Beauty, pageants and heart

by MIKE CHAIKEN
CTFashionMag.com

Kayla Mick has a philanthropic bent to her beauty and fashion endeavors.

The 17-year-old Cookville, Tenn. resident was a recent winner at Magnifique Showcase, which is a fashion competition run by former “America’s Next Top Model” contestant Victoria Henley. Kayla walked during Atlanta International Fashion Week. Kayla said she was honored to work with Henley.

As a model, the Cookeville High School senior has been featured in magazines and modeled in runway shows.

In addition to modeling, Kayla competes in pageants, having competed at local, state and national levels. She is currently Miss Smoky Mountain for the Tennessee Festivals Pageants.

Kayla, who studies cosmetology and sews and creates her own clothing designs, was a volunteer stylist for the National Miss Amazing pageant– pairing her passion for modeling with her passion for pageants.

Through the world of modeling and pageants, Kayla brings attention to a cause near and dear to her heart. She is the founder of the nonprofit organization called Leashes Leading Love. Through the nonprofit, she serves as an advocate to bring attention to Auditory Processing Disorder, which is a hearing disorder that causes the brain to have a hard time processing, remembering, and understanding words that have been spoken.

Kayla knows Auditory Processing Disorder well. She has overcome her own obstacles related to the learning difference.

The nonprofit also brings attention animal care systems in need.

When not competing in pageants, Kayla loves to perform with her color guard teammates at football games and competitions. She is the head captain of her high school’s color guard team and the featured majorette. She also is a member of the band’s leadership team.

Additionally, Kayla loves everything associated with musical theater. She has performed in eight musical theater productions, numerous theater workshops and many dance concerts. She even participated in a Broadway workshop in New York City.

 

Photographer: Lynn Henley Photography

Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Wardrobe: Blessed at Hands Boutique

HMU: Kayla Mick