Miss Kentucky U.S. Beauties Kelly Anne holds a Masters in Business Administration and currently owns and operates iModels Staffing, a Midwest based talent agency devoted to giving back to the community, one day at a time.
As an elementary school girl, my teachers passed out word jumbles and beginner crosswords for all of us children to complete. My eyes would light up and my heart would start to race whenever there was a maze set down on my desk! I was so eager to set my pencil down at the “END” of the puzzle and quickly work my way backwards through the twists and turns. At an early age, I discovered my probability of running into a dead end was minimalized with this approach; furthermore, I relished in the time saved when my little No. 2 pencil lifted from the page at the mark reading “START.”
This was not cheating as there were no directions; nor do I believe was there any experience lost in the journey toward this accomplishment. Instead, I was forming my own answer to the widely-interpreted question: What is success? …Success is a goal. It’s a journey. And it’s further defined by your resiliency to road blocks.
While attending the University of Kentucky’s 11-month MBA program, I finally fully embraced my creativity and give credit to those early educators who allowed this little girl to think outside of the box. The competitiveness of the program challenged me to reflect further on my life successes and in turn, I developed unique solutions for the graduate-level coursework.
Having returned to my hometown of Lexington, KY, I brought with me a Bachelor of Arts in Theater from Louisiana State University, five years of post-undergraduate work in the entrepreneurial city of Los Angeles, and now, the success of an MBA. These milestones helped me to realize a need in this marketplace- the need for local talent to be recognized and given the skills to succeed in Arts & Entertainment. With that idea, I eagerly developed iModels Staffing, an agency designed to mentor local talent, connect talent with PR and media execs, and assist with providing educational workshops centered on the trends of the industry.
Funny thing was… something was still missing in my business plan. iModels had yet to fulfill the one part of me that can be fulfilled by nothing other than my devotion to serve the community. With that realization, I sat down to reflect on all of my positive philanthropic experiences. I have served at Food Banks, Adult Care Facilities and at Literacy Centers; walked for AIDS and the Susan G. Komen Foundation; volunteered for the American Red Cross post-Katrina; and currently work with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. I must confess- I cannot show prejudice in serving one cause as there are so many organizations in need. But, in order to appropriately brand the efforts of iModels, I had to choose one Official 2009 Community Partner.
Ronald McDonald House Charities provided me with adult-like responsibilities at the young age of 14; this charity served as the only reference on my first job application allowing me to enter the workforce at age 16. For that, I am forever indebted and am happy to work alongside Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Bluegrass.
Today, I often find myself driving down the road and smiling for no reason. Then, I remember all of the reasons I have to smile: a loving and supportive family, a truly talented and courageous network of friends, a handsome Great Dane (who kindly allows me to share a bed with him), a house I can call home, and a job I can honestly say I would do for free. Yet, I feel my personal accomplishments are small and my humbleness great. I cannot begin to imagine the fulfillment I will possess should you ask me to define my successes ten years from now and for that, I look forward to my continuous travels on this journey that is just beginning.
“Now you understand just why my head’s not bowed, I don’t shout or jump about or have to talk real loud… cause I’m a woman phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, that’s me.” –Maya Angelou
Kelly's Candid Official Crown / Banner Photo Shoot Pictures
Photography By Morgan Day
Personal Appearances
