At Jute Magazine we always have one eye open for newbies in the industry that have already done some impressive things. As such, we would like to introduce you to our latest interviewee: model Kendall Harris! If you like online shopping you’ve probably already seen her showcasing one of your items in your shopping basket! Jute had some questions for the newbie from Oklahoma and she had all the best tips for posing in pictures for non-models like us and so much more!
Hi there, Kendall! Firstly, could you please tell us something about yourself?
Hi, I’m Kendall Harris! I’m from Oklahoma and I’m with Nous Models in LA!
What are your current projects? What are you working on right now?
I’m always working on my photography and posting it on my photo Instagram @thehighwayhoney. Also, I’m in the process of creating a personal blog to document all my crazy adventures!
Where can we spot you right now? (magazines, campaigns etc.)
I recently had a big shoot with Miss Sixty in Joshua Tree which was toasty (110 degrees in the desert!), but I love the images! I did a big hair campaign for Obliphica a couple months ago. I also just got back from Seattle shooting something fun with Nordstrom that comes out in a couple months! Also, online shopping you’ll definitely see me around!
What do you think of social media? How important is it to you?
I have a love/hate with social media. I love how it can connect me to all my friends in Oklahoma and New York. It’s so amazing how easy we can see what everyone’s up to at the drop of a hat. But it’s also a big part of my job! Which means sometimes I get sick of posting because it feels like a chore. When we go to castings they usually ask us for our Instagrams, so it’s SO important to be active and posting, but most the time I post later because I really want to be present in the moment!
How did you start modeling? When did you start?
I started modeling when I was in high school. There’s no real fashion market in Oklahoma, so my first shoots were actually for bridal magazines. After I decided I really wanted to pursue it, I drove down to the big city, aka Dallas, (haha) and got signed. I then went on to move and work in NY and LA full time.
Is modeling what you’ve always wanted to do?
Yes and no. Ha ha! I always thought it looked so fun, but didn’t think it was something I would actually do. I was having fun shooting with local photographers during my freshman year of college and ended up getting really sick, which, long story short, just kind of made me want to really pursue something fun. College was always going be there and modeling wasn’t, so I decided to go for it! I got signed in LA and moved a few months later.
What are you doing in your free time?
I LOVE to travel any chance I get and take pictures of the cool places I find myself. Every Christmas me and my cats drive from LA to OKC and always run into CRAZY adventures along the way. Last year we did old route 66 and it was so cute. I take pictures of the sights and get some of the cat carrier in front of stuff while they sleep in the car. They love it. Also I’m a pro at finding the best vintage shops!
If you left for a desert island and you could only bring 3 things what would they be?
Hmm my cats, my pillow, and a bikini! All the necessities!
Do you have a special diet and workout schedule to stay in shape?
I love to do Pilates and I like to walk at the gym for an hour most days too. It keeps you fit and clears your head and you can get in a couple episodes of gossip girl (for the millionth time haha)! I try to stick to a good diet most days, but every now and then I let myself have a cheat day. This Oklahoma girl needs her Tex Mex!
Ha ha not only you! Who are you looking up to? Are there role models?
I really look up to Jen Gotch and all the girls at Bando. I model for them sometimes and it is always the best day! They are such a fun group that really support one another, all while they run an amazing and cute brand!
Is there a special moment you remember of your childhood that already pointed in the modeling direction?
Well, there are some, in my mom’s words “tragic” photos from a department store fashion show from when I was 7. I’m walking down the runway with clenched fists haha! I always heard my parents’ friends tell them I should model when I was little, so it was always a secret dream of mine!
Do you have a secret talent?
Hmmm yes! I love to sing, I grew up taking voice lessons and always joke that I want to be a country superstar next. I’m obsessed with Miranda Lambert and basically always have country music playing from Willie and Dolly to Reba and Miranda. It reminds me of home and they’re all just so good!
Have you had an embarrassing/ funny moment on set you would like to tell us about?
Recently I was on set and it was the end of the day and I used a makeup wipe to get my makeup off. But there were no mirrors in the studio, so I just asked the stylists “hey is all my makeup off?” and they were like oh yeah. Then I hung out for another hour to see the new samples and talk to the client. When I got to my car and FINALLY looked in the mirror I had one eyebrow still on. I had just been talking to everyone with ONE EYEBROW on for over an hour.
Ha ha that’s funny! Have you always been comfortable in front of the camera or did you have to learn it?
I think I was okay at first, but the more you shoot the more you get comfortable in front of the camera and really learn to move.
For someone who isn’t a model, can you tell us how to look good in pictures?
I would recommend having a friend/family member take some pictures of you doing different poses and see which pose or angle you like yourself best in. Then you can know when someone gets the camera out at a get together what pose you’ll look your best in! Also, you can just do it in front of a mirror if you feel awkward asking someone to take your picture! And be nice to yourself, no one loves every picture of themselves. We are our own worst critics!
What’s a moment in your career you will always remember?
I got to go to Tulum with H&M and it was SO much fun! The locations were amazing, the bikinis were super cute, and we even had people on set that would climb palm trees and get us coconuts to drink out of! It was a blast, and one of my favorite jobs.
What would your ideal job look like?
An amazing location with a great crew and a client you’re so excited to work with…and an off day to explore!
What’s something you would tell your younger self?
I really believe that everything happens for a reason. I think when something doesn’t go the way you plan, usually that means something even better will work out in the end! That’s not always easy to remember in the moment when you’re disappointed, but you just gotta keep going!
What are 3 foods you could never live without?
Cheese, diet coke, and hot sauce!
What is in your day-to-day bag?
Right now in my bag I have chapstick, sunglasses, my wallet, camera, comp cards, Kate Somerville SPF and headphones!
Story: Marie-Christin Tripolt
Photographer: Tara Simon
Creative Director/Producer: Candice Solomon
Stylist: Oretta Corbelli
Hair: Virginie Pineda using Oribe, Kevin Murphy and Redken
Makeup: Christopher Miles using Urban Decay, Sisley Paris and Laugh Kiss Care