Some high schoolers run on a track, others run club meetings, but junior Lila McKay runs the runway. McKay has taken on the challenge of modeling while still in high school.
Lila McKay is in Advanced Placement and dual credit classes, drill team and yearbook, leaving her with a limited amount of free time. She has two years of experience modeling in front of the camera, with it all starting from her first audition.
“I started probably about November of my freshman year, so 2021,” Lila McKay said. “I started modeling when I went to an open call.”
Having a passion for something is common, but taking action and doing things to accomplish one’s goals is admirable. Modeling has brought her several opportunities and experiences.
“I am modeling for the DragonFly Agency in Dallas, Texas and Los Angeles, and I have been to a variety of places,” Lila McKay said. I’ve been to Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, New Mexico, Austin, and San Antonio.”
Although modeling affords her considerable travel opportunities, it requires a great deal of responsibility.
“She works to schedule the shoots, knows the layouts of the mood boards, and maintains the relationship between the photographers and the clients,” mother Becky McKay said.
Lila McKay often offers several bookings and makes her own decisions on which ones she will accept.
“Usually when I get booked, my agent will text me, but I also have an app that she can go through,” Lila Mckay said. “She puts in bookings through a calendar that I either accept or decline.”
Lila Mckay manages her jobs to have control over her loaded schedule.
“Most people would be surprised to know that she is the one that the agency contacts for each job. We maintain a behind the scenes role as a means to allow her to learn and navigate her career,” Becky McKay said. “She speaks with them directly and it’s Lila that maintains her relationship with her agent and her agency. It’s so much more than just posing for a pretty picture. A ton of work goes into each project even before the first click of the camera.”
Modeling can be a rigorous process, especially with Lila McKay’s busy schedule, forcing her to prioritize what is most important.
“It gets kind of hectic sometimes when I’m asked to work a job,” McKay said. “Sometimes, I have tests in multiple classes and drill team practice after school. I have to manage my time and use it wisely.”
Lila Mckay continues to work towards accomplishing the goals she has set for herself.
“I want to continue working towards the future and expanding my connections,” Mckay said.
She looks up to some as inspiration and motivation to reach her goals in her modeling career.
“I look up to my agent a lot,” Mckay said. She was a model, and she’s fairly young. She has been a mentor to me and helps me see ideas, though. She helps me understand the process better.”
Throughout her incredible journey, Lila McKay continues to have support from all her family members and friends.
“She handles herself and her career with pride and confidence,” Becky Mckay said. “We all want to see her succeed; her happiness and safety are our top priorities.”
