Embrace Your Exotic: What the Modeling World Taught Me About Being Different
Since I moved to Japan at 17 to begin my modeling career
I heard everyone in the modeling world say this word
“EXOTIC”
I feel there’s a DEEPER meaning behind the word
It’s been tossed around the beauty industry
More than just a label
A reflection of how society views those of us
Who don’t FIT IN to the mold
A mix of curiosity, fascination, envy
SILENT CRITICISM
Being different in Asia wasn’t easy
There were MANY things I was told to improve on when it came to my appearance
Especially as a model!
Even being a size 0 was not “small enough”
Not fitting in clothes
Meant getting fired
Beauty standards were narrow
That’s what SELLS
I had to navigate in a world where I felt like an OUTCAST
👇Have you ever felt like you don’t quite fit in?
I had to become my own advocate
Overcome the constant criticism I faced as a model
6 or 7 times per day of rejections is standard
Could you take that?
If you don’t feel like you “FIT IN”
Or feel “different”
EMBRACE YOUR EXOTIC SELF
No matter what nonsense you’re told!!
5 tips to love your “exotic” self again:
1. Understand that your uniqueness is GOOD
2. Wear clothes YOU like, enough lululemon — everyone looks THE SAME
3. Put on makeup YOU like [or none]
4. Incorporate wellness strategies YOU like
5. Don’t be a clone
Being “different” is good
It makes you powerful, memorable, and it makes you
YOU
In a world full of filters, edits, AI, and cookie-cutter beauty standards
Embrace what makes you STAND OUT
Once you do?
I promise your “exotic” self will only become MORE beautiful than EVER before
Love, Kelly
*Disclaimer: Not medical advice.
About Kelly Prehn
Kelly's journey began unexpectedly when a Models 1 agent spotted her in Covent Garden during a ballet rehearsal. Despite landing a six-figure Japanese contract immediately, upon arrival in Tokyo she was deemed 'overweight', fired and sent back to London.
Her breakthrough came when Mr. Shu of Shu Uemura recognized her potential, launching her acclaimed career as a beauty and fashion model across Asia—from Japan and Korea to China and Singapore.
Leveraging her industry expertise, Kelly transitioned from modeling to sharing beauty insights as a columnist, becoming a highly recognized advocate for niche traditional wellness and healing modalities. She was the first to bring these transformative practices to a wider audience. Her influence grows rapidly: 1.4 million books in print, tens of millions of women reached through her teachings on social media, she currently impacts 11 million women monthly—and growing.
HARPER’S BAZAAR
“Kelly Created a Life Changing Method”
MARIE CLAIRE
“Kelly Is A Pop Culture Role Model”
