Court Kim Proves She Can Do It All

Court Kim is many things, a talk show host, creative and model; but she wants to be even more, she plans on world domination.

On Her Early Years

I was raised in a mostly white area in Roswell, Georgia. It was a good stable area. The only thing I felt was missing throughout my life was my identity. For the longest time I didn’t know who I was, it used to eat me up.

Even though I was well liked, I never felt like myself.

When you’re living in an area with mostly white people, you assimilate but when you leave you’re like what the f***. Recently a lot of my old classmates began congratulating me on all my success, I realized I didn’t relate to that part of my life anymore. There were a lot of incidences that I wasn’t comfortable with during my high school years with those people.

 I went to a really small college first, I was so ready to transfer and leave. I was just ready to start my career. I transferred to George State and I finally made friends I could relate to. 

My college life was stressful. After getting my degree, I felt this weight lifted off my shoulder and this is when I really started getting into my “bag” with modeling. While I was in LA I started networking and there’s where I realized this is what I wanted to do. I did corporate for a while and left, it has been delightful since. 

It’s been stressful living as a creative, but it has been a relaxing experience.

It’s peaceful and for a while I didn’t have that. 

On How Her Talk Show Began

I always wanted to be a talk show host. My manager came up to me and asked, “are you serious about having your own program?” It’s been the happiest experience so far. 

I launched it in August with a team of 15 people all men and women of color. We will launch actual episodes in January. 

In Season 1, I want to showcase the new talent of Atlanta, I believe it [Atlanta] has a lot of culture. A lot of people come but don’t show the proper stories. Social issues is an important and a huge part of my platform, on every episode I will ask questions pertaining to social issues and pick and the guest’s brain.

In January we will be launching Court Kim radio, where I can give creatives of color a platform. 

I’m always working on 5 to 6 things, not just 1.

I will be doing a shoe collection in Spring. We are working on suede fabrics to eco-friendly fabrics.

On  Social Media’s Influence 

I feel like on social media, I am my most authentic self and free. It’s like my journal. Meeting  ASAP Yams made me realize my voice was important and I was meant to change the world. I have always utilized my voice for marginalized groups. Especially with Harvey Weinstein, it’s important to watch these powerful men of power finally crumble. 

There’s so much hope now, there’s finally things being brought to light.

I’m happy with it, I’m happy to contribute.  

On Becoming An Unexpected Model

I didn’t think modeling was a possibility for me for a long time because of my childhood and my upbringing. I used to be picked on for my forehead and my body. I was always a focal point of conversation. I used to hide a lot.

When I was 18, this photographer approached me to work with her, I suddenly felt this fire I couldn’t explain. Modeling is like my alter ego come to life. I love modeling, I am able to tell a story. Not everyone can take strong and commanding photos.I want to have more quality shoots. It’s an amazing time for curvy models right now. I am so inspired by all curvy models. My favorite ones are Barbie Ferreira and Diana Veras.  Ashley Graham opened the door, and I am so happy she has. Unfortunately, curve modeling needs some black people and not just white passing, I want to break that barrier.

I would love to one day have an agency to call home and spread my wings even more. 

In industry years I have “5 years to go” but I keep aging backwards. I feel I look younger now than I ever looked. 

On Her Activism

A major struggle in my life is my depression, I feel like mental health in the black community is adverse. It took me a long time to realize what I was going through. Ever since I started going to therapy and taking care of my mental health, I feel better. I don’t beat myself up anymore, I used to be my worst critic. Accepting favor as lessons is important.

I’m not a victim, I am a survivor.

I am very honest about my experience and life path. I have these conversations with my fan base and we have healing moments. 

My End Rape Panels started with a partnership with House 11 salon in Atlanta. They brought me on for a panel, we linked up and started talking about different ideas. It turned into a idea to talk about rape culture. We wanted to have men and women feel comfortable speaking about this topic. It was a beautiful experience, a lot of people finally understood what happened to them; those were the kind of moments we were having at the event. I remember this man stopped me and prayed over me, and said I am an angel sent by God to provide healing. Even moms brought their sons and daughters to the event. We plan on taking this conversation on the road next year.

My platform means a lot to me. 

I am just thankful people rock with me and my message as hard as they do. 

They aren’t even fans, they’re more to me than that. They’re my friends. I think they learn a lot from me.

On What She Would Tell Teenage Court

Sixteen year-old Courtney was really unsure of herself and felt alone, I would tell her focus on her creatives talents and stop focusing on what others think of her. Her creative talent will take her on a journey. Be kind to people and give back because at sixteen I was selfish. Have empathy and humility for others, if you see someone who is lonely, talk to them.