Check out our interview with talented model and actress Kamari Love.
Follow Kamari @itskamarilove
Hi Kamari, please tell us a little about you?
From New Orleans, LA and Dallas, Tx, a southern belle 🙂 I’ve been an athlete my entire life, competing in volleyball, basketball, softball and track, and continued to play 4 years of softball in college on a DII scholarship before moving to LA and diving into a career in acting and modeling.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Driven, Enthusiastic, Resilient
Who has made the biggest impact on your life so far, and why?
My high school coaches were my greatest impact as they were constantly pushing my boundaries which propelled me towards a consistent attitude of greatness.
How and when did you start into modeling?
My mom was a photographer when I was growing up and I was always her test model, so I just grew up behind the camera. But I began modeling professionally when I came to LA 6 years ago. I actually had no intention of modeling when I arrived as acting had always been a passion of mine. But modeling sought me out and once I answered the calling it immediately gave back.
What is fun and rewarding about modeling? And what is not?
What I love most about modeling is all the great places it’s taken me. I am signed to 9 agencies across 7 cities in 2 countries, so my bookings have me on a plane literally every week. It’s a lifestyle I’ve always desired so I’m thrilled to do it. With this however comes the physical and emotional stress you take on. Going in and out of different time zones, your sleep and diet habits are trying to keep up, along with the strain that’s put on your body once you’re on camera having to hit every pose. You also feel alone often as work requires your solitude to thrive, something I’ve accepted but certainly doesn’t get any easier.
Can you name a few of the brands you are working or have worked with?
Under Armor, Coca-Cola, Ulta, Zales, Cosmopolitan, Anastasia Beverly Hills.
What did you learn from your biggest failure?
I learned not to wait on someone else to secure your destiny and to keep your team tight. If you feel like there’s someone on your team (friends & agents) who is holding you back or only giving negative energy you have to cut them loose and know how to immediately pick back up and handle it yourself.
The most important thing when you are shooting is?
Knowing your angles so you are maximizing your frames and not wasting shots.
What’s your advice for the newer models and influencers?
Lean in to your authentic self and capitalize on it–We’re in an era where the more unique you are the more you’re called upon. So be less like everybody else trying to make it and be completely you.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
Winning by Tim Grover–This book helped me rewire my people-pleasing, over working mindset into something 10x more profitable for my mind, body, spirit, and finances. A must read!
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
It’s okay to rest! Don’t run yourself dry so fast trying to prove yourself so quick. Great things take time, and yours will come!
What would you say are the greatest lessons you learned so far?
Be adaptable and stay prepared. Your next great opportunity could be around any corner, and you never want to have to get ready or say no to an opportunity because you aren’t flexible. Work hard each day so you stay ready whenever the door opens for you.
How did you get started into acting?
Due to growing up with an intense love for film, I’ve been a performer across many platforms including theater, choir, girl’s ensembles, athletics, etc. Titanic was my favorite film growing up as I was completely captivated by the raw drama of it. I knew even that early on I wanted to make people feel as deeply as these movies made me feel within my work. And I too, wanted to utilize an acting platform to be able to do this across multiple characters in different stories, in order to relay many different messages. I came to LA 6 years ago to fulfill this dream, and I’m happy to say I’ve been very successful.
What is the best and worst part of being an actress?
I’d say the best part is getting to play pretend for work and being able to transport to another world while doing so. The worst is definitely the time you have to spend away from loved ones while you’re studying/in character or filming away from home.
How do you prepare for a role?
Research, solitude, visualization and kinesthetic practice (reading in character while practicing mannerisms)
What projects have you been part of?
Film- Uglies-Netflix; Val-Social House Films; Miles Ryder-Bach Enterprises//Commercial- Coca-Cola, The Palazzo, Plan B, Walmart.
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play and why?
I myself am an adrenaline junkie and former athlete so I see myself in a super hero or assassin type role. I would have so much fun doing it. I also have a deep appreciation for a great drama, and I feel my main purpose for being called into acting is to relay many important messages to the collective. Dramas are the best way to do that in my opinion as it forces the audience to break down barriers and feel their emotions, allowing them to absorb the message being portrayed.
Which project is still on your bucket list?
Marvel movies! I’ve already seen this in my path and won’t stop until I achieve it.
What’s next for Kamari Love in 2022?
Hopefully booking the lead role in a recurring series as well as in a movie, to start!
Please describe a typical day for you. What is your daily routine like?
0-1000 real quick! I always wake up to emails from my agents with bookings I need to schedule or auditions I need to do. I touch base with everyone and get my scheduling straight, and then I’m straight off to a flight, an audition, casting, a meeting or a shoot. But it’s quite literally non-stop all the time with dinner & bedtime easily being my favorite part of every day.
Favorite form of cardio?
A long walk on a hot day for a full body, lenient workout while also getting a good sweat in. I usually do 4-5 miles around my neighborhood parks, sometimes adding in a light 1⁄2 mile-1 mile jog for toning. Then I follow up with quick abs and pilates exercises to tighten–it’s light but that ensures I get a full body workout.
What is the most challenging thing you deal with about consistently staying in top shape?
How much traveling I do. It definitely makes it more difficult to keep up with consistent workouts and a clean diet. But over the years I’ve developed an on the go workout that I can do at home or in a hotel, and I’m sure to always bring my vitamins and teas to help with digestion in case there aren’t too many healthy options.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
Trust.–This has been the moral of my entire journey so far. Trusting myself and my intuition on my next moves. Trusting my spirit guides that they have me on the best path for my highest good. And trusting the end goal and being secure in my abilities and my destination.
Now talking about Instagram, can you share some tips for keeping your account interesting?
Always present your authentic self. People are far more interested in someone who’s uniquely themselves and proud of it. It makes you inspiring and relatable. You can’t lose!
What is your own definition of happiness?
I think it’s waking up and doing what you want to do, which is something that also provides for you, surrounded by people who love you and want to see you win while calling your own shots in life.
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
Always “When I See You” by Fantasia
Name one your strengths?
Adaptability–I consider myself a chameleon; easily adaptable and always able to make things work or find a solution while remaining positive about it. It has definitely served me well in this industry as things are constantly changing.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Angela Bassett – She has always been such an inspiration to me as an artist and advocate for the black community. She exudes excellence and realness in all she does; proven by her many accolades, and has been a part of some of my favorite franchises, including Marvel’s Black Panther. I hope to work on many projects with her and join efforts in amplifying ways to help the black community. It would be one of my greatest joys.
Do you support any charity?
Currently no charities, but I am an advocate for Models Against Sex Trafficking and plan on getting involved with a few charities very soon!
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Rest and relaxation!! Always accompanied by some sun.
What do you think of Social Media?
To be honest I don’t love it. I am very much an ‘in the moment’ person so stopping to take photos for leisure and feeling the need to post on spot to share with people doesn’t interest me much. But I know it’s important for connecting with others and for work, so I do my best to stay current with it.
Where can we follow you?
@itskamarilove on Instagram and TikTok
Quote: “To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. That is to have succeeded.” Ralph Waldo Emersons
Song: “No Less” by G-Eazy, SG Lewis & Louis Mattrs
Movie: Titanic- So much drama & so many life lessons
Travel Destination: Bali
Food: Always seafood/Cajun food
Sports Team: NY Yankees..Sorry LA 🙂
