KELLY PREHN: HER INSPIRATIONAL JOURNEY TO HAPPINESS AND HOW SHE IS TRANSFORMING MILLIONS OF LIVES

You went from a conservative English Christian boarding school to couture shows in Paris and publishing millions of books helping women. How did your career start?

Life is quite the ride! I came from a small rural village but Ioved music and dance so was sent away to be trained five hours a day to become a ballet dancer. But, on a trip to Covent Graden l was spotted and sent for a fashion modelling contract to to Japan.

It must have felt like a dream?

Yes! People presume l was excited about the dresses and the shiny parts. But truthfully, l was privately shocked as l grew up sensing l must go to Asia. I can’t explain why. It felt like destiny calling.

And you immediately became a sensation in Japan!

Lol! Not quite. I arrived in Japan with super enthusiasm for this opportunity. Then, on the very first shoot in Tokyo, they measured me…declared me as ‘fat’, and fired me.

What? How is that possible?

Right?! 52kg and tall. I’m far too famillier with insane beauty standards – especially in Asia.

Then what happened?

I was immediately sent to London. My [crazy] agent was furious and sent me to the worst castings as punishment.

Did you enjoy working in London?

I can’t tell you much, as early on, an extremely famous photographer tried to pressure me into inappropriate pictures. I later heard it was his standard mode of operation. I politely declined. He then had a literal violent tantrum in front of his whole team, throwing the set around, and announced to make sure l didn’t work in London again. He had the power to do that. My agent then fired me for good.

Omg. Then what?

I was quite lost. Meanwhile, all my friends had moved onto University or even marriage. I realized l’d allowed myself to be pushed around by life and it wasn’t a good feeling. I since discovered a lot of people come to this realization at some point. It is sometimes called the dark night of the soul. I don’t recommended it! Lol.

How did you get out of this?

A few months of gloom went by. Then, one day my phone wouldnt stop ringing. It was the agent that had fired me. She said they had an urgent job. I told her to stop calling. She wouldn’t. Apparently, Mr Shu Uemura, makeup legend, had seen my pictures and l was booked to be in his campaign. I was the biggest fan of his artistry and loved his products. I flew to Tokyo. Because of working with Mr Shu, l was introduced across Asia. And suddenly my career took off. The client that fired me for being ‘fat’ couldn’t book me and had to buy stock images. I am eternally greatful for this good fortune.

Do you enjoy modelling?

I love the creative process. Working with photographers, makeup and hair artists is being part of a vision bigger than any one person. Its magical. I find, Creators tend to be a little bit damaged and they instinctly are drawn to their career path to overcome this and transform. That is how l learned that creativity can heal. Artists are very smart as they transform their pain themselves, rather than numbing it. They evolve. Meanwhile, modern medicine and mainstream education doesn’t want people to know this.

Your work is on dozens of magazine covers and endless campaigns and billboards. How does success feel?

It’s super exciting. But, honestly, I am more motivated when I’m sharing knowledge that actually helps people. I love social media as we can interact directly and learn from eachother.

Media reports confirm that on a fashion shoot, you were flown to another country and your passport was removed. This is considered as trafficking. What happened?

These things happen to naive women more often than people realize. I haven’t spoken about this publically. It was less than ideal and rather traumatic. I’ve moved on.

How did you get over this?

I went back to Japan and learned everything l could about the mind, body and spiritual strength. I was very determined to learn how to to create a beautiful happy life and willing to do anything required to get there. Those pesky challenges would not get in my way.

Then you started to help others?

Yes, it started with a beauty column for a newspaper. I loved writing, but they wouldn’t include my natural health advice saying it was ‘controversial’ [it wasnt]. So l published my first guide book sharing advice on self care, diet, movement and holistic practices – mostly Traditional Chinese Medicine. It started at 5k montly print run and grew to 30k copies per month. Then, we grew online.

How does it feel to have multiple channels and help millions of women to change their lives?

I wake up excited. My mission is to help millions more women to transform into their most beautiful lives.

You are an inspiration to women fans and they are doing anything you tell them to. Your campaign for drinking only hot water has gone viral…

Yes, l only drink hot water. Zero juice, coffee, soda. Occasionally l drink tea, as l love it.

How long for?

10 years

Omg. Why?

Because it works for me and every woman l work with that commits to this gets life-changing results.

Who taught you this?

My Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctor in Hong Kong encouraged me. She highly doubted a western person could stick to it.

Do you know that you, and Kevin Kwan of Crazy Rich Asians are the most notable warmly loved Kababayan of the Philippines?

Oh wow, that is very touching. Thank you. I’m very greatful. I love your country, people and cultures.

I saw on your ig that you have the first preview copy of his new book, Lies and Weddings!

Yes, l am guarding my copy under lock and key as promised. It’s like holding a much hunted Harry Potter manuscript in the Devil Wears Prada. Kevin’s books are uncomfortably like my life, far too often for comfort. On more than one occasion, l have seriously wondered if Kwan has eyes in my walls. I’m very excited for his upcoming Broadway show too.

What do you do to keep up inspiration?

I go to the ballet. Where it all started. Septime Webre leads HK Ballet, and the recent performance by Adonis Foniadakis was a revelation. I went to three performances in 72 hours.

Tell us about this shoot…

I am lucky to shoot with Camille Robiou du Pont, the incredible French photographer artist. We share a love of natural elements that are too often dismissed. The wind, trees and water all communicate together, and with us. Our team was incredible and the islands of the Philippines are a natural wonder.

What do you think of the women of the Philippines?

Inspiring, joyous, strong, beautiful and toooo fantastic at karaoke! The first Filipina friend l met was Iza Calzado. We were at The Farm, San Benito, wearing dressing gowns and no makeup [quite honestly, l was heading to a colonic – lol]. Iza radiates warmth and is a superb actress who is totally immersed in her characters.

In Manila l love spending time with inspirational hostess, Ching Cruz, and sharing our latest knowledge about natural health and beauty. And my fashion Amiga, Tina Cuevas, keeps me uptodate with rising local designers using non leather fabrics.

When will you be coming back to the Philippines?

I love the good energy and am hopeful to come back soon.

Talent: Kelly Prehn (iamkellyprehn)

Photographer: Camille Robiou du Pont (@camillerdp)

Production: Andrea Luis (@andrealuis)

Stylism: Carla Sison (@carla.sison)

Hair & Make Up: Marianne Jutar (@makeupartistmarianne)

Dog Therapist: Pipo

Fashion:

Vania Romoff @vaniaromoff

Araw @araw.theline

La Pirata @lapiratastudio