion for creating impactful and high-quality imagery. These collaborations not only help me expand my range as a model but also provide valuable content that can elevate both of our careers.

I am particularly interested in working with photographers who specialize in fashion, beauty, editorial, and commercial photography, as well as those who bring a unique creative vision to their work. Whether it’s testing new concepts, enhancing our portfolios, or submitting work for publications, I believe that strong collaborations are essential for growth in the industry.

If you are a photographer interested in working together, I would love to connect. You can reach me via Instagram at @officialdestinykali or contact me directly through email at [email protected]. Let’s create something amazing together!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @officialdestinykali

Image Credits

Margaret D
@md.editorial