From Supermodel to CEO: The Karlie Kloss Power Evolution
Karlie Kloss: A Runway Star Turned Business Force
Karlie Kloss didn’t just conquer the catwalk — she’s rewriting what it means to be a modern mogul. From her early days as a teenage supermodel to launching a tech empire, Kloss has undergone one of the most strategic reinventions in fashion and business. Her exit from full-time modeling wasn’t just a pivot — it was a power play.
Here’s a look at how Karlie Kloss built a career that’s as commanding in tech boardrooms as it was on Vogue covers.
Early Life and Modeling Rise
Born in Chicago in 1992 and raised in St. Louis, Karlie Kloss began modeling at age 14. She was quickly discovered and signed to Elite Model Management. Her signature walk and striking presence landed her campaigns with Dior, Marc Jacobs, and Victoria’s Secret — earning her a spot among the top-earning models by her late teens.
By the time she was 18, Kloss had already walked in nearly every major fashion week, appeared on over 40 international Vogue covers, and was named a Victoria’s Secret Angel in 2013.
Karlie Kloss
The Shift: From Fashion to Purpose
So, why did Karlie Kloss stop modeling?
By 2015, despite her booming career, Kloss began to publicly question the longevity and impact of her modeling path. She stepped down from Victoria’s Secret and enrolled at NYU’s Gallatin School to study coding, entrepreneurship, and social impact. She realized she wanted to build something of her own — something that would outlast fashion trends.
“I wanted to be more than just a face. I wanted to use my platform to create opportunity,” Kloss told Aspire podcast host Emma Grede.
Related: Karlie Kloss’s Rulebook: How to Build a Brand with Purpose
Kode With Klossy and Entrepreneurial Roots
In 2015, Kloss launched Kode With Klossy, a nonprofit offering free coding camps for teenage girls. The mission: close the gender gap in tech by equipping young women with digital skills and confidence.
This wasn’t a PR stunt. Kloss became a serious advocate for tech literacy, frequently meeting with tech leaders, speaking at SXSW, and joining the boards of companies she believed in.
Over time, she expanded her business portfolio with investments in companies like ClassPass, Away, and W magazine — where she took an equity stake. Her savvy positioning in the startup ecosystem quickly gained respect from Silicon Valley circles.
Building a Business Brand
Karlie’s influence now spans tech, fashion, wellness, and media. In 2020, she partnered with Estée Lauder on a charitable beauty line, and she continues to work behind the scenes as a business advisor and investor. Her brand is built on intellect, integrity, and impact — a rare trifecta in celebrity business circles.
Personal Life and Balance
Kloss married Joshua Kushner, investor and founder of Thrive Capital, in 2018. The couple welcomed their first child in 2021. Despite her high-profile marriage, Kloss maintains a distinct identity, often emphasizing her progressive values and focus on women’s empowerment.
Karlie Kloss
The Verdict: Why Her Evolution Matters
Karlie Kloss didn’t quit modeling — she outgrew it. Her career arc isn’t just impressive; it’s instructive. She’s proven that personal reinvention is possible, profitable, and powerful — especially when you lead with purpose.
