Growing up in the Bahamas, with limited resources at his disposal, Kai Strachan faced many adversities but his attitude and resilience have helped him reach great feats. As a model, he has been in an array of advertising campaigns for top brands such as Nike and Adidas. He has also been in several short films, TV programs, and directed. Kai’s hunger for knowledge, desire for creativity, and willingness to go the extra mile is exemplified through his compelling resume. It was with great pleasure, Occhi had the opportunity to interview him about his career and what’s next.
Hi Kai, Thanks for taking the time to talk to us. You’re originally from Nassau. Please share your experience of growing up in the Bahamas.
Growing up in the Bahamas was something that I’m glad I was able to experience. When people hear of the Bahamas they automatically think of beautiful weather, palm trees, and gorgeous beaches. Although this is all true, I am so grateful to experience the true island life culture. In The Bahamas, we live at a different pace and to some it may seem as “slow,” but it’s honestly just an easy-going lifestyle. Growing up, I learned from a young age to really live life and enjoy it to the fullest. This same concept allowed me to transition to living in America with the same mindset. Which is ultimately to live life without any regrets. I also learned about manners, respect, and treating everyone the same no matter how they looked. We treat people based on their characteristics and not on their skin color. The Bahamas and most, if not all Caribbean countries, are big on love and spreading it. It’s one of the best things to have in one’s life.
After graduating from Penn State University, you decided to move to Los Angeles in pursuit of a professional career in modeling and acting. This for many is a tough and competitive road so please share your experiences and lessons learned?
Graduating from college and not having a plan was extremely tough. As well as moving to a major city and not having as many friends. The first couple of months in a new place is usually the hardest, especially without a job and a place that you can call your home. It took almost three months to find a job and get approved for an apartment. During my time before these things happened I was losing money everyday and losing faith as well. Nonetheless, I knew I had a purpose in Los Angeles and was going to do whatever it took to get myself where I wanted to be. With faith, consistency, and determination, I didn’t allow anything or anyone to stop me from achieving my goals and aspirations. Los Angeles can be looked at as intimidating to some, but once you know exactly what you want to do and why you want to do it, everything else falls in place. I know that for some this may not be as easy but my biggest lesson and advice is to ALWAYS believe in yourself first. Often we as human beings sometimes need to be pushed and or supported by others, which is true. But how can anyone believe and support you if you don’t believe and support yourself first?
My favorite lesson in my entire journey thus far would be the lesson of communication. Not just in Los Angeles, but when it comes to life, nobody is going to just give you anything without you asking for it. I live by this quote, “closed mouths don’t get fed.” Whenever I wanted something or wanted to do something, I always reached out to people (even if I didn’t know them) about pointing me in the right direction and or giving me advice on how to obtain what I wanted. To this day, I live and stand by the lesson.
You’ve worked on a variety of advertising campaigns for Nike, Adidas, and Tequila Avion. You’ve also featured in high-profile music videos for Trippie Redd, J. Cole, and Summer Walker. Of the many modeling projects, you’ve been part of which has been the most memorable and why?
My most memorable project would definitely be the J.Cole’s music video for his song “ATM” in 2017. The reason why this was the most memorable was that this was my first major booking. I was working with my favorite artist and also the moments and experience I had onset were unforgettable. J. Cole was very friendly, personable, sociable, and motivated me to be a better person. Although we spent most of our time on the set shooting different scenes, when we had breakfast and lunch he was fun to be around and was a great listen as he spoke words of wisdom. This experience I am forever grateful for and one I will never forget.
You’ve acted in several short films and TV series including 3rd Date VR (2018), Caught Short Film (2018), Never Know (2019), The Overlooking (2019) and The Planner (2019) What has been your most challenging role to date and why?
My most challenging role to date was my spoken word role in The Overlooking. I’m into spoken word, quotes, and motivational speeches but it was very challenging to perform and overall be a spoken word artist. It was challenging because I personally have never done spoken word before and I had to perform at the same pace as the other actors in the film. Nevertheless, it was still an overall fun experience.
You have also directed your own short. Has this experience furthered a passion to work behind the camera?
I love the entertainment industry. Being behind the camera was fun but I think that being in front of the camera is way more enjoyable. My experience as a director has given me an opportunity for a better view of the film industry as a whole. As of right now, I don’t think that my experience has furthered a passion to work behind the camera. I would like to get more involved in the creating process and writing aspect of the industry.
Respectful of those you have already worked with, who in the modeling and film industries would you like to work with and why?
In the modeling industry I would love to work with Alton Mason. Alton Mason has been the 2019 Model Of The Year Award by GQ Magazine. To me, Alton is just one of the most creative and inspiring models of my time. He has broken barriers and worked with some of the biggest designers in the fashion industry. I would love to be able to work, learn, watch, and get advice to better my career.
In the film industry I would love to work with Jordan Peele. I also think that Tyler Perry is a creative genius. He created his own lane which stands out from everyone else and it’s entertaining. He has inspired me as a creative to always do things “out of the box” and to dare to take risks. Instead of saying “why,” say “why not.” I would love to work with him and for him on one of his projects.
I’ve read you aspire to give back to his home country in providing acting and modeling workshops for those in need. Please elaborate on your ideas if you will?
During the 2019 holidays, I was back home in the Bahamas talking to a great friend of mine by the name of Crachad Laing. Crachad and I were talking about dreams and future goals. I mentioned to him that one I get to a certain point in my career, I want to provide workshops for those in my community. He encouraged me to not wait for that moment and to just do it now. With that being said he sparked the idea of providing a workshop for the kids and people of the Bahamas. After this conversation I reached out to my friend, Shaune Culmer, who’s a college-educated and traveling dancer about collaborating with the same idea. We both had similar ideas and came together to start a workshop in the Bahamas, that we will be doing every year.
Growing up in the Bahamas, most kids strive for goals and job opportunities such as lawyers, doctors, and accountants, etc (respectfully). The idea of being in the creative industry is usually not ideal. We want to provide an opportunity for kids and parents to explore the creative world.
So, what projects are you currently working on?
Right now I am currently working on a few modeling shoots and short films. All of them will be directed by myself. Instead of waiting for an opportunity, I create them.
Where can our readers follow and find further information on you?
Readers can find and follow more information on my website www.kaistrachan.com and my Instagram @kai.strachan.
Photo credits: Maya Myles, Tim French (Instagram: @photosbytimfrench) and @somedudenameddevs
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