A Barbizon Model’s Life: An Interview With Kellsey Forest

Modeling

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By: Meredith Bahuriak

\r\nSince graduating Barbizon in 2010, Kellsey Forest has been a face to follow. The blonde-hair, blue-eyed beauty is represented by eight agencies nationwide. Kellsey has shot multiple fashion editorials, appeared in numerous magazine publications, walked the runway for many shows including Chicago Fashion Fest and modeled on television for The Steve Harvey Show and The Paula Sands Show. Her acting resume is also quickly growing with credits including: commercials for Happy Joe’s restaurant and Kum & Go convenience stores, as well as movie roles in Dead Girls and Chat.\r\n\r\nAccording to Kellsey, “Barbizon taught me how to be confident in everything I do. It really gave me the confidence and courage to pursue everything I’m doing now!”\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nFrom print – to runway – to the big screen, you have such a diverse portfolio! Do you have a favorite?\r\n\r\nI wish I could tell you I have a favorite but any time I get booked for any job I’m just as excited no matter what it is! I love being able to do a photo shoot one day and film a commercial or movie the next day.\r\n\r\n

 Kellsey Forest commercial for Kum & Go convenience stores.
Kellsey Forest commercial for Kum & Go convenience stores.
\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nCan you tell us what it feels like being on set?\r\n\r\nHonestly, every single booking I’ve gotten has been a different experience every time. I’ve been able to meet so many incredibly talented photographers, makeup artists and hair stylists throughout the years. I give them all so much credit for the work they put into it. A lot of people only tend to focus on the model and their beauty when they see pictures and I wish they could see all the work the rest of the team does behind the scenes.\r\n\r\n
Celebrity Stylist Lawrence Zarian with Kellsey Forest
Celebrity Stylist Lawrence Zarian with Kellsey Forest
\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nWhat has been your favorite experience to date?\r\n\r\nMy favorite booking so far has definitely been appearing on The Steve Harvey Show. The team there is amazing! They literally went out of their way every time I came just to make sure I was happy! They even booked me hotel rooms before recording days because they knew I was traveling from out of town. SO NICE! Hearing some of the staff say, “Kellsey’s back!” literally always made my day.\r\n\r\n
Kellsey Forest (fifth from right) backstage with Steve Harvey for The Steve Harvey Show.
Kellsey Forest (fifth from right) backstage with Steve Harvey for The Steve Harvey Show.
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Kellsey Forest (center) on The Steve Harvey Show.
Kellsey Forest (center) on The Steve Harvey Show.
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Kellsey Forest (center) on The Steve Harvey Show.
Kellsey Forest (center) on The Steve Harvey Show.
\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nWhat has been the biggest lesson you have learned so far?\r\n\r\nThe biggest lesson I’ve learned so far in this industry, is that you need to be confident in who you are and your decisions. You have to know your limits and be able to stick to them ultimately.\r\n\r\n
Kellsey holding up a copy of her editorial for international magazine - Petite Magazine
Kellsey holding up a copy of her editorial for international magazine – Petite Magazine
\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nWhat advice would you offer to those pursuing careers in the entertainment industry?\r\n\r\nIf you’re pursuing the entertainment industry, then my advice to you is to never give up on yourself. There’re going to be some set backs and times when you want to give up. People will judge you, question you, or go out of their way to bring you down. But it’s your responsibility to pick yourself back up & keep going. And when you do find success, thank God and those people who gave you those opportunities.\r\n\r\n
Kellsey Forest on the runway at Chicago Fashion Fest.
Kellsey Forest on the runway at Chicago Fashion Fest.

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