'People are ready for this': Alta. modelling agency only reps disabled, visibly different talent
An Edmonton couple has created a modelling agency that exclusively represents disabled and visibly different talent.
Katie MacMillan and Austin Allanach were inspired to create Kello Inclusive after their daughter Kelty’s experiences as a model.
Kelty has Cerebral Palsy. Her mother said she was inspired to send photos of Kelty to a talent agency after seeing a girl in a magazine with a pediatric mobility aid.
“I remember thinking how rare it was to see mobility aids in, anywhere really. Especially in a magazine,” she told CTV News Edmonton.
“I kind of filed it away until I had some time like we all did during COVID, and decided to, on a whim, send her images into a modelling agency that was based in Calgary.”
Kelty worked with the agency for two years, but her parents felt it wasn’t a good fit for a person with a disability.
Kelty Allanach (Credit: Kello Inclusive)
“There were some great experiences, but we also kinda learned that a lot of that industry didn’t really know what to do with disability.”
The couple learned of an agency overseas that represents persons with disabilities, but were disappointed to learn there was no such agency in Canada.
“Then Austin, who is the entrepreneurial spirit of the two of us said, ‘Well, let's just start one.’”
Kelty Allanach on a runway in Toronto. (Credit: Katie MacMillan)
Six months ago, Kello Inclusive was born.
MacMillian says the reaction has been swift and encouraging.
“In a word, amazing,” she said.
“It speaks to the fact that people are ready for this.”
She said they have already signed over 50 models from across the country, and they’re working with a number of brands, from local, small businesses in Edmonton, to national chains.
“The fact that we’ve moved as quickly as we have, and made as many connections as we have, has been the most exciting part,” she said.
'It's just expanded these incredible possibilities'
Alexis Hillyard is one of those models.
The 40-year-old mom was born without her left hand.
“I am a congenital amputee, which means I was born without, for me in my case, my left hand. The doctors aren’t really sure why or how,” she said.
“It’s pretty rare. You don’t run into people on the street who have the same disability as this. So it’s pretty wonderful to see anybody who is missing a limb, but particularly seeing more people online and in photoshoots and media that represent this body.”
Hillyard has been creating content online for the last six-and-a-half years, but she says having the support of an agency behind her has been a game changer.
“Having Kello step in and be my agent and act on my behalf, it’s just expanded these incredible possibilities for myself.”
“They’ve worked with, already, Superstore, getting me a really awesome brand deal with them, and we’re talking to other companies.”
She said Kello is able to advocate for disabled models in a way other agencies might not think to.
Alexis Hillyard (Credit: Kello Inclusive)
“Knowing that there are some important factors you have to consider when you’re doing a brand deal or a modelling gig, is your space wheelchair accessible, for example?”
“As they are going out into the world and representing disabled talent, they’re also going to be in a way, teaching companies and brands how to be able to expand their practices to include more disabled talent, which is so important.”
Hillyard has connected with a number of families as a result of her disability. She says for many of the children she meets, it’s the first time they’ve met someone else like themselves.
“Whenever I meet these kids online or in person, it’s like this huge weight is lifted off for both of us, because we can just breathe. We just kind of get each other.”
She’s hoping having more models with disabilities in major campaigns will help people with disabilities feel seen and accepted.
“You just feel a bit more seen in yourself. I think that’s what Kello is doing, and it’s really, really awesome.”
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Nahreman Issa.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
A 'tragedy that can't be measured': North Bay's forever chemical problem is also the rest of Canada's
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Here's what 'the hinge' move is, how to do it correctly
When you're picking something up from the floor or bending over to tie your shoe laces, you're performing "the hinge move," according to movement trainers.
Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
Trump heading to Jersey Shore to rally 'mega crowd' in weekend break from hush money trial
After a long week in court, Donald Trump is heading to the Jersey Shore. And his campaign says he'll be joined by "tens of thousands" of his friends.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Quebec woman buys lotto ticket from daughter's store, wins $1 million
A woman from Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Que. won $1 million in a Lotto 6/49 draw and she bought the ticket from her daughter's convenience store.