We had the good fortune of connecting with Kiki Hooey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kiki, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind my success and the success of my brand is twofold. First, I keep God at the center of my life- that facilitates all my endeavors. After that, my mindset really propels me in life. I am a winner, and winners win. I tell myself this daily. I approach new endeavors with this mindset and that alone attracts success and wins to me. Simply put, I have unwavering faith and belief in my ability to execute (and win) no matter the task.. and then I put in the work.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art encompasses many forms. I am a supermodel and more recently I’ve been keeping busy creating a clothing/merch line based around my personal brand, “The OG”.

Kiki the Model

I began pursuing modeling for myself when I was in law school. My day to day life had become so analytical and matter of fact to the point that I felt the right side of my brain, the creative side, literally dying. To combat this, I would do my homework early and head to casting calls, photoshoots and fashion shows to recharge.
After building my portfolio working with several photographers nationally and internationally, being published in several magazines as well as being published on the cover of a magazine as “Model of the Year” with an 8 page spread, being featured on several brand websites, walking in countless fashion shows and walking New York Fashion week twice, I took another step to combine my passion for modeling with a whole new endeavor. I curated my very own Model Workshop series where I can not only teach posing and the different types of runway walks, but also share the lessons and cheat codes I’ve learned along the way. I felt it was super important to give back in this way because I remember initially being confused about certain aspects of modeling like how to find casting calls for example. I’d ask and girls were less than forthcoming with information, so I figured it out on my own. I realize that my peers can be so eager to model, they may end up taking advice from people looking to take advantage of them. So to the extent that I can help lead them in the right direction and bypass any obstacles I overcame, it is my pleasure to do so.

My journey to become a professional model was a systematic trial and error. I learned my angles by studying myself in the mirror and reviewing film after photoshoots. I learned how to identify a good photographer, which is key. I learned how to become the muse needed for the occasion. I learned how to avoid self sabotaging mid-shoot as well as what I can do to increase my confidence coming into a shoot. I perfected posing; my mentality has always been “anything for the shot”, and in the same respect, modeling is all about utilizing your body as a tool to articulate a vision, so I learned to step outside of myself to capture the bigger picture. By contrast, runway came naturally. I was born for the runway. I effortlessly execute different walks based on the designers requests, if any, the best way to show the clothing, and the type of show (NYFW vs. a local Houston show for example).

Kiki The OG

To touch on my clothing line “The OG”, I am super excited to debut my newest creation this year. I think a common misconception about me is that I am a girly girl, but that can’t be further from the truth. I am a tomboy in real life– I was raised with all brothers and all boy cousins. This merch line really embodies my aesthetic – minimalist streetwear, that is functional and comfortable – and it was birthed from the defining principles that I personally live by. The OG is not just the original gangsta.. even though I have definitely earned that title lol. OG also stands for offering game and that is definitely a role I take on wholeheartedly. I give people foundational tools to win anywhere. Even if you are not yet an OG, everyone has an OG in their life, the person who taught them the right way to maneuver in this life whether it was your big brother, dad, uncle or your barber. Overall I’m paying homage to all OG’s who make life easier for the younger generation by simplifying their life’s lessons for us to digest and apply. My motto is “Winners Win”, and that’s the exact mindset that keeps me winning. Make sure you follow our instagram page @shoptheog to be sure to catch our first drop coming sooner than soon!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite restaurant to get wings from is Dream Wings on Ella. My childhood friend actually owns the restaurant; they have literally a million flavor combinations and excellent customer service!

For Nightlife, Dior Saturdays would be the move. I’m always treated like royalty there. Parma is a vibe, KAMP is cool too. And for Sunday Funday, I always love Chapman and Kirbys indoor outdoor vibe on a Sunday. Honestly though, I go wherever my favorite DJ’s are playing because the music is IT for me.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate this shout out to the men in my life <3

I’m so fortunate to have one person who shares the titles of big brother and mentor. Thank you to my favorite big brother Andrew for your support, mentorship, love and encouragement. You loved me before I loved myself .. it can’t get realer than that !

My big cousin Nick goes down in history as being the person who not only taught me what an OG is, but for making me realize that I am an OG in every sense of the word. You planted the seed and did your part to teach me the game; easily my #1 fan and I’m forever grateful.

Where would I be without my favorite little brother David! My life line, my emotional support throughout the years, my right hand. Thank you for always saving me, reading my mind and lifting me up.

Lastly, Long Live Young Dolph <3

Website: kikitheog.com

Instagram: @kikitheOG_

Youtube: Kiki the OG

Image Credits
Cory Dixon, Mac Anthony, Francis Bassey, Mac B

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.