Today we’d like to introduce you to Irene Kaia.
Hi Irene, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started doing influencer work when I was 15, mainly working with fashion brands and eventually expanding into skincare. I had always wanted to become an influencer for Fashion Nova, so I spent about five years going through trial and error, studying their influencers and learning what kind of content worked for their brand. After exclusively working with PrettyLittleThing for a while, I finally landed a deal with Fashion Nova in 2024. At the same time, I’ve also been balancing nursing school while working as a server and bottle girl. Along the way, I’ve also made it a priority to focus on self-care and self-improvement through books and podcasts, making sure I don’t neglect my mental and spiritual health while working toward my goals. It’s been difficult to balance, but every part of the journey has helped me get to where I am today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. One of the biggest struggles has been learning how to balance everything. There were times when I had to choose between creating content for brands, going on influencer trips or staying in class so I wouldn’t miss anything important in nursing school. I’ve also had to deal with personal losses while having such a public presence, which was difficult in a completely different way. I’m very private about my family and who I’m dating for a reason. The one time I chose to post a tribute to my dad after he passed away, I received a lot of vulgar and hurtful DMs shaming me for doing social media, saying he would be disappointed in me and even making cruel comments about his death.
Being in this industry has also made me question who my real friends are and who may only be around because of the benefits that can come with what I do. Because of that, I’ve become much more intentional about who I keep close. I’ve actually brought my mom as my +1 to many events because she means the world to me and has always supported anything that genuinely made me happy. Through all of those experiences, I’ve learned how important it is to protect my peace, stay grounded and keep the people who truly love me close.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I feel like in this industry, it can be really easy to reach for the low-hanging fruit, but my immigrant parents always taught me to work hard and never sell your soul for material things that are temporary on this earth. We can’t take that Chanel bag with us when we die, but we do take who we became as a person, our character and the way we chose to live our lives.
I’ve worked regular jobs and multiple jobs since I was 12, honestly just because I wanted to. I’ve always liked working for what I have. Out of everything I’ve accomplished, I’m most proud of my work ethic and the fact that I’ve never felt the need to compromise myself or sell my body for materialistic things.
2025 was probably one of the hardest years of my life. After three interviews and filtering over 800 girls, I got my dream job and then ended up getting fired because of workplace politics and betrayal. That same week, I bought myself a brand new Porsche. Instead of letting that situation break me, I doubled down and worked harder than I ever had before.
I think one of the biggest mistakes you can make is depending solely on your looks instead of constantly bettering yourself, building your character and working for the life you want. Looks and material things can come and go, but nobody can take my work ethic away from me. I think that mindset is what sets me apart the most.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I’ve learned firsthand from losing my childhood best friend, my father and many others in what felt like the blink of an eye that life is short. Love people fully, be kind to animals, and live your life. Always make sure to do right by others. When I’m lying in bed at the end of the day reflecting on everything, I want to have peace knowing I treated people right to the best of my ability.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://Www.instagram.com/irenekaia/
