Kensley Meeks Realness, Discipline and Standing Out In Miami

by Micaela Dunn

 

At 19, Kensley Meeks (@yoitskenslo) left her small town in Alabama and landed in Miami with no job, no money, and not a single familiar face — just an unshakable faith that the leap was part of a bigger plan. Today, the model, competitor, and creator behind Curls and Courage is building a brand on the one thing she says Miami’s picture-perfect scene is missing most: realness. In this interview, Kensley opens up about the discipline behind competition prep, the toxic myths social media sells us about “health,” and why true wellness starts in the mind — not the mirror. Equal parts vulnerable and fearless, she makes one thing clear: standing out was never the problem. It’s the whole point.

“Miami IS focused on perfectionism, but I’m the first to admit that I am full of imperfections.”

— Kensley Meeks

There is a striking contrast between the manicured ideals of South Beach and the grounded, unshakeable presence of Kensley Meeks. In a city where image is so often treated as currency, Kensley has mastered a far rare commodity: raw, unfiltered authenticity. Leaving small-town Alabama at just 19 with nothing more than vision and faith, she didn’t just adapt to Miami’s high-tempo, competitive landscape—she reshaped it around her own values.

As a bikini competitor, fitness and nutrition coach, model, and creator of the podcast Curls and Courage, Kensley embodies the modern multifaceted woman. Her journey is proof that high-level discipline and deep vulnerability are not opposites; they are the exact blueprint for lasting success. We sat down with Kensley to talk about stepping into courage, breaking fitness myths, and what it truly takes to build an empire on your own terms.

What does having true courage mean to you, and what was the defining moment when you had to take the ultimate leap of faith?

To me, having true courage means standing up for what you believe in, choosing to move forward despite the challenges ahead, and having faith in things you can’t even see. Moving to Miami alone at age 19 is the first thing that comes to mind. Stepping out of my small town in Alabama transformed me into the person, athlete, and entrepreneur I am today. When I moved, I had no work, no money, and not a single friend or family member in the area. However, I knew this was part of God’s plan and I had enough self-belief to take a leap that completely transformed my life.

On your platform and podcast, you often talk about cutting through the noise. What is the biggest myth social media sells regarding “health”?

I believe social media often promotes an unrealistic idea of what “health” actually looks like. Being truly healthy is about more than just physical fitness or having an attractive body, or even being in the gym consistently. Mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health all relate to one another. One of the biggest misconceptions I see is that someone must be happy and overall well simply because they have an aesthetically pleasing body. In reality, a person may appear fit on the outside while struggling internally with their overall health. True wellness starts in the mind.

Miami is hyper-focused on perfection. How does your level of transparency help you build trust with your community?

Being transparent and vulnerable allows me to connect deeply with my audience. It builds trust because it proves I am relatable. Life is full of ups and downs, and the raw experiences I go through and share will actually help people make a positive difference in their own lives. Miami IS focused on perfectionism, but I’m the first to admit that I am full of imperfections.

The discipline required for bikini competition prep is fierce. How do you manage that level of sacrifice while keeping balance?

My goals require sacrifice, and during prep there isn’t much flexibility. I know that in order to be the best, I must do what other people are not willing to do. However, prep isn’t 24/7. Prep is only for a season, and that’s where discipline comes in—you break down your priorities for what’s important during that specific “season” where balance looks different. As far as self-love goes, I place my value in my identity with God, not my physical appearance. For me, fitness does not define who I am; it’s simply something I do.

How does the fast-paced Miami scene and networking environment influence your personal brand?

The nightlife and fast-paced environment inspire me greatly. The creators, hustlers, and driven individuals around me motivate me to grow and learn. Making connections and establishing relationships in an industry you’re passionate about is huge for your success, even though it’s extremely difficult to navigate. Operating at a high level in a quick-paced city keeps me motivated to continuously improve daily.

What are the three non-negotiable values that define Kensley Meeks?

It sounds cliché, but faith, love, and resilience. I owe God everything, and showing love to others no matter the circumstance is something I strive to do every day. Finally, resilience—no matter what comes my way, I will keep going.

When working 1:1 with your coaching clients, what is the most common mental block holding women back?

Self-doubt. Too many women talk themselves out of pursuing their passions due to fear of failure or worrying about what others think.

What advice would you give to a young woman who feels like she doesn’t fit in or lacks the confidence to start?

It’s actually great that she doesn’t fit in — always be authentically YOU and EMBRACE standing out. Second, the only way to build confidence is by consistently facing and overcoming the obstacles in front of you. The payoff is always worth it.

Words to Live By: Kensley’s Mantras

  • On Authenticity: “Always be authentically YOU and EMBRACE standing out.”

  • On Work Ethic: “In order to be the best, I must do what other people are not willing to do.”

  • On True Wellness: “Fitness does not define who I am; it’s simply something I do.”

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