1980s
2020s
OUR STORY
Lillian Knipp Modeling Development has been molding talent since 1990. I started modeling when I was 16 years old, attending Barbizon Modeling School of Tampa Bay, where I won a scholarship for the APP class and began my career in the surrounding area.
I served as an instructor for Barbizon for several years before moving to the West Coast, where I created Lillian Knipp Modeling Development. It has been quite a journey experiencing the Fashion and Modeling Industry from coast to coast. Watching our students evolve and master their skills as they pursue their dreams has been a blessing. Our students have been signed with agents in New York City, Tampa Bay, Los Angeles, and several agencies throughout the US.
We remain connected with national agencies, providing students with tremendous opportunities. Our programs are truly life-changing. We dive deeply into our students' inner beings, discovering who they are, what their dreams are, and how we can help them refine their skills to achieve success.
We first teach self-worth, confidence, etiquette, professionalism, and direction, before proceeding to technical skills. Molding an individual first creates a strong foundation on which to build.
Our program is unique, creating a personalized path for each student, centering the training focus around their individual talents. This allows them to master their interests and career strengths.
Our Alumni Membership is an ongoing program that provides our graduates with access to LK classes, events, and job opportunities, fostering a professional community that keeps their skills current.
I have developed one of the best curricula in the industry, which is detailed, engaging, and continually updated as the industry evolves. We have been blessed with building lasting relationships with our students, who are scattered across the country. It is truly a joy to watch them develop and master their skills as industry professionals.
All things are possible when you discover your passion and bring it to life.
"The first step to self-confidence is to know and love yourself." ~ LK
We would be delighted to have you join our circle of excellence and are honored to assist in bringing your dreams to life. ~ TEAM LK
OUR EVOLUTION
Vintage
1980s
I was incredibly fortunate to be raised by amazing parents who not only introduced me to the exciting world of business strategies but also instilled in me strong character and biblical principles. As a busy child, I dove headfirst into a variety of activities—from fourth-grade Girl Scouts to sixth-grade cheerleading, volunteering for the American Red Cross, participating in wheelchair square dancing at the Florida Strawberry Festival, and frequently visiting nursing homes. My passion for sports flourished throughout school, with a focus on track and field, soccer, and cheerleading. I even took leadership roles in various service clubs, including serving as Key Club President in my senior year. I organized fundraisers, led meetings, made impactful decisions, and fostered friendships in a peer-pressure environment. To enhance my resume, I auditioned and proudly became a finalist in pageants such as Ms. Florida Strawberry Queen and Ms. Florida. Model.
At just sixteen, I attended Barbizon Modeling School, earning a scholarship for the advanced professional program, and later became a Barbizon modeling instructor! This journey opened doors to my very own modeling academy, where I coordinated fabulous fashion shows at various malls, showcasing my love for the industry and sharing my experiences with aspiring students. I also became Fashion Show Coordinator at malls throughout the country.
At sixteen, I also became a certified aerobics instructor and went on to teach and compete throughout my adult life. I even produced my own aerobics and fitness TV show, along with a makeover show called "High Jack Hair TV." My passion led me to countless infomercials and hosting a radio advice show.
Additionally, my experiences in the hospitality industry sparked my love for connecting with people, enjoying the flexibility of my schedule, and thriving in a successful environment.
Working with the Brinker Corporation provided me with invaluable knowledge and experience, inspiring me to explore theories and excellence in hospitality brands.
My travels have only fueled my curiosity and passion, making the hospitality industry an essential part of who I am. After graduating from high school, my family moved west, and for a brief period, I explored college with a focus on business. However, I quickly realized that my true passion was to pursue my dreams, and I took action, ultimately making them a reality.
Totally
1990s
Oh, what an exhilarating journey, the 90s. As I continued in the modeling industry, my love for beauty and fashion blossomed like never before. At just 20, I embarked on an adventure at a cosmetology institute, becoming a certified hairdresser, which set the stage for my exciting travels and training that fueled my fiery passion. By 22, I was designing my very first salon, bringing my dreams to life. I traveled, soaked up trends, and trained with the crème de la crème of the industry from coast to coast.
Vibrant styles from the West Coast and the traditionally edgy styles of the East Coast contributed to creating my blend of trends, ultimately crafting my signature style.
I became renowned for my unique blueprint concept, personalized designs, the latest trends, and exceptional guest service. I was on fire, and my passion soared to new heights!
In the 90s, I made my way to New York City for the first time, and let me tell you, I found my home!
As a certified Redken Master Artist, I attended incredible symposiums and classes—what an unforgettable chapter of my life! I began hosting blowout hair shows for my community, bringing the glitz and glamour right to the guests. These presentations were not only educational but also unifying, creating a magical atmosphere of beauty for everyone. We showcased the latest trends, inviting guests to step into the dazzling world of fashion, all while supporting a great cause through admission fees donated to a local charity. I then opened my second salon in sunny Florida, infusing it with that iconic NYC style and a big, bright smile! The 90s were nothing short of epic! The knowledge and growth I experienced during that decade were once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, and I feel truly blessed to have been a part of it all!
Epic
2000s
The 2000s were a vibrant explosion that took the epic era of the 90s to a whole new level. With the dawn of Y2K and the new millennium, everything modern came to life in an exhilarating way. This decade was a whirlwind of evolution, as I continued to write lifestyle columns for various publications and our own.
We opened two new locations in sunny Florida, introducing a stylish lounge concept alongside a full spa and fitness center. The launch of the YAIYAI product line was a game-changer, offering an amazing, organic mineral makeup line, hair care, skincare, perfume, body care, and more. As the YAIYAI concept gained popularity, people around the world were blown away, becoming raving fans.
We proudly secured our first trademark, giving us national protection for our name. My journey continued as I pursued training and earned certifications with renowned brands, ultimately working with the Redken Artistic Team in New York City.
The body blueprint concept blossomed from my runway experiences, leading me to sketch the perfect outfits for every body type! My fashion books were filled with ideas that made everyone feel beautiful, sexy, and unique.
Attending Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Bryant Park was an experience where I rubbed shoulders with celebrities like Paris Hilton, Bernadette Peters, Joe Pesci, and more — what an experience!
After analyzing the world of fashion design, I discovered that it was merely a competition among designers to see who could make the headlines with outlandish styles. They were not designing with their followers in mind. Hence, YAIYAI Body Type Couture was Trademarked and went to the drawing board.
TO BE ANNOUNCED.
​
Buzzworthy
2010s
The 2010s were a thrilling coaster ride of diversity and reinvention. In the early years, we embraced the challenge of bouncing back from the market crash, turning it into an exciting opportunity for fresh starts. That's where YAIYAI stepped in, transforming into a certified academy for cosmetology and modeling by the Florida Board of Education! We were on fire, revamping our entire business plan and laying the groundwork for a national launch.
Our rebranding journey was exhilarating as we unveiled a vibrant new brand and secured additional trademarks. Our headquarters underwent a stunning makeover, radiating an organic, clean, and modern minimalist vibe that attracted a tremendous new following, as well as impressing our existing YAIYAI Fans. And let’s not forget the unforgettable shows I attended, from Las Vegas to NYC, celebrating all the hottest trends of the decade—ombre, balayage, beach waves, and so much more! What an incredible decade it was!
Renewing
2020s
As we kicked off 2020, gratitude soared as everyone began to appreciate their blessings even more. Emerging from tough times, we embraced this exciting new era with open arms! At YAIYAI, we were thrilled to see our additional trademarks approved, paving the way for the final touches on our fabulous new product lines and YAIYAI locations! We wrapped my personal brand with a stunning logo and trademark filing. I’m excited to showcase some of my absolute favorite product lines on my LK website, featuring a range of beauty, fashion, and lifestyle goodies!
Additionally, we proudly completed our industry brand, YAIYAI UNI British & French Design, in collaboration with Lillian Knipp Modeling & Development. This amazing educational platform doubles as a store, offering the best industry tools, and also features a vibrant forum where students and professionals can unleash their creativity and share knowledge.
We are beyond excited to finalize the establishment of our 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, ONE SOCIETY! We’re busy building our board of directors and chapter leaders, so don’t forget to check us out on Facebook or at onesocietymission.org!
Beauty Force is a mission of ONE SOCIETY, for beauty professionals, bringing beauty, confidence, and love to those in need.
Faith Force is a mission of ONE SOCIETY for faith-filled believers, bringing love and light to those in need.
We aim to change the world with our gifts, providing style services, mentoring, friendship, and more to those in need and raising funds for scholarships for aspiring hairdressers.
Join us, let's network and have the time of our lives!
Cheers to this new era, health, growth, and pure happiness! ~ LK