Making Her Own Runway: Kayley Bryant-Vaughn Is Just Getting Started

Long before Kayley Laverna Bryant-Vaughn knew exactly where her dreams would take her, her mother gave her a message that would help shape the way she saw herself and the world around her: Plus-size girls can do or be anything. Kayley, affectionately known as Ms. Kay, believed her.

Now 19, the St. Louis native has spent much of her young life proving just how many possibilities can fit inside one dream. She has explored dance, modeling, fashion design, DJing and pageantry, building confidence and discovering new pieces of herself with every experience.

But among all of those interests, fashion found a particularly special place in her heart.

Ms. Kay began modeling at just nine years old, eventually traveling across the United States and developing a passion that extended beyond wearing beautiful clothes. She wanted to create them, too. Through her clothing line, Ms. Kay’s Plus Love Fashion and Accessories, she began sharing a message of body positivity and encouraging both young people and adults to feel confident in their own skin.

For Ms. Kay, fashion isn't simply about what someone wears. It can be a tool for self-expression, confidence and empowerment.

That belief has also inspired her to connect fashion with another value instilled deeply within her: giving back.

Through her annual fashion show, Turn Up for the Heart, Ms. Kay has supported the American Heart Association and helped raise awareness for those impacted by heart failure. The cause is especially meaningful to her after watching her mother experience similar health challenges.

Her commitment to service extends even further. Throughout her life, Ms. Kay has found ways to support homeless shelters, hospitals, the Salvation Army and other community organizations. Through her involvement with Authentique Beautys, she continues seeking opportunities to serve and credits Ms. Catherine with creating space for participants to give back and make a positive difference.

Today, Ms. Kay is taking that same curiosity and ambition into the classroom. As a full-time college student studying fashion design and psychology, she is building an education that connects naturally to the future she envisions. Her goal is to become a body-positive fashion designer while also pursuing work as an art therapist—two dreams that allow creativity, confidence and emotional well-being to intersect.

And despite a busy college schedule, she hasn't forgotten the importance of simply enjoying the things she loves.

Ms. Kay draws. She reads and writes. She speaks Spanish. She even makes time for K-pop cover dancing. For her, pursuing an education doesn't mean abandoning creativity, and having big goals doesn't mean limiting herself to only one interest.

That willingness to explore may be one of her greatest strengths.

As Teen Miss Missouri 2026, Ms. Kay now has another platform to encourage young women to embrace everything that makes them unique. Her journey continues this year as she prepares to travel to New York, take the runway and represent Authentique Beautys.

And her dreams don't stop there.

She hopes fashion will eventually take her around the world, giving her opportunities to create, travel, serve and continue spreading the message that first gave a little girl in St. Louis permission to dream without shrinking herself.

At SITI Girl Magazine, we love seeing young women discover that they don't have to fit themselves—or their dreams—into somebody else's box. Kayley Bryant-Vaughn is building a future that makes room for every part of who she is: student, designer, model, creative, titleholder and advocate.

At only 19, there is still so much of her story left to write.

But wherever the journey takes Ms. Kay, one message will undoubtedly travel with her:

Plus-size girls rock. And plus-size girls can do anything.