I’ve been published in 25+ international magazines and I’ve been in almost every major runway show in Ontario
Meet Kamryn the First Nations Indigenous Fitness & Runway Model from London, Ontario. She comes from a family of sports and Olympians. We sat with this dynamic and full of energy sports activist for this exclusive interview and learnt much more about her.
Please introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Kamryn Mackie and I am a First Nations Indigenous Fitness/Runway Model from London, Ontario.
Share some of your childhood memories.
I grew up in a small but very athletic family playing softball, the majority of my childhood memories are long family car rides to tournaments and playing in softball in the US at the Showcase level.
Tell us about your education.
I’m currently doing my Undergrad at the University of Western Ontario studying Psychology and Health Sciences.
What motivated you to study medicine?
As an indigenous women I see the lack of proper healthcare towards minorities and I am hoping to change that by potentially either working in family medicine or opening up my own practice in low income reserves to help increase awareness and take away the judgment that indigenous people face in the healthcare industry
What specialization are you thinking of in medicine?
I am thinking of doing family medicine or opening up my own clinic.
How and when did you fell in love with sports?
In my family it’s not really an option to not love sports. My grandmother was an Olympian and my uncle played CFL and my own mother is still my primary catcher. It’s just a part of our life. My love for softball grew when I played when I was 12 and was the #1 hitter in the league despite me barely knowing how to hit the ball and from there I knew I was meant to do this and didn’t want to get off the diamond.
What are your favorite sports, how much do you exercise and how do you manage your diet to stay in shape?
My favorite sport is softball, I typically do hot yoga, Pilates and cardio about 4-5 times a week and manage my diet through a meal plan that Chris Delaney my fitness coach (@chrisdelaneyfitness) has created for me. I am also celiac so I am always monitoring what I eat not so much for the calorie content but to make sure I don’t make myself sick. I am also a sponsored athlete by Athletic Alliance which provides me with all the supplements I need.
What are some of your achievements as an athlete?
I was the first female athlete to play Varsity baseball in the Hamilton high school district, and I also pitched multiple no hitters back when I played softball in the US
What is your dream as a sportsperson?
Before going into family medicine I am hoping to go towards sports broadcasting. I actually just got hired to be a part of the Mustang TV crew for Western University.
How and when did you get into modeling? Who or what inspired you?
A magazine was doing an article about me because I had an extreme situation in which my mom and I were homeless and despite that I was still able to play university softball and get into the University of Toronto. The photos that were not used from the magazine I ended up submitting to others and each photo got accepted which made me think this is something I should maybe pursue and since then I’ve been published in 25+ international magazines and I’ve been in almost every major runway show in Ontario and I’ve only been modeling for a year and a half. Softball has actually taken a bit of a backseat because my modeling has taken off so much. I am also beginning to pursue acting. I am currently working on a few indigenous projects for television and I will be featured in CBC’s Bollywood in January.
What types of modelling do you do?
I do fitness, runway, fashion and photography modeling
What are some of the most memorable creative or projects you have done?
One of my favorite was Indigenous Fashion Arts. The amount of work that was put in, how high quality the show was, and getting to work with some of the best Indigenous talent in the world was so inspiring!
What do you like about modelling and what are its drawbacks?
I love getting to meet the people, my best friends are all models that are extremely accomplished and genuinely support one another. A drawback would be trying to keep up with my modeling job on top of going to university full time and working part time. Most models can go out after the show but I’m back in a car doing homework to stay on top of my studies.
What are some of your other hobbies?
I’ve recently taken social media content more seriously and I am doing my best to learn my Native language (Mohawk).
What was the most important moment in your life? And in your career?
Getting published my first time was mind blowing but I’d say also doing Fashion Arts Toronto because it was such a big show and it made me realize that I’m really a professional model now.
Give us some of your favorite hangout spots in Toronto.
Grand Bizarre, the Cabana Pool Bar. My boyfriend also lives in Toronto so I absolutely love going to see him in the summer and going to the beaches.
Your message for our readers and your advice to someone who is just starting out in modeling today?
Don’t be afraid to be yourself. Always do your research for your photographers and never go to photo shoots alone or in remote locations. I’ve heard of too many bad stories from photographers acting inappropriately so please make sure you know who you’re doing business with.
Your message for us at TorontoPages (TOPS)?
I love what you do and I’d love to see a special edition done on indigenous designers and artists as they are so many of them that are just incredible.
