We had the good fortune of connecting with Kween Jai and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kween, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process behind starting my modeling career as a business was rooted in wanting to take control of my own image and brand as a short model. I’ve always loved expressing myself through fashion and photography, but I didn’t want to rely solely on agencies or others to define my path. I saw modeling as more than just posing—it’s a business, and I wanted to treat it that way. By building my own brand, networking, and creating content, I could open more doors, collaborate on my terms, and turn my passion into a long-term career

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is modeling, and for me, it’s more than just taking pictures—it’s about storytelling, confidence, and representation. What sets me apart is that I bring real emotion, authenticity, and a raw hunger to everything I do. I don’t just show up—I show out, even when I’m tired or going through it. I’m most proud of how far I’ve come without a blueprint or a support system. Everything I’ve done has been self-taught, self-funded, and self-driven.

Getting to where I am today professionally has not been easy at all. I’ve faced rejection, silence, and moments of deep self-doubt. But I pushed through by keeping my faith strong and reminding myself why I started. I’ve learned that consistency is key, energy is everything, and your mindset will either carry you or crush you.

What I want the world to know is that I’m building something real. My brand, my image, and my story come from a place of resilience and vision. I’m not here to fit into a mold—I’m here to break one. This is just the beginning.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
To be honest, I don’t really have a regular friend group I hang with—I’m truly my own vibe. But if someone came to visit, I’d show them how to have a good time solo-style, because I’ve mastered the art of enjoying life on my own terms. I love going dancing, hitting a few bars, and meeting new people along the way. I might have social anxiety at times, but once I’m out, I somehow always become the life of the party. People just gravitate toward good energy—and I always bring it.

Each night would be a little different: one day could be a chill lounge, the next something more spontaneous like camping or a road trip. I don’t need a big group to have fun—I’m always up for new adventures, new scenery, and making memories wherever I go. That’s the kind of energy I’d show anyone visiting—free, bold, and unforgettable.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Honestly, I have to give all the credit to myself. I’ve had little to no support, and that makes the journey extremely challenging and exhausting at times. But I’ve learned to push myself, to stay motivated even when no one’s clapping for me. I lean on my faith and constantly ask God for guidance and strength. It hasn’t been easy, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come on my own—and I know I’m just getting started. That independence has shaped my work ethic in a major way. It taught me to be disciplined, resourceful, and to never wait on anyone to believe in me before I believe in myself. Also, I wouldn’t be where I am today without the love and support of my family, especially my Son, Mom and father, who constantly reminded me of my worth and potential even on the days I doubted myself. I also want to shout out my close friend Mel T who always hype me up, help with confidence, and believe in my vision. And honestly, social media creators and mentors I’ve never met in person have inspired me a lot—from modeling tips to business advice, they helped shape how I move in this space. Every bit of support, whether big or small, has made a difference

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kweenjaishootz?igsh=NXI3cGE5Nmk3ZGh1&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/165piRStXB/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits
orylavine_photography

Bump On Up Photography

Pretty The Mua

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.