From the runway to the boardroom, Kara Lina demonstrates how passion, partnership, and purpose can fuel extraordinary achievements in business and modelling.
Credits
@iamkaralina & @stormmarketing_
Photographer: @juantrujillofoto
Designer: @venaoswimwear
Kara Lina is the dynamic CEO and co-founder of Storm Marketing, a creative agency based in Toronto. Balancing her entrepreneurial spirit with a successful modelling career, she exemplifies versatility and leadership. Through Storm Marketing, Kara has cultivated a brand that thrives on innovation and collaboration. Her journey reflects a commitment to excellence and a passion for empowering others in the creative industry.
As the CEO of Storm Marketing, how do you balance the demands of running a company with your career as a model?
I did take a step back in modelling quite a bit. I guess now I just pick and choose my favourite projects, and the rest of my focus goes to the business. It also helps that I have a fabulous business partner who also happens to be my sister, Greta. Two great minds work better than one!
What inspired you to pursue both leadership in business and modelling at the same time?
I always loved the idea of doing multiple things. It’s much more exciting when your days are always different, whether in front of a camera or in a meeting.
Do you find that being a CEO gives you an edge in modelling, or does modelling bring a unique perspective to your role as a CEO?
I would have to say a little of both. My creativity as a model helps me bring creative solutions to the company, and my serious work ethic as a CEO brings structure to my photo shoots.
What challenges have you faced while managing two very different professional worlds, and how did you overcome them?
Time, mainly. My days are super busy from the time I get up to when I go to bed. My schedule is very structured, with months planned sometimes, but still adaptable enough if anything changes.
Can you share a moment when your modelling content directly boosted Storm Marketing’s visibility or success?
I think for the most part it always does, and that’s how a lot of my clients came about. I have met them in my modelling world or when doing charity work, and since we have a relationship, they are happy to hire my business as they know my work ethic is impeccable.
Running a company while being in front of the camera—how do you maintain focus and prevent burnout?
Burnout? What’s that? Haha! Working out certainly does help, and so does family time. Otherwise, I prioritize whatever I am working on that day. If I am on set, I am shooting and do my e-mails later that day after finishing, or the next few days, I am doing office work.
What legacy do you want to create—as a CEO, as a model, and as a woman breaking barriers in both worlds?
I want to show other women that all of it is possible. Don’t ever set boundaries as to what your success should look like. You can have it all, as long as you believe in yourself and don’t listen to anyone but you.
