In this episode, Tessa sits down with Keni Silva, whose remarkable journey spans from her childhood in Moscow to the runways of Milan, Paris, Los Angeles, and New York. Beginning her career as a teenage model, Keni later moved into fashion design, built a thriving real estate business, and committed herself to philanthropic work.
She speaks openly about the resilience and reinvention that have defined her life, from navigating divorce and raising grounded children to embracing new opportunities and finding strength in vulnerability.
Keni offers an honest, engaging look at the realities of life in and beyond the modelling industry, the lessons that have stayed with her, and why self-belief is the most valuable currency of all. Whether you work in fashion, run your own business, or simply appreciate stories of courage and transformation, this conversation is an inspiring reminder that there are no limits when you know your worth.
Interview by Tessa Dewing for The Business of Modelling Podcast
Keni Silva’s life has taken her from a childhood in Moscow to the runways of Milan, Paris, and New York. Starting as a teenage model, she embraced the freedom and adventure of the fashion world, travelling the globe and working with some of the industry’s leading creatives.
“You’re Just a Canvas – Don’t Take It Personally”
Reflecting on her modelling years, Keni speaks openly about rejection, resilience, and the lessons that shaped her.
“In modelling, rejection isn’t about you, you’re just the canvas for someone’s vision,” she says. “That’s one of the most valuable lessons I’ve carried through my life.”
Her career took her across continents, from high-fashion editorials to commercial work, each city adding to her understanding of people, cultures, and herself.
Life Beyond the Runway
When the time came to transition, Keni poured her creativity into fashion design before building a thriving career in real estate. Alongside her business ventures, she dedicated herself to philanthropy, inspired by her daughter’s own journey.
These chapters of her life weren’t just career changes, they were rebirths. “Your darkest moments can create your most beautiful ones,” she reflects.
Raising Grounded Children in a Public World
As a mother, Keni is intentional about instilling discipline, perspective, and resilience in her children. “Start young,” she says. “Discipline becomes their normal. It’s about preparing them for life, not just protecting them from it.”
Her approach is grounded in the belief that success means little without a strong sense of self
Reinvention as a Way of Life
From navigating divorce to taking on new industries, Keni has embraced change with humour and determination. She’s quick to remind others that manifestation alone isn’t enough, “Only Amazon will knock on your door, not the prince” and that taking action is the only way to truly shape your future.
Her advice is clear: “Love yourself, and be proud of yourself every single day.”
A Story of Strength and Self-Belief
Keni’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and knowing your worth. Whether in modelling, business, or personal life, she’s proof that reinvention is always possible and that the most beautiful moments often come from the hardest-earned lessons.