Meet Karina Khan

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Karina Khan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Karina, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

I’m not sure if it’s just me, but there are times when I either feel like I’m doing what’s been done before or doing the same thing myself again and again. I am quite fortunate that I’ve had the opportunity to travel and be a model in several cities and states. I think this really creates a blank slate for me to reintroduce myself in the community. I try to explore what other creatives are doing and put myself into it. In essence, traveling keeps me creative with modeling. If I had stayed in the same location, I might only have thought I’m meant for only a few types of fashion and styles.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I love modeling. I feel like I really work to fit the role and I love being considered for exclusive runways and projects. It is almost like the opportunities are rewards for the work I put in – being healthy, taking care of my skin, hair, body, etc., working out, being marketable. It is truly the best feeling when you get chosen for something that only few get chosen for amongst many.
I love being able to represent my blend of cultures and I’m very passionate about fashion. I believe it is a difficult art and I love to honor the designers when I model any of their art.

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?

There were some things I had picked up on that really impacted my journey in modeling: Having discernment for what is a good opportunity- not every opportunity is a good business move, building connections with local brands will get you further faster, and always always be aware and mindful when you are present! You are representing your brand always! I feel like if a new model learns this quick it will be very beneficial.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

I am so grateful for my husband….and my best friends and my family. My husband is a realist and he is very frank with me. He puts in energy to go with me to the runways and make sure I’m there, rested enough, and have everything I need to perform well. He’s always concerned that I’m in a safe situation and will even be physically present to ensure my safety. At times, for traveling and such, this passion has its costs, but he wants me to live my dream and supports me. Fashion is not his passion, but he is still there to support me and fights for my passion as well. I appreciate the constructive criticism he gives me to help me be competitive and improve during my shows. I couldn’t have been a model without him. Thank you Lazaro!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: HYPERMEWWW

Image Credits

Stan Fleming Jr
@the_flemingphotos
Jimmy Fermin
@thejimmyfermin
Flavio Studios Photography
Hector Varela
@onixiv3
Larry Nguyen
@lnguyenphotography