Kayla Fitzgerald

Meet Kayla Fitzgerald, the small town girl from Florida who’s chasing a dream

Welcome to MAXIM New Zealand Kayla! Tell us a bit about your shoot.
It took place in Laguna Beach, California where we climbed rocks to get specific lighting and shots wiith different scenery! We really wanted to keep things simple yet sexy to really embody the MAXIM brand of “girl next door” vibes.

Give us a little more background about yourself and your life story so far
I grew up in a small town outside of Orlando, Florida with my mum who was a single parent, so I have had to work very hard for the life I have built! I’ve been modelling for 10 years now, living in LA and pursuing that fully! I’m a small town girl from Florida who chased a dream in this industry. I’ve been published in MAXIM Australia, I was on the cover of Playboy SA and USA, I have shot for SI Swim and walked in their first ever Miami Swim Week runway show! Being a petite model before body inclusivity was a real thing has had its challenges, but persistence and hard work has paid off.

When do you feel sexy and why?
I think feeling sexy is a state of mind, so it’s hard for me to relate it to one particular time or thing where I feel my sexiest, but when I feel like I’m in control of something that I know I’m good at, then it makes me feel powerful and sexy. For example, I love the way I feel when I am shooting a swimsuit or lingerie campaign and can channel my sexuality and embody what it means to be a woman and have that translate through the lens!

What is your best asset?
Physically, people tell me they love my eyes and my nose …. or my boobs haha. Outside of physical appearance, I’d have to say my mind!

What would people be most surprised to know about you?
I feel like I’m such an open book and have shared a lot of my life with social media over the last few years but if I had to say something, I would probably say that people would be most surprised to learn that I was on the Amazing Race TV show!

How would you describe yourself in five words?
Loyal, outgoing, goofball, hardworking, adventurous.

What have you learned about men over the years?
I have learned that men cannot be controlled and will do what they want, when they want, and that until they are fully happy or have a clear vision with their career and feel fulfilled that way, then a woman will never be the priority.

What’s one thing men should always know about women?
That we are always right, duh! Ok, in all seriousness, men should know to never make a woman feel dumb or less than. As long as we feel supported and prioritised, they will most likely receive the best versions of us!

What do you look for in a man?
Sounds cliche, but he has to make me laugh and want to be a goofball with me! Also, as I’m now 31, I have put way more importance on communication and seeing how someone treats me in times of adversity. I need to feel supported in things that I love, and honestly I have to feel wanted.

Describe your ideal date.
My ideal date isn’t one particular thing, I just like when I know someone has made the effort for me to make a situation special. Nothing needs to be extravagant, I just enjoy spending quality time with someone I care about and if there happens to be a cheese board and some wine involved, then that’s a plus LOL!

What can we get you at the bar?
Ooooof I like it all. Just depends on the occasion, but I love tequila repasado so either a shot of that or a margarita with extra tajin on the rim… OR a Moscow mule, dirty martini (extra dirty) or a bourbon on ice.

Who is your girl crush and why?
I love Miranda Kerr, not only is she sexy but she’s a super mum and business woman who puts so much thought into the little things of her business! I also love Margot Robbie and Gal Gardot because they’re just babes!

What is your motto in life?
My nana has always said to me “there is no such thing as failure, baby girl, only lessons”… and that’s kind have been something I live by!

What’s next for you? Any exciting projects on the horizon you can share with us?
I always have a tonne of fun projects throughout the year, and now that the world is getting back to some normalcy after the pandemic, I am just excited to get back to auditions and travelling!

Finally, where would you like to be in five years?
I am more of a “focus on the current moment” kind of girl and I never emphasise on things in the future because I think it can cause attachments to the way you think your life will go, which we know can change at any moment, and that brings disappointment… so I typically struggle with this question but the one thing that always comes to mind is that I know I want to be a mum and I definitely see that for myself in the next five years!