04 Dec Supermodel Kayla Fitzgerald Is Using Her Platform To Pave the Way for Petite Models

Kayla Fitzgerlad is a Florida native who is known for her beauty, style, and grace. Her journey towards fame all started after she placed in the top 15 in Sports Illustrated’s SI Swimsearch’s first-ever open casting call, and walked in their debut fashion show at Miami Swim Week. Since then, Kayla has graced the pages of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, Maxim, and has been profiled by the likes of TMZ, Parade, CBS, Yahoo, and more. Kayla’s dreams to become a model started when she was a child as she grew up idolizing the pages of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit and she loved America’s Next Top Model. Kayla would watch with her mom and knew it was something she would love to do, but never thought she would be able to live her dreams, strictly because of her height. 

Kayla’s modeling career began once she entered a bikini contest in Florida and from there, she was scouted and entered pageants that then led to modeling contracts. Shortly after, Kayla made the big move to Los Angeles where she signed with a modeling agency and started going to castings. “I focused on putting myself out there, building a portfolio, and building a social media presence,” the brunette beauty exclusively tells The Hype Magazine. Creating content that is fashion-forward with a side of sexy, Kayla has truly taken the modeling industry by storm. She says, “I am an extrovert who can definitely be flirty so I like to embody that in my style!”

Models are typically over 5’10, especially when it comes to the runway. However, Kayla is 5’3,” and has often been discriminated against due to her height. Yet this push back only empowered her to create more inclusive opportunities for other models of all heights and sizes, and she now uses her platform in the modeling industry to raise awareness of the struggles that petite models face, and help shorter and smaller women to embrace their natural beauty. In the modeling industry, it’s difficult to love yourself since you’re often being told you aren’t good enough. Kayla strives to persuade others to love themselves no matter their height, weight, or for any other unique qualities that one may have. hse is a true champion for diversity and inspires women to embrace their natural beauty. 

Kayla says, “my dream has always been to put together a campaign that advocates for petite women, who are under 5’7. Currently, you are still considered ‘short’ if you are 5’7 in the industry, but I’m barely over 5’3,” so what does that make me? There are thousands of models (and women) who are shorter and don’t get looked at as serious models. I want the world to know that they can still pursue a dream even if they don’t meet the ‘standard’ of acceptance that has been set years ago, and are quite honestly outdated.” Kayla is passionate about empowering everyone to embrace who they are as a person and to show others how to feel their best selves both on the inside and outside. Her one message to the world would be to “embrace yourself and just be you.” Turning this passion into a purpose, Kayla is working hard to kick off her campaign to encourage other women to stand tall and strong and love themselves for what makes them different.

Looking at the future Kayla tries to not get attached to long-term visions. However, within the next 5 years, she is hoping that she’ll still be using her platform to instill positive change in the world. She also recently shot a cover for Retreat magazine, is selling a sexy calendar, and has many other exciting shoots coming up on the horizon with notable beauty brands. Kayla is a force to be reckoned with in the modeling industry, and her drive motivates her to be the best version of herself while also motivating others to do the same.