We get acquainted with KEILA KIM as she makes her MAXIM debut…
Hi Keila, congrats on your first MAXIM cover! Tell us a bit about your shoot.
We shot in Long Beach California, the photographer was a surfer and knew all of the coolest local spots.
Give us a little more background about yourself and your life story so far.
I grew up on a small horse farm in Nelson county, Virginia. Both of my parents were horse trainers, so I spent a lot of time riding and being outdoors on the farm. While I was in school I worked at a bed and breakfast and in doing so, I developed a love and appreciation for hospitality. Hospitality taught me that having a “what can I do for you” attitude, as opposed to a “what can you do for me” can get you far in life. After learning the ropes of how to operate a bed and breakfast, I became a private flight attendant, where I got to listen and learn by osmosis from some of the most affluent people in the world—my passengers. You could say I’ve Forest Gumped my way through life thus far by just showing up with a willingness to do a good job at whatever opportunity is presented to me. When I’m not working I like to stay in and play video games, or go outside and do anything that’s physically challenging, hiking, rock climbing, snowboarding… anything but team sports. I was never a team player.
What do you love most about yourself?
I have dealt with a lot of adversity in my life. I’ve been challenged in ways I never thought I’d have to endure. Life has knocked me down so many times but it’s not about how many times you get knocked down, it’s about how many times you get back up.
What is the first things you do when you get up in the morning?
Drink a glass of water. I have to hydrate to vibrate!
What is one of your weird quirks?
I carry around a string that I’ll pull from a specific towel that I have. It’s a self-soothing habit I developed as a kid. I’m never without one. My friends call it my talisman.
How would you describe yourself in five words?
Warm-hearted, independent, darkly humorous and loyal.
What’s the first thing you notice when it comes to the opposite gender?
I notice a man’s voice first. I’ll listen to see if he speaks from his diaphragm, or from his throat. Speaking from your diaphragm exudes confidence and commands attention. Physically I’ll notice vascular forearms, and big hands, because the whole big foot, big shoe theory is a LIE.
What do you think is the most attractive quality in a man?
Humour! A man’s ability to not take himself too seriously, and find light in whatever life throws at him is a huge turn on.
What impresses you on a first date?
I’ll be very impressed if a man is kind and patient to anyone they encounter working in the service industry, and makes a point to remember their name.
What advice would you give a man?
Do what you say and say what you do. Like Tony Montana said: “all you have in this world is your balls and your word. Don’t break them for no one!”
Describe your ideal boyfriend in one sentence.
Ideally my partner is someone who will be my best friend to the end.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Eating anything and everything that will give me type two diabetes.
What words do you live by?
Smile and the world smiles back.
What is something new happening in your life right now?
I only recently returned to modelling. I had given it up for some time, but this crypto crash really messed up my retirement plan! Seriously though, I just realised how much I missed it, and how much joy it gives me celebrating all the work I’ve done.
Lastly, what is one major thing you want to accomplish by the end of this year?
Before the year is over I’d like to plan another long distance backpacking trip in Canada or Washington.
Photography by Ryan Dwyer @letshoot
Hair and makeup by Taylor Jazz
For the full article grab the October 2022 issue of MAXIM New Zealand from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here
