Meet Tabia Kocks

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tabia Kocks.

Hi Tabia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born with Down Syndrome in the beautiful city of Salt Lake City, UT. But, I was raised in Graham, Washington.

I was very inclined since I was a little kid into Arts. I love music, drawing, coloring anything related to Arts. In high school, I started paying more attention to the Fashion Industry. I was looking at my classmate’s styles. So, I began to buy Fashion Magazines and started to look at Fashion on YouTube. I wanted to learn more about Fashion and become a Profesional Model with Down Syndrome. I was given an opportunity for a photo shoot in Austin, Texas, where I realized I was enjoying everything from the make-up, hair dress, beautiful clothing, and the camera.

I love the Camera!!! I genuinely like people taking pictures of me. I love to be in the spotlight. My career started from there…I have been in Fashion Shows in Texas, Washington, Colorado, and Oregon. Also, I am Miss Amazing 2019, 2021, and 2022.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has never been a smooth road. Having Down Syndrome or any other disability can be more challenging. There are many barriers that have been broken for me to walk through, but there are still many more… our society is progressing but has much further to grow with the issue of handicap inclusion.

But, the support of my family and the community has helped me to get where I am today. I successfully graduated from High School, earned my High School Diploma, and have a job at the Children’s Museum of Tacoma, and, more importantly, I successfully became a Profesional Model.

What worked and still works for me is never giving up. Life will bring us all kinds of obstacles and opportunities. It is up to us to make the choices. I take the obstacles as challenges and try to overcome them. When opportunities show in front of me, I have never let them go. I take every opportunity that life can offer me.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Being a Model means a lot of self-discipline and a good attitude. When casting for a Fashion Show, I never know what the designers are looking for. So, I go and do my walk and do the best I can. If I make it to the Fashion Show, then my work as a Model starts. I need to be on time and be available for the day(s) they typically require a rehearsal and fitting. I always ensure I am on time.

Time is a massive key for these events. Also, everyone needs to be kind and patient because there are so many models that need to get ready for the show, and we can not let the anxiety or frustration get to us. So, it all starts with a good attitude and being on time for the hair dress, make-up, and line-up.

The lineup is essential, and everyone needs to know their place in the lineup before the show begins. Once the show starts, it is my favorite part because it is my time to shine!!!

What sets me apart from the others is having Down Syndrome. But, I am so proud of having Down Syndrome. I embrace my disability because it is who I am and make me stronger. I am known by “TabiatheModel.”

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My networking has mainly been created from Instagram, Facebook, my webpage, and connections at Fashion Shows.

Keeping in touch and learning from the Directors, Designers, models, photographers, makeup artists, hairdressers, etc.

Contact Info:

• Website: Tabiathemodel.com
• Instagram: @Tabiathemodel
• Facebook: Tabiathemodel
• Twitter: @Tabiathemodel
• Youtube: Tabiathemodel

Image Credits
Michael Doucett, Eva Blanchard Arce and Todd White. MUA credit to Michael Doucett, Nayibe Flores, Gene Juarez and Salon Mystique.