This week Atbpod sits down with Kyani Bateman model, mentor, and cofounder of Pakolea—to trace her path from kid commercials and pageantry to building a community-first agency with her partner, photographer Darren. She shares how social media became a living portfolio, why brands care about personality as much as pictures, and how a fierce feed can coexist with a grounded, aloha-driven life.

Kyani pulls back the curtain on runway realities: quick changes, six-inch heels, and the mental game that starts long before call time. She breaks down the difference between influencers and professional models, explains how to make reels and day-in-the-life content work for bookings, and tells the unfiltered stories rolled ankles, missed cues, and all that forged her resilience. We explore Hawaii’s collaborative backstage culture versus Miami’s every-model-for-themselves pace, underscoring how character shows on stage and in the camera.

The heart of the episode is Pakolea’s model-first blueprint. The academy teaches posing, runway technique, comp cards, consent, and ethics; the agency represents ready talent with fair, modest commissions so models keep more of their pay. No height gatekeeping, no mean-girl energy just a clear interview process to protect culture and safety. Kyani encourages smart choices about paid vs unpaid work, networking with intention, and taking uncomfortable opportunities that expand skill and confidence. She also opens up about building a business with her boyfriend , communicating through creative decisions, and keeping trust at the center.

We wrap with big goals: more global bookings, pop-up workshops from LA to New York, and a personal dream to walk the Victoria’s Secret runway. If you care about modeling, content creation, or creative careers built on values, this story is your blueprint. Listen, share with someone chasing their first casting, and leave a review so we can bring more conversations like this to your feed.