“It was quite a big step,” said Kaila Estrada on pursuing a modelling career. “But when I got the feel of it, I was able to hold my own, and I was doing okay.”

Her parents John Estrada and Janice De Belen were supportive, but constantly reminded her that her priority was her studies. “I was in my freshman year when I tried modelling,” she shared. “My mom was very cautious. She’s like ‘I’ll allow you to do it and I support you, but make sure your studies don’t suffer.’ It was also the same for my dad.”

Kaila was able to juggle her career and her studies, and a year ago, Kaila graduated with a degree in Arts Management. “My track was more focused on digital art, but my career right now is more focused on marketing.” She’s not in a rush, choosing instead to take one day at a time. “I would like to have a chance to take my master’s abroad, but nothing’s set in stone.”

What she is really passionate about, though, is her blossoming career in modelling. While many would say that following in a celebrity parent’s footsteps is the obvious and easier route to take, Kaila chose the road less taken. While still under the bright lights, the youngest daughter of John Estrada and Janice de Belen chose to pave a path for herself.

“At first, modelling was just something I wanted to try. The first modelling job I got was when I was 17. When I did it, I realized that I wanted to do it some more.” Kaila found something she was passionate about and wanted to see where it would take her. “I figured out that it’s something that I really want to do, and why not, right?”

It’s a competitive field, and it didn’t help that she was on the short side in terms height. “I’m not as tall as most models are. Some think I’m tall, but bitin pa din for the standard height.” She didn’t let it stop her though. “I guess you just really have to find your niche. Runway isn’t really for me, but I like to do shoots, commercials”

She now has this tidbit of wisdom to share: “Be confident. When I was younger, I was very unsure of myself. I was very insecure, very isolated. You just have to believe in yourself and have fun.”

Her fashion icons are opposite poles: classic Audrey Hepburn and hip Rihanna. “I love Audrey Hepburn because she’s so sophisticated and she’s very classy. She’s kind of like my life peg. And I love Rihanna because she doesn’t really care about what anybody says about what she wears, and it’s something I can relate to.” Her own look is different as well. “My personal style is street. It’s very androgynous; not too feminine, not too masculine.”

Recently, Kaila was part of the #SMYouthDenim fashion show in SM Makati, since she is a brand ambassador for SM Youth. “These are the ones who keep us going: the youth who get inspired to chase their dreams, whatever it is.” Being a youth ambassador is more than a chance to model. “I get to inspire so many people. I feel like it’s the biggest fulfilment. It gives so much purpose to what we do.”