Kendall Jenner is a perfect example of someone who didn’t wait until adulthood to start planning her future. Even before she turned 18, she had already become one of the world’s highest-paid models, establishing herself as a powerful force in the fashion industry. Starting her career at just 14, Kendall recognized early on that success doesn’t come from waiting for opportunities, but from creating them. She leveraged her unique position in the spotlight, thanks to her famous family, to build a thriving career. Her early success shows that with vision, drive, and a plan, age doesn’t have to be a barrier to big dreams.
Born in Los Angeles in 1995, Kendall was no stranger to the limelight. Growing up as part of the Kardashian-Jenner family, she had access to resources, but she didn’t let that define her journey. Instead, Kendall carved out her own path. Her entry into the modeling world came when she was just 14 years old, and it wasn’t a random decision. She had a clear idea of where she wanted to go. “I always wanted to model,” she said in an interview. “I just knew it was something I wanted to pursue. The reality of it just happened really fast.”
By the time she was a teenager, Kendall was already planning her future, thinking about long-term goals, and acting on them. Instead of following the typical teenage path of figuring things out later, she chose to invest in her talent and ambition early on. She joined the modeling agency Wilhelmina Models and began booking campaigns. What’s remarkable is not just that she started at a young age, but that she understood the importance of hard work and personal brand-building. As she moved through the years, Kendall continued to say “yes” to opportunities that advanced her career, all while maintaining her own authenticity.
The first major breakthrough came when she was featured in Vogue at age 16. By 18, she had become a sought-after model, walking the runway for major fashion houses like Chanel, Versace, and Balmain. Kendall’s strategy was about more than just modeling—she capitalized on her unique position in the media by balancing both her career and her role as a media personality, maintaining a relatable presence that resonated with fans. She appeared on the reality TV show Keeping Up with the Kardashians, which helped her develop a loyal following, but she didn’t let the show define her career. Instead, she used it as a platform to expand into the modeling world.
One of the secrets behind Kendall’s early success is her commitment to working behind the scenes. She was intentional about every step, from building relationships with photographers to taking opportunities that aligned with her long-term goals. As she grew into adulthood, Kendall continued to make savvy moves. She started her own clothing line with her sister Kylie, and in 2017, she was named the highest-paid model in the world by Forbes.
She’s also no stranger to using social media as a tool to connect with her fans and shape her image. Kendall’s Instagram, with over 250 million followers, isn’t just a space for sharing photos—it’s a place where she markets herself and her brand. She is incredibly strategic, using her platform to collaborate with designers, brands, and other creatives, while still giving a glimpse into her personal life. “I always try to stay true to myself,” Kendall says. “You have to be real with people, and when you are, they respect you.”
So, what can we learn from Kendall’s story? The key lesson here is that early starters don’t wait for life to come to them. They understand that success is not just about talent but also about vision, timing, and making deliberate choices. Kendall didn’t sit around hoping to one day be a famous model; she made that happen by starting young and investing in herself. Whether it was knowing when to book a major campaign or how to leverage her platform, she made decisions that kept her on the upward trajectory.
In the world of business and personal growth, planning ahead and making decisions early can set the stage for monumental success. Kendall’s rise didn’t just happen by accident—it was the result of calculated decisions, hard work, and dedication to her goals from a young age. She serves as an inspiration to anyone who believes that age should be no barrier to taking action.
As you reflect on her journey, consider how you can be an early starter in your own life. It’s never too early to start thinking ahead and making decisions that align with your goals. If Kendall can do it, so can you!
Do you know someone who has also taken early action to build their future? Perhaps someone in your own life who has used their teenage or early adult years to set the stage for success? Share your story or the story of someone you admire in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going and inspire each other!