Content creation and influencer marketing have become an integral part of this new paradigm of Caribbean entertainment. Companies, brands, entrepreneurs and business leaders in the region, are embracing that marketing campaigns which negate proper leveraging of various social media platforms and influencers are highly ineffective in these times. With the cementation of Influencer Marketing in the region, it’s only natural that there are new viral moments and influencers who we must now extol and revere for their contributions. One such individual is undoubtedly Kalista Rigoux better known on social media as Kalista Genevieve.
“What has kept me motivated to model would be my natural love for creating, and bringing an idea to life. I see it, as I get to be the individual to display the final product that the Creator has envisioned. I believe that’s a beautiful thing that one has the privilege to do.” she dotingly stated as we inquired briefly about her journey in modelling thus far.
Kalista, a Pure Carnival babe who recently signed her first official modelling contract with Hi Esteem Agency, is in the form of her life as a content creator. “In the short time that I’ve been with HiEsteem, not only have been exposed to more opportunities for modelling, I’ve been further educated on the tools needed as a model to ensure the best possible results in booking jobs and building the necessary relationships. The environment allows me to express my views and add my own twist and creativity to a project. The guidance from the agency thus far has always put me in the best possible position to win, feel confident and most importantly comfortable on any set. Truly I believe this is a safe space for any creative to bring out the best versions of themselves. “
Having been in the content creation space for the better half of a decade, the last few months have been extremely rewarding for her. Suffice to say, she is finally getting the recognition a woman as pulchritudinous and talented as she deserves. Kalista’s runway capture by Shannon Britto for Pure Carnival at Tribe Band Launch 2022 in Trinidad & Tobago, has now amassed 3.2 Million Views on Tik Tok. No other content piece from that iconic weekend has been so well received on social media, but this moment is so much more than a serendipitous actualization of viral content. For Kalista, it is the validation that the purity of her passion for content creation has been vindicated.
She truly values her relationship with Pure Carnival and she was unequivocal about expressing that .”I’ve been with Pure Carnival from the very start so naturally, this feels like Family. The friendships and bonds that have been built are forever cherished and like every family, we have our moments where we reflect, share and voice what we can do to ensure we maintain not only that bond but ideas on how we can grow and build together for the betterment of PURE. Leading up to The Celebration of Freedom in our culture, there’s a lot that happens behind the scenes to ensure that every masquerader and committee member feels confident and satisfied with their costume/service. Like any company/organization, in our growth, there are many challenges/disagreements. Even so, we get to address and overcome them as a team and when we hit the road, it’s all worth it.”
Content Creators, designers, models and influencers in our region have been undermined, overworked and underpaid for years but Kalista is keen on leveraging this viral moment to ensure that she and others that precede her, get their just treatment in the content creation space. On the surface, it’s easy to see the ‘Goddess level’ regalia Kalista exudes now and misconstrue how much of a journey it took for her to ascend to this astronomical level of confidence. Her confidence is not only grounded in the allure of her mesmeric beauty but in the belief she has navigated through the demands of her identity politics successfully, overcoming insecurities and fears that may have inhibited her growth in times past.
Influencers and models do have a reputation for being superficial, unsubstantial, self–absorbed, and myopic but Kalista’s character defies all these stereotypes. A warm-hearted, down-to-earth personality is probably not the vibe you would expect to get from a woman in Kalista’s position but that is exactly how she functions. Her easygoing, charismatic side is balanced by a gregarious, outgoing side that is intensified by her ambition and entrepreneurial spirit. In addition, to being a signed model and Pure Carnival ambassador, Kalista is also a health/ fitness coach gearing up to re-launch her restaurant Pillars On The Blv’d.
Kalista is another shining example of how Caribbean women effortlessly debase professional objectification with her dynamism, modernity, and insatiability to over-deliver on whatever she sets her mind to. Intriguing is an understatement when one seeks to describe Kalista Genevieve but words are in some ways inadequate in articulating how awe-inspiring she truly is.
