Interview with Model Kalyn Hemphill: Project Runway’s Season 6 Winner!
By: Christi Given
CG: So Kalyn, I understand you’ve been performing since you were a little girl and have loved the spotlight since the age of 3 singing and dancing and you began modeling at 14, correct?
KH: Yes! I have always loved performing and started with dance lessons and community theatre when I was little, and when I hit a growth spurt at age 14, I signed with an agency in Houston and began to do modeling jobs around Texas.
CG: What was your biggest opportunity of accomplishment so far that you have achieved in your career? Is it being the winning model of season 6 of “Project Runway”?
KH: That was definitely a huge highlight! I love theatre as well, so winning the Roger Sturtevant award from Actors Equity was equally as thrilling for me.
CG: So Kalyn, how has the platform of modeling and acting given you a voice to speak truth in love to this generation?
KH: Because of the doors God has opened, I have been given the opportunity to speak for many women’s groups, contribute to magazines and articles, and also develop relationships with models and actresses who might be new in the industry or struggling with how to balance faith and the unique challenges that people in entertainment deal with. Also, on a daily basis I get to go to sets, jobs, or castings where I have the chance to interact with and love other people in the industry and hopefully shine Christ’s light in every situation!
CG: Do you see God moving in Hollywood or do you see a shift taking place, whether it be in music or movies and influencers being changed by the Gospel? Do you see the vision of Holywood (what I call this shift in culture and entertainment) coming to pass?
KH: Yes! I see lives being transformed, people being discipled, and I have seen many of my friends that work in the industry place their trust in Christ over the years! I love the verse John 13:35 which says, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” I think as more and more Christians in the industry show radical kindness, generosity, respect and love for each other, people take notice and want to experience that kind of love and community. I also think major change happens and people take notice when Christian actors, models, and agents do not compromise their values on the projects they accept and when writers and directors are involved with quality, good stories and refuse to write or direct projects that are dishonoring to God.
CG: What are your dreams for the future and what do you feel God has personally called you to?
KH: I have always felt extremely drawn the the entertainment and fashion industries and just want to honor God and love His people through all of the opportunities He gives me. I have a deep passion for acting, singing, dancing, modeling, speaking, writing, and traveling so I hope God will open many more doors in those areas over the years! I love Psalm 37:4 which says, “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” I have found that He has given me so much more than my little heart could even dream of in this life as I have sought Him.
CG: Can you speak into people’s lives reading this blog and just encourage them to follow their dreams and passions? Explain how God can use people while fulfilling their dreams and purposes for their lives.
KH: Matthew 6:33 says, “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.” As you put God first, everything else in life and career will fall into place. He will guide and direct you and refine your character and desires. At the end of the day, it is all about making HIS name famous, so God wants to use people whose hearts are fully surrendered to Him and His purposes to put them on full display for His glory and splendor.
CG: What is your favorite Bible verse? What has God been speaking to you about lately?
KH: Isaiah 26:3 has really been powerful for me lately: “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts you.” As industry is full of so much rejection and uncertainty, it is so nice to know that I can always rest on the promises of God, and that in Him alone is perfect peace.
CG: Do you have any advice regarding seeking God’s approval verses man’s approval? I love the video (VLOG) you did for Models For Christ! Do you regularly do these?
KH: Yes! I just began doing them. Here is the link to view her Video Blog with MFC: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=d6-dAtpyE34&feature=youtu.be
CG: How has MFC changed your life and deepened your faith?
KH: It has offered me a community of people who understand the unique challenges of the industry, and who encourage, love, and challenge me to walk closer with God daily! I have been involved with MFC for 7 years now, and they have been a constant support to me through ups and downs, successes, failures, decisions, and transitions. MFC has groups that meet in NY, LA, Chicago, Miami, Milan, London, Paris, and Sydney so models can connect with other Christians in the fashion industry as they travel to the fashion hubs around the world.
CG: Do you have any other comments or remakes about how God is using His people in this time?
KH: With technology and social media, we live in a unique time where we have the opportunity to view and also put out content that the whole world can see. It’s encouraging to see several celebrities, bloggers, and companies using their social media platforms for not just their personal gain, but for God’s glory and good causes. I hope the rest of the world follows suit!
CG: Thank you so much for sharing, keep up the good work of The Lord as you model for Christ!
#interview #ModelforChrist #Hollywood #holywoodscoop #Projectrunway #Modeling