Daily Inspiration: Meet Zion Kolibas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zion Kolibas.

Hi Zion, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
From day one, I’ve always been unsettled with the idea of sitting behind a desk wishing the world was different. I want to be one that goes out there and CHANGES the world, the one to MAKE a difference, versus just wishing for that change.

Since childhood, I have always had a deep love and connection to both Mother Earth, and the arts that live throughout! One genre of art that I have connected with is the art of fashion, and this bond introduced me to the industry of modeling, which soon turned into a fiery passion that would stick forever.

To be able to travel the world and get the privilege to bring these beautiful pieces of art to life is a feeling that is simply incomparable. Though the industry is particularly tough to succeed in, with enough determination I have continued to work hard to strive in my career, which leads to fulfilling my other dreams involving environmentalism on a bigger scale.

I have always cared immensely for the earth we live on, and the entirety of her environment. Water conservation, pollution, and animal safety/conservation have been three very large problems I have been doing my part to address with extreme activism, accountability, and education.

My ultimate goals are to succeed in my personal passion of modeling and inspire others to follow their dreams, feel confident with who they are and what they want to be; the other being able to use my success to help our environment on a bigger scale: through higher levels of activism, and financial donations/sponsorships!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Nothing great ever comes easy, and within my journey, there have been hiccups that have definitely had to be worked through to get where I am today, and I know that there will be more. One must expect challenges to succeed within their dreams and aspirations! When it comes to any sort of performance industry, both rejection and judgment are common things that you can’t let get you down.

I have met with agencies, talent scouts, and tryouts for events or fashion shows, and been turned away, rejected, and even looked down on. It was tough at first, but as I became more comfortable with who I was as a person and loved myself more, I started to understand that rejection has nothing to do with me personally, or who I am as a person…and that goes for everybody! Not everyone is going to like you or approve of you; what matters is that YOU like you! Once I started to understand that concept, rejection has been a lot easier to deal with.

Within my work of environmentalism, a lot of barriers really come down to stemming from a lack of community. By myself, I can make a difference, and I do. I’d say the same for any single individual doing their part in positive change. However, the differences that could be made by us as a community would be, literally, world-changing.

Getting friends and loved ones to help do their part and bring awareness has absolutely helped my outreach difficulties but more work definitely needs to be done! I plan to ensure this happens as my career deepens and I am able to reach more people, both across Utah and through the nation! I strive for clean air, prosperous pure water, and proper loving care for both our domesticated animals and wildlife!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Primarily, I am a freelance model that leans toward high fashion and dance culture and has been involved for about 8 years. I crave uniqueness, and pieces that have a story all to themselves; incorporating other media is also a specialty I have always loved to embrace within my work.

I have shot with all kinds od media: smoke bombs, mud clay, liquid latex, nature add-ins, rope, and other like-minded crafts… High fashion modeling is so so much more than meets the eye. It’s tough work, despite what most may think. Whereas in a movie motion picture, you have anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours to convey a message or story, with modeling, you have a single frame.

I’d say that’s a factor in modeling that I am very proud of, it has taken time, work, and self-discovery to be able to bring about an energy that can convey a story within a single frame; I also am proud of all the unique type of creative work that I have had the privilege of being involved in. I would say that my open-mindedness and interest in being weird is what sets me apart!

Within my work of environmentalism, I have worked in the animal industry for a bit over 4 years, and it is something I will always keep close to my heart. Being able to care for and ensure their well-being and proper care is huge for me; I am extremely grateful to be able to work with animals, in nature, and within our beautiful Utahn habitat!

My love for animal species is immense; I am proud to be involved in the industry and plan to continue growing my career in that field. I’d say that people also definitely associate my reputation with animal loving and activism. They are too underappreciated, unloved, and deserve so much more than what most of the human species has dealt. The rate of which our animal kingdom is shrinking is absolutely terrifying, and needs to be focused on way more than it is. People do not understand how much damage we are doing to our own species by destroying so many others. I aim to change that!

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Honestly overall, I would say that luck for both sides of my aspirations has come from hard work and having faith! There isn’t one type of luck that sticks out more than the rest when I think about my goals, but being in the right place at the right time has definitely introduced new opportunities and I think awareness is super important!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/zionbaileykay

Image Credits
Todd Collins Photography, Jake Thomspon Style & Photography