Meet Kat Garza | Model/Influencer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kat Garza and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kat, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
My continued success has several facets but I can sum it all up in one word, ‘confidence’. In my mid 50s, I had reached a pinnacle in my life and I knew change was coming. The first, while it may seem trivial, I quit dying my hair. Just the thought of ditching the dye seemed almost like a call to freedom. I slammed head on into criticism, which is something I had lived with most of my life. My determination was the push that motivated me into change. Not only was I changing on the outside but on the inside as well. My new-found confidence was what I had been missing. I started over after a divorce in my early 60s and soon left a job due to a toxic work situation. For the first time in my life, I believed in myself. To date, I have signed with 8 modeling agencies. The industry is saturated with models and many are now booking older women with natural silver hair like me. It’s a slow process to change the stereotypes of aging, especially in this industry. I believe being authentic and true to myself. I am finding success as an influencer on social media, advocating the pro-age movement. For far too long we have lived in a society that is youth driven and I find that many woman have had enough. Aging is part of life and many are denied that privilege. For me, confidence is embracing my age and all that comes with it, doing it gracefully without outside alterations to my looks. As a baby boomer, I hope to encourage other woman to be content with this stage of life and to be confident.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a model/influencer, I could say, “it’s all about me” and often I find it hard to once again, post a picture and talk about myself when I spent most of my life doing the complete opposite. I’ve had to overcome my insecurities and rejections. If I meet rejection, I cannot take it personally and just move on. My industry has a lot of competition. Frankly, I find it ironic that women have had to work so hard to overcome so many obstacles, only to now compete against each other rather than giving each other full support. I was most proud when I traveled to Dallas for a modeling expo. I was the oldest model there and frankly didn’t expect much to happen, but attended for the new experiences I would have . It was all new territory for me as I walked the runway, delivered a monologue and was pushed beyond my comfort zone. The goal for the week was to hopefully receive 1 callback from an agency. I had 14. For someone like me who had never modeled, acted or been center stage, it was a challenge and yet a confidence builder at the same time. I am 69 years old and while most people are retiring, I feel like I’m just getting started. I recently posted a video on Instagram that received thousands of comments when I brought to the attention of my audience and the industry I work in, that I am here to break stereotypes. I am not a size 0. I am not young. I am a full figured, mature woman with aging skin. That is my brand.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The first place to visit would be our home. It’s a modest house but full of life, complete with a baby grand piano and pool table. We love having friends over for impromptu music nights. Bob and I love to entertain and cook together. We scour cookbooks and recipes, always trying to new things. I come from a family of good cooks. My great grandmother and grandmother took over my great Uncle’s restaurant during WWII in the New Orleans area while my mom watched and learned. I watched and learned from her. Bob and I have a small greenhouse and outside area to grow our herbs for cooking, tomatoes and peppers so I can make my hot sauce. Our garden is the home of over 500 perennials. During the summer we love to cook outdoors and just spend an evening with our friends.  Leaving our home to visit Nashville would bring us to Once Upon a Time in France ( I actually blog about them!) Bills Sandwich Palace, Sperry’s (who makes the best dirty martini with blue cheese olives). Nashville is known for hot chicken, so it has to be original Prince’s. Of course everyone new to the city wants to see Broadway – 5th and Broadway is must. Honestly, Nashville is becoming quite the foodie scene and while some good places come and go, there are actually to many to mention!
But in the end – there’s no place like home.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
When I remarried, I was 64. My husband Bob, I must say, is the wind beneath my sails. He is a confidence builder and huge support in my new career. When we got married, he suggested I do a boudoir shoot. He said, “This isn’t for me, this is for you. You need to see yourself as I see you.” When people would ask if I was a model, he said, “How many times do you hear this? You need to act on it.” So I did and here I am. Thanks Bob. I love you. Thank you to my 6 daughters and 1 son who continually amaze me with their creativity and adventurous spirits.

Website: https://jezebelandgigolo.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1katgarza/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JezebelandGigolo?paipv=0&eav=AfZ4TIQij8VNlnenagq0pGdlY1c9KLeCoEgqPmitzPvIHGOPkhfNcLWq709DbtE5ijQ

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRjzAN3IWXBHf8o1EI5EZvg