Tell us about yourself

My name is Kaia Geissinger and I am 15-years-old. I’ve lived-in Southwest Florida my whole life. I’m a triplet and have two brothers. I love books and I am really focused on my academics. My brothers and I attend a college-prep high school and we will have the opportunity to graduate high school with our diplomas and AA degree. My dyslexia makes me learn differently, but now that I have figured out what works for me, I actually enjoy thinking differently. I believe hard work pays off and I am willing to work hard for my dreams. I am an optimistic person who always looks on the bright side. Because of that, I try to surround myself with positive people who bring out the best in me. My family loves to travel and we almost always have a trip that we’re looking forward to! 

What is your biggest dream?

My overall dream would simply be happiness. My biggest dream modeling-wise is to be on the cover of Vogue Magazine and walk in some of the biggest runways in the world. 

What does it mean to be your own kind of beautiful?

Being your own kind of beautiful means embracing your flaws — to not change yourself for any reason or anybody. Being beautiful is being comfortable in your own body. 

Tell us about your modeling experience. 

I started modeling about a year ago when I turned 14. It was always something I dreamed of doing, but my parents wanted me to wait until I was in high school. I have had a few professional photoshoots and have walked in several runway shows. My biggest runway experience was walking in New York Fashion Week for designer Alexandra Bujan. Being in NYC during Fashion Week was amazing! 

What is your dream brand to model for?

For high fashion, I would love to model for Marchesa or Stella McCartney. For everyday wear, I would love to be a Tommy Hilfiger girl or model for H&M. 

How would you describe your fashion style?

I love a vintage look with simple lines and patterns. My go-to look is a pair of jeans with a white shirt.  

How important is self-awareness and confidence to you in your everyday life?

I think confidence is very important in your everyday life — not only for yourself, but also in order to be successful at school or work. I feel like confidence comes from a positive mind. If you are negative, you don’t have a lot of confidence in yourself or anyone. Confidence leads to being comfortable too, which is a good thing for any model. You have to really know yourself in order to be confident enough push yourself outside of your comfort zone, but also to be able to say “no” if needed. Plus, confidence is attractive. I think you can really stand out if you’re confident. It’s incredible how much confidence really shows through. Confidence is beautiful. 

What makes you beautiful?

I think we are all beautiful when we are true to ourselves. I feel the most beautiful when I am surrounded by people I love, having fun, and not worrying about anything. Being beautiful is accepting who you are and how God made you — not trying to change yourself (looks or personality). 

What would you say to another girl your age who is struggling with their confidence?

First of all, I would explore what was getting her down. I would want to know what was bothering her. If she was not confident with her body or how she looked, I would remind her that we are all made differently. Everyone has their insecurities and flaws. Nobody’s perfect. I used to be self conscious about how thin I was. People at school would comment about how they could see my backbone through my shirt, so I started wearing jackets everyday. Eventually, I got more comfortable with my body and stopped caring so much about what other people thought. I would tell anyone struggling with confidence that it’s going to take time, but if everyday you make an effort to feel more comfortable with yourself, eventually you will become fully confident. For example, make a list or notes to yourself celebrating everything that makes you unique!