Kijafa "KD" Carter

There’s another new face on my block and I am so excited to introduce her to you guys. Her name is Kijafa also known as “KD” Carter and I had the pleasure of interviewing her one on one. Kijafa is a down to earth, sweet and talented new up and coming model/actor who is Indonesian and Black. Originally from Brooklyn, New York but currently residing in Atlanta. Kijafa has a great passion and desire for modeling and building her portfolio. She is experienced in runway, high fashion, print, promotional and much more. Her main goal is to only do High Fashion modeling and to take her career to Europe where she is sure to succeed. Her drive and determination to succeed is limitless. She is open to TFP Shoots as well as PAID Work.

LB: At what age did you begin to model?

KD: I OFFICIALLY STARTED AT AGE 17 RIGHT WHEN I WAS IN MY LAST MONTHS OF HIGH SCHOOL. ALWAYS DREAMED OF IT SINCE I WAS 8. BUT NEVER HAD THE OPPORTUNITY UNTIL 2006.

LB: At what moment did you realize you wanted to take on modeling as a full time job?

KD: WHEN I KEPT GETTING POSITIVE FEEDBACK FROM OTHER MODELS WHO WERE WAY MORE EXPERIENCED THAN I WAS. THEY TOLD ME I HAD THE PERFECT BUILT FOR RUNWAY AND I SHOULD TRY TO GO OVERSEAS.

LB: In your opinion has being Indonesian and black been an advantage for you getting gigs?

KD: IN WAY IT HAS ONLY BECAUSE I HAVE MORE OF AN ADVANTAGE WITH HAVING A DIVERSE LOOK.

LB: Random question: What beauty item can you not live without?

KD: I WOULD SAY THE ONLY BEAUTY ITEM I CANT LIVE WITHOUT IS FOUNDATION. LOL, ONLY BECAUSE I KNOW MY SKIN IS NOT THE BEST AND I’M WORKING ON IT. BUT UNTIL THEN I GOT TO HAVE SOMETHING TO KEEP ME LOOKING FLAWLESS.

LB: What is the biggest advice you would give anyone thinking about pursuing a modeling career?

KD: THE BIGGEST ADVICE I CAN GIVE TO ANYONE WHO WANTS TO PURSUE A CAREER IN MODELING IS STICK WITH IT. THERE WILL BE TIMES WHERE YOU FEEL LIKE YOUR NOT THE BEST BUT THAT’S WHAT IT TAKES. IF YOUR REALLY PASSIONATE ABOUT IT THEN DON’T GIVE UP. EVERY MODEL HAS THEIR TIME WHERE NO ONE IS INTERESTED. AND IT WILL LEAVE YOU FEELING LIKE YOU WANT TO GIVE UP, BUT DON’T. YOU DETERMINE YOUR OWN PATH. AND BY STAYING WITH IT YOU WILL SUCCEED IN THE LONG RUN!!

LB: have you had any bad experiences with any photographers? if so would you care to share what happened?

KD: YES I HAVE. WE SHOT, THE PICS TURNED OUT GREAT! I DIDN’T EXPECT THEM TO BE SO GOOD. BUT WHEN IT CAME DOWN TO GETTING THE PICS IT WAS MORE OF A – THESE ARE “MY PICTURES” BECAUSE “I” TOOK THEM-. AND IT TURNED INTO A BIG HEADACHE TO GET MY PICS. STILL TILL THIS DAY I ASK THE PHOTOGRAPHER ABOUT THE PICS, AND HIS EXCUSE NOW IS “I LOST MY MEMORY CARD” …….SMH. SO I TRY TO ONLY SHOOT WITH PHOTOGRAPHERS WILLING TO SIGN AN AGREEMENT ABOUT ME RECEIVING MY PICS. AND SO FAR ITS BEEN WORKING!

LB: What do you like better modeling or acting?

KD: WELL I FEEL THAT MODELING IS SO FUN, PLAYING DRESS UP AND TAKING PICS, BUT ALOT OF PEOPLE THINK BECAUSE YOU ARE A MODEL YOU ARE NOT SUPPOSE TO SPEAK. SO THATS WHERE I ENJOY DOING ACTING. I CANT TALK ALL I WANT LOL. BUT I AM STILL A NEW-BEE WITH ACTING. I ENJOY BOTH EQUALLY EVEN THOUGH ACTING DOES TAKE MORE TIME AND PRACTICE. AND I FEEL LIKE IM A NATURAL WHEN IT COMES TO ACTING, I REALLY CANT WAIT TO GET A SMALL PART IN A MOVIE/SHOW JUST TO SEE WHICH I TRULY ENJOY THE MOST. BUT RIGHT NOW I CANT CHOOSE ONE OVER THE OTHER BC I HAVE FUN DOING BOTH.

LB: 10 years from now, where do you hope to be? career wise

KD: 10 YEARS FROM NOW I HOPE TO BE WELL ESTABLISHED IN THE MODELING WORLD. DOING INTERNATIONAL SHOWS, TRAVELING, AND DOING MORE IN THE ACTING WORLD. MOVIES, TV SHOWS, HOSTING, AND INTERVIEWING OTHERS ON THE COME-UP. I ALSO HOPE TO OWN A FEW BUSINESSES, A CLOTHING LINE (I SECRETLY DESIGN), AND HAVING A FEW OF MY OWN CHARITIES AND ORGANIZATIONS THAT WOULD BENEFIT PEOPLE IN NEED AROUND THE WORLD. I PLAN TO DO A LOT ONCE ESTABLISHED.

LB: Why are you interested in High fashion modeling over the other modeling fields you could pursue?

KD: I FEEL THAT HIGH FASHION MODELING MAKES MORE OF A STATEMENT OUT OF ALL THE REST. ONLY BECAUSE WHEN YOU DO HIGH FASHION YOU’RE WORKING WITH THE BEST OF THE BEST. AND THAT’S WHAT I LIKE TO BE SURROUNDED BY! I FIND IT MORE ENTICING WHEN YOU CAN NETWORK AND IT IS ACTUALLY BENEFICIAL. SO IF ALL MY PLANS PREVAIL I WILL BE BACK IN MY HOMETOWN, NEW YORK, BUT THE END OF 2012 WITH A HIGH FASHION AGENCY THAT CAN TAKE ME TO THE TOP!! =)

Source: lebellesblock.com/model-showcase-new-face-on-the-block-introducing-kijafa-kd-carter/