Life & Work with Liza Rogers of Gardner

Today we’d like to introduce you to Liza Rogers.

Hi Liza; we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
As Marilyn Monroe said, “Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.” From the time that I can remember, I’ve loved fashion, dressing up, and being creative. My very first runway was when I was seven years old. I competed in the 4-H fashion revue project, which required me to purchase and style an outfit, then present it to judges in the 4-H fashion show. This began my interest in fashion.

But despite this love of fashion, I never pictured myself modeling in front of the camera. That is until, in high school, I tagged along with a good friend to a photo shoot for fun, and to improve our instagram game. After the photoshoot, the photographer messaged me to ask whether I would be interested in doing my own photo shoot sometime. I accepted and enjoyed every minute of it. After appearing on the photographer’s page, other photographers began to reach out to me, and I slowly started to build my portfolio.

Around this time, I learned about KC Fashion Week and secured tickets for myself and my mom to attend. Watching from the audience as each model took the runway, I thought, “I want to do that.” I did my research, and at the following year’s KC Fashion Week, I walked down the runway as a model for a local designer. I was hooked. I began to learn how to promote my work through social media. I modeled for local boutiques, designers, and photographers, posing for websites, magazines, and advertisements. I realized my years of dance training paid off. After 10 years of classical ballet, jazz, contemporary, and hip-hop dance, I’d learned to create art with my body angles, lines, and posture—all things key to modeling in front of a camera or walking gracefully down a runway.

Today, I’ve spent 4 years modeling. Throughout this time, I finished high school and started college, but I always made time for my passion for fashion. I’m currently completing a master’s degree in kinesiology at Kansas State University, but as I moved to college, my modeling career moved with me. Between time spent in the K-State research lab and doing homework, I’ve continued modeling and even signed with a modeling agency. In 2021, I ran for Miss Kansas USA—my first foray into the pageant world—and made it to third runner-up. I was in my first movie film, and I continued my Kansas City connections, modeling for local brands and designers. Modeling is my creative outlet, and I look forward to continuing my modeling pursuits.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My greatest challenge has been keeping up with my modeling career while engaging in rigorous academic studies at Kansas State University. Most of my modeling activities are in Kansas City, so I must be strategic in selecting jobs that fit my schedule. At the same time, being a student has helped me stay focused on goals that are important to me and helped me become better at time management. The road has been made smoother by the support of the Kansas City Community. I have been met and blessed with outstanding photographers and creatives – especially Kelby Reck, Tou Yang, Jenny Shipley, and Joe Zlatnik, who have been integral to my modeling journey. The creative community in Kansas City has made my journey smooth and enjoyable and has provided me with constant opportunities to grow, connect, and exercise my creative pursuits.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
One thing that I am very proud of is my perseverance in becoming a model. Before I became interested, no one in my family or around me knew anything about modeling. I spent time researching, making connections with photographers, speaking with other models, asking questions, and putting in the time to be a good model and be the best I could be. I am grateful for those who took the time to teach me, especially Darci Clark, and I have enjoyed doing the same for others as they start their modeling careers.

I have done many photo shoots throughout my career, and enjoyed each. My most memorable photo shoot was with photographer Kelby Reck. He knew of my background in 4-H and raising sheep and suggested taking photos on the sheep farm where I had kept my animals as a kid. This serene scene brought together my world of 4-H, my love of animals, and my creative side. Those pictures aren’t just pictures to me but represent cherished memories.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up homeschooled, I had a different experience from many kids. I am often asked, “How did you make any friends if you were homeschooled?” I always laugh at this. Homeschooling allowed me to be involved in various activities and to meet and connect with countless individuals I am still close friends with today. I became involved with everything from dance to sewing classes, art classes, 4-H, speech and debate, and more. My creative pursuits were ignited at a very early age. I filled my sketchbooks with paintings and clothing designs. I used my sewing skills and made my pet bunnies outfits and accessories. I traveled the country in high school for competitive speech and debate tournaments. I expressed my love for fashion by writing and presenting a speech on the history of blue jeans. I also enjoyed the creative expression I found in dance. This study developed an eye for grace, form, and the ability to walk down a runway in heels! These experiences shaped me and my love of fashion and were the steps along a path that eventually led me to modeling and my career path.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liza_rogers/

Image Credits
Tags/Mentioned: tou22 jzlatphoto, mymodelreality, blacklabelthreads, Photo credits: Lauren Ashlea, Kelby Reck, Taigan Rogers, Jenny Shipley, Ryan Swartzlander, Tou Yang, Alec Walworth