Model and artist, Zaria McKay aka “Gem”.

Precious Stone from Pressure– Gem shows us DIAMOND quality.

Sultry. Strong. Sweet. Those are the words that come to mind when you meet a melanin made beauty like her. At a height of 5’9, her strikingly beautiful soul makes her appear an extra inch “taller than life.” Taller than her obstacles. Standing as a “diamond in the rough.”…she’s truly a GEM.

Model/artist Zaria “Gem” McKay, was born and raised in the Tower Grove South neighborhood of St. Louis, MO. As a child, she used to occasionally dream of modeling, and then it “fizzled out”, the 21 yr. old recalls. Gem says it wasn’t until she began posting her pics on social media, that several creatives including photographers began reaching out. “People just kept asking me, “do you model?” and “why don’t you model?” So, I finally decided to give it a try.” Gem agreed to do a photoshoot, then several others, and the rest is history.

From modeling for clothing lines, to fashion shows, to local creative exhibitions, Gem says her favorite moment so far is definitely her first fashion show at The Kre8 Place, a creative hub in south St. Louis. Her mother and relatives got to see her catwalk for the first time. “I still consider myself new, this is only the beginning. So, there is so much more to come.”

left to right: Photoshoot location with a friend; session with creative director, Artist Love

Born with Nigerian and African American roots, Gem draws some fashion inspiration from her multicultural upbringing. “I’m inspired by so much, but I wouldn’t say I have a particular style. I just like to dress like…ME.”, she explains. She credits female legends such as Diana Ross, Naomi Campbell, and Grace Jones for their “classic and unique” influence. “I’m a bit old school and nostalgic. I definitely channel my late grandmother.”

Gem is currently working on lengthening her modeling resume’…one runway at a time. She is also a college student, poet, and singer. Excited to see more of this “precious stone”…and we’re glad that her dream “re-fizzled.”

“Just do it. Start somewhere, so that you can look back and say, “I tried, and I did it.” -Gem