Klerksdorp Record, Klerksdorp - Kelvin te Baerts is seen on fashion runways all over the world.
He grew up in Klerksdorp where he went to St Conrad’s College and worked at Makadu Restaurant. He, however, had dreams bigger than anyone could have imagined.
After doing a photoshoot in Johannesburg his life and career as a model started to manifest. “The beginning was tough, the competition was fierce, and the rejection was plentiful. But each ‘no’ only fuelled my determination to keep going.”
The star’s big break came when he landed a commercial modelling job for KFC. “It was a surreal experience seeing my face associated with such a big brand,” he says. “This opportunity opened doors I never imagined.”
This was however only the start. He was featured in Grammy Award winning artist, Tyla’s music video, a major stepping stone in the right direction. World fashion week Dubai at The Versace Hotel was next on the agenda, where he got to walk the runway in front of an international audience.
The entertainer went on to star in numerous television commercials, as well as landing a role in the South African Netflix series called ‘How to Ruin Love’.
Last month, the now 29-year-old walked the largest fashion runway in the country, Opulent Models South Africa.
He explains, “From the moment you walk into a room, how you present yourself, your energy and kindness, plays a massive role in being noticed. Being remembered for who you are and how your presence makes people feel, I believe, is priceless.”
Kelvin encourages other aspiring performers to follow their dreams and is planning and hopeful to be in New York in 2025 to explore the international scene and network with some prominent casting directors and agents.
“My goals are clear: to keep growing, to keep challenging myself and to make a mark in the entertainment industry.”
He concludes: “If my journey can motivate even one person to pursue their passion, it would be worth it.”
