Kayla Van Rensburg: Miss Scarlett Model Agency Founder Redefining Beauty

“Everything happens for a reason,” Kayla Van Rensburg, her voice tinged with the certainty of someone who has found her calling amidst the unexpected twists of life. Her foray into the world of modelling wasn’t planned. It was the result of a serendipitous meeting with a known photographer.

Kayla spoke of art, of culture, of a shared dream to uplift and redefine the narrative surrounding beauty and creativity. From this conversation, Miss Scarlett was born.

“I’ve learned over time that as models, we are inevitably responsible for the images we project onto consumers, and most importantly, our youth. It’s irresponsible of me not to acknowledge how we shape societal perceptions of beauty, so my team and I make sure that we are taking more inclusive approaches to the future of the fashion industry as a model agency.”

In the bustling environment of Cape Town City & their studios, where the walls are adorned with vibrant images that challenge every stereotype, Kayla works tirelessly. “We’re creating art by us, for us,” she told us, her words echoing the ethos of Miss Scarlett. Each photograph, each model’s story, is a piece of a larger narrative aimed at reclaiming the representation of women and femme-presenting individuals in the media.

Kayla describes how learning and understanding the diversity of experiences shapes her creative vision: “I would love to just create better representation and add to more images that young girls can look and be able to emulate,” she shares. Rather than relying on preconceived notions, Kayla taps into the essence of their cultural roots to create art that feels true to who they are.

Her journey is not just about showcasing beauty, is about connecting with her roots and fostering a deeper understanding of art and fashion culture through her work.

A Symphony of Creativity

Kayla’s approach to modelling is a direct challenge to the cookie-cutter aesthetics that dominate social media feeds. She refuses to be confined by trends or expectations, instead choosing to celebrate the unique beauty and strength of each individual who steps in front of her camera. “It’s about flowing with the current state of emotions and nurturing them as inspirations of creative expression,” she explains, her eyes alight with passion.

The studio, awash with the golden hues of the afternoon sun, becomes a sanctuary where Miss Scarlett’s models can truly be themselves. Here, stereotypes are dismantled, and preconceived notions of beauty are left at the door. In this sacred space, the very essence of individuality is celebrated, and the chains of societal expectations are cast aside. Each model is encouraged to embrace their uniqueness, to let their personality shine through every pose and every glance.

Kayla understands that true beauty lies in authenticity, in the raw and unfiltered expressions of the human experience. She creates an atmosphere where her models feel empowered to explore the depths of their creativity, to push the boundaries of what is considered conventional beauty.

In this studio, there is no room for the limiting beliefs that so often plague the fashion industry. Size, shape, and skin tone are not barriers, but rather celebrated aspects of each model’s identity. Miss Scarlett’s lens seeks out the stories etched in the lines of their faces, the strength in their stances, and the resilience in their spirits.

As the camera clicks and the music swells, a symphony of creativity unfolds. Each model becomes a note in a grand composition, their movements and expressions blending harmoniously to create a work of art that transcends the confines of the studio walls. Through her work, Kayla is not just challenging the status quo of the modelling industry; she is redefining the very concept of beauty itself. She is showing the world that true beauty is not found in conformity but in the celebration of individuality.