First, we come to You to say thank You for another issue of KidFash Magazine. Thank You for continuing to guide this journey and for allowing us to use creativity, fashion, photography, and storytelling to inspire others. We know fashion is not something new, it is creativity that You placed inside people, and we thank You for every person who uses their gifts to create beauty and inspire the world around them.
Father, we thank You for this Fashion issue and everyone featured inside it. Thank You for our Cover Model, Birdie Ryder, and her incredible fight through cancer. Thank You for using fashion as a light during such a difficult time and for strengthening the bond between her and her mother through it all. We pray her story inspires others to continue moving forward with faith, strength, and hope.
We also thank You for the opportunity to be part of the Dream Kids Expo and for every connection, lesson, and relationship that came from it. Thank You for Maya C and the wisdom she shares with parents about finances and investing in their children’s futures. We
also thank Anita Surma from Muullberry and The Butterfly Photography. Thank You for all of the creativity, excellence, and passion You placed inside her and for the inspiration she brings through her work.
Father, we pray over KidFash Magazine as we continue transitioning into working with a new designer. We thank You for the past 10 years with Mandy and for all the creativity, hard work, and love she poured into KidFash. Thank You for giving her the kindness and heart to help us through this transition.
Lastly, Father, we pray for our Platinum Members, Baylon Avery, Levi, and the Emerich Twins. We pray that You continue guiding their modeling journeys and allow KidFash to continue helping and supporting them as they grow. We also pray for every model and family who joined the KidFash Climb. May this community continue to inspire, educate, encourage, and open doors for those chasing their dreams.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Damon Ross, DDS Editor-in-Chief, KidFash Magazine
MEANS TO WHAT FASHION ME?
Fashion means so much to me because it is magical, colorful, fun, and full of creativity! Fashion feels like art that I can wear every day. I love how it tells stories through colors, designs, and different styles. My style is whimsical, bright, playful, and super colorful! I love fun fabrics, sparkles, cool shapes, and outfits that make me feel special. Some days I like to be fancy, silly, bold, sparkly, or extra stylish! The best thing about fashion is that I can be myself and show my personality in so many fun ways. Fashion makes me feel happy, confident, creative, and excited to show my style everywhere I go!
Model: Honesty (@honesty_bissau)
Photographer: Gabriel Risquez (@gartshoot)
Maya C Móey wit
YOUR CHILD IS EARNING MONEY. NOW WHAT?
5 SMART MONEY MOVES PARENTS SHOULD MAKE EARLY
When a child starts earning money in acting, modelling, sports, or entertainment, most families focus on the excitement of the moment.
The bookings. The paychecks. The opportunities. But here is the part many parents miss: If there is no plan for that money, this rare opportunity can quietly disappear.
And that is what makes this moment so important. These years can be about much more than earning income. They can become the starting point for future freedom and options. They can help create a student loan-free future, a down payment on a first home, a retirement head start, business start-up funds, or simply more choices and less financial stress later in life.
The challenge is that most parents are already juggling so much. Auditions, travel, wardrobe, lessons, contracts, school, scheduling, and everyday life. It is no surprise that the money side often gets pushed to the bottom of the list.
I understand that deeply. I earned money young too, and at the time, I had no idea what that money could have become if someone had shown me a different way.
That is why I care so much about helping families get this right.
Here are 5 smart money moves parents should make early.
1. Treat this as a rare window, not just extra income. When a child starts earning money young, this is not just exciting. It is a rare financial window that most children never get.
That money can be used in two very different ways. It can disappear into the moment, or it can be used to build something that lasts much longer than the next role, audition, season, or contract.
This is not about trying to raise rich kids. It is about giving them options. It is about helping them step into adulthood with more freedom, more security, and more choice than most young people have.
2. Give every dollar a job. One of the biggest mistakes families make is letting money come in without a plan.
When that happens, it tends to get spent by default.
Instead, every dollar should have a job. A simple framework is to divide the money into categories such as: Investing Saving Spending Giving
Some money can be invested for the future. Some can be saved for travel, classes, wardrobe, or work-related costs. Some can be enjoyed. Some can be used to help others.
This does more than organize money. It teaches a child that money is a tool, and tools need direction.
3. Start the investing habit early, even if the amount is small. Many parents assume they need a large amount of money to start investing. They do not.
The most important thing in the beginning is often not the amount. It is the habit.
When children learn that a portion of what they earn gets invested first, they start to see investing as normal. Not scary. Not confusing. Not something they have to figure out later when life gets busy and money feels more overwhelming.
Young people have one powerful advantage that adults do not: time. And when money is invested early, time does the heavy lifting.
4. Involve your child in the process.
Parents should guide the process, but children should not be completely removed from it.
Let them understand where the money is going. Let them help decide how it is divided. Let them spend some of it for fun. Let them make small mistakes with small amounts and learn from them.
That is how children build judgment and confidence. If parents manage everything behind the scenes, the child may grow up with money but without the skills to manage it. The goal is not just to protect the money. The goal is to prepare the child.
5. Build the right system, not just good intentions. This is where many families get stuck.
They know they want to do something smart with the money, but they are not sure where to begin. They are unsure what accounts may apply, what order to do things in, or how to set it up properly. So they wait.
And waiting is often what costs families the most. Good intentions do not build wealth. Systems do.
The right system can help turn scattered income into a long-term strategy. It can help parents feel confident that they are not missing the opportunity that is sitting right in front of them.
That is exactly why I created the Wealthy Kids Investment Club. I wanted families to have a place where they could get step-by-step support, understand their options, and put the right plan in place without having to figure it all out alone.
Because when your child starts earning money, the goal is not just to manage the paycheck well. The goal is to turn that paycheck into future freedom.
Special offer for KidFash readers: Join the Wealthy Kids Investment Club through this feature and receive 10% off your ANNUAL membership.
Coupon Code
Platinum Member baylen
How old was Baylen when he got his first haircut, and how many inches were cut off?
Baylen was 4 years old when he first got a haircut. During that initial cut, ten inches of hair were cut off since his hair grows so fast. Since then, we’ve been trimming his hair every six months to keep it at a length that he finds manageable and comfortable.
How many first cousins does Baylen have in his father’s family?
Baylen has 28 older cousins, making him the youngest grandchild.
Which other countries or ethnicities does Baylen associate with?
Germany, English, Czech, Scottish, French, Chinese, Cameroon, and Nigeria
What are some of Baylen’s favorite activities?
He loves camping and hiking, often spending time outdoors and exploring the mountains with his father. He also enjoys cooking and inventing new, kid-friendly refresher drink recipes.
How old was Baylen when he began modeling?
Baylen was 4 years old when he first got a haircut. During that initial cut, ten inches of hair were cut off since his hair grows so fast. Since then, we’ve been trimming his hair every six months to keep it at a length that he finds manageable and comfortable.
Which continent does Baylen visit often?
Baylen travels to Africa and Europe annually to spend time with his other maternal family members.
How many international runways has Baylen been invited to?
Currently, five countries and more are scheduled for 2026.
How else does Baylen contribute to society?
He is a philanthropist who donates annually through sponsorships and his organization.
Which designer brands would Baylen love to walk for or be the face of?
Gap, Donna Karan, Gianni/Donatella Versace, Emilio Pucci, Pierre Balmain, Nikki, Gio Gio Amani, Boss, Christian Dior, Calvin Klein, Alexander McQueen.
Who is Baylen’s favorite actor that he would love to meet someday?
MARRIOTT FORT LAUDERDALE AIRPORT DANIA BEACH FT LAUDERDALE, FL
DESIGNERS
BRICENO I BROOKE LAUREN I BRUCE GLEN I CHRISTINA DEL RE CLOUD & MIST I EHNLE I KALOKUMA I MUULLBERRY
REBELDE PLANET I RHINESTON I STUDENT SHOWCASE (SFFA/STU)
PHOTOGRAPHER
SEAN (@RAPTOR_FASHION)
Manufacturer of Big Dreams. Consciously Crafted, Unique, and Timeless Clothing.
Model: @reillyjean2026
Photographer: @russophotography__
www.chrisanthicouture.com @chrisanthicouture_
RYDER BIRDIE
Photography: Margallete (@m.franckephotography)
Styling & Production: Sharon Esther Designs by Haley J
“I love everyone in the whole wide world,”
Ryder Bird is the kind of person you notice right away. At just six years old, she carries a joy that feels effortless — the kind that shows up in the way she smiles, the way she creates, and the way she connects with people. She loves fashion, bright colors, and putting together fun outfits, often styling not just herself but her little brother too. When she isn’t doing that, she’s drawing — little girls in colorful looks, her family, and imaginative characters like ice cream people or bunny people that come straight from her mind.
“I love everyone in the whole wide world,” Ryder says, and it’s not something she just says — it’s something she lives.
But behind that light is a journey that changed everything in an instant.
Ryder’s mom remembers the day they found out she had a brain tumor with a clarity that hasn’t faded. She was five months pregnant at the time, and even before anyone spoke, she sensed something was wrong. One of the doctors had tears in their eyes, and in that moment, her heart sank. When the diagnosis was finally said out loud, it felt like time stopped. She remembers falling to the ground, overwhelmed by the weight of it all — her daughter, the baby she was carrying, and a future that suddenly felt uncertain.
In the middle of that moment, she made a decision that would carry them through everything that followed. She chose not to spiral too far ahead. She chose to take things one day at a time, focusing only on what was in front of them. Most of all, she chose to keep going for Ryder.
“I didn’t have the option to stay down,” she says. “She needed me.”
The months that followed were filled with challenges — long days, difficult treatments, and an emotional weight that never fully lifted. Ryder’s mom describes crying every day for six months. Strength didn’t feel like strength in those moments. It felt like showing up, making hard decisions, and continuing forward even when everything inside you wanted to break.
And yet, through all of it, Ryder held on to who she was.
She continued to create, to imagine, and to find joy in the middle of it all. Art became one of her outlets, something that helped her stay grounded and express herself when words weren’t enough. Just as important was the love that surrounded her. Her parents, grandparents, and family were always there, and her baby brother Rockwell became a constant source of comfort and happiness during some of the hardest days.
“What helped me stay strong was all the love… and making art,” Ryder says.
There was also a deeper sense of belief that carried them through. Ryder and her mom are very spiritual, and during this time, they often spoke about Ryder having two guardian angels watching over her. It wasn’t just something said for comfort — Ryder truly believed it. One day, when her mom asked how many angels she had, Ryder simply pointed upward and said, “Two.” That belief became a quiet source of strength, a reminder that she was never alone.
“I didn ’t have the option to stay down,”
“She brought joy into a place that really needed it.”
Even in the hospital, Ryder found ways to bring light into a place that needed it. On treatment days, she would still dress up in fun skirts, bright headbands, and colorful outfits. It helped her feel like herself, but it also did something more. It made people smile. Nurses, doctors, and other families began to look forward to seeing her, not just because of her outfits, but because of the energy she carried with her.
“She brought joy into a place that really needed it,” her mom shares.
When her appearance changed during treatment, including her hair, Ryder approached it with the same perspective she brought to everything else. Instead of seeing it as something difficult, she saw something beautiful.
“I think it’s like Elsa from Frozen,” she says.
That ability to see beauty and possibility, even in change, is part of what makes Ryder so remarkable.
Her personality shows up just as strongly in her everyday life. At school, she’s known for knowing everyone’s name. Not because she has to, but because she wants to. She walks up to people, introduces herself, and remembers them. She loves meeting new people, making friends, and making others feel seen.
That same authenticity carries into her modeling. Ryder has been in front of the camera since she was born, but for her, it has always been about more than just taking pictures. It’s about being herself, expressing creativity, and having fun. Fashion, especially during her journey, became a way for her to feel confident and in control.
On some of the toughest days, getting dressed up made a difference. It helped her find joy, and it gave her a way to express herself when everything else felt heavy. Her mom noticed how much those moments mattered — not just for Ryder, but for the people around her. The way she showed up, full of color and personality, created connection and brought light into difficult spaces.
Now, that creativity is growing into something new. Ryder and her mom are launching a mommy-and-me eyewear line, inspired by years of dressing alike and sharing a love for style. Ryder helped design the collection herself, choosing pink, cat-themed designs that reflect her personality perfectly. It’s not just a project — it’s a reflection of their bond and everything they’ve been through together.
When asked what she hopes people feel when they see Ryder — whether it’s her art, her outfits, or her smile — her mom’s answer is simple: hope. Hope, joy, and the freedom to be yourself. Because that’s what Ryder represents, even without trying.
When Ryder talks about what she’s most proud of, her answer is just as simple. She’s proud that she’s brave, that she’s strong, and that she got through it.
Now, she’s preparing for one of the most meaningful moments of her journey — ringing the bell to mark the end of her treatment. For Ryder, it represents more than just an ending. It means she gets to grow again. It means moving forward. And above all, it’s a moment she feels proud of.
“It will get better. You will be okay.”
Her story doesn’t just stay with you because of what she’s been through. It stays with you because of how she’s chosen to move through it — with creativity, with joy, and with a perspective that reminds people what really matters.
If there’s one message Ryder wants other kids to hear, especially those going through something difficult, it’s simple: it will get better, and they will be okay. And if she could, she says she would give them a hug.
Through their journey, Ryder and her mom have also learned lessons that extend beyond their personal story. They believe that growth, whether in life or even on platforms like Instagram, comes down to focus, consistency, and persistence. Staying true to who you are, not trying to be everything at once, and continuing to show up matters. They’ve seen how sharing real moments — even the hard ones — helps people connect, and how creating content that makes people feel something can have a lasting impact.
In the end, Ryder Bird is more than a young model or an artist. She is a reminder that even in the hardest moments, it’s possible to hold on to joy, to express yourself fully, and to bring light into the lives of others.
Photography: M. Francke Photography
Styling & Production: Sharon Esther for The7Colors
Designer: Haley J Makeup & Hair:
Melissa Murphy Bedi
Photography Assistant: Dmitry Popov
www.vimmia.com/collections/kaveah @kaveah_la by @clementstwins
Turning Young Talents Into Runway Stars
When did you start modeling?
We loved photoshoots since age four, but officially started modeling in August last year after becoming Rebel Athletics ambassadors. Since then we’ve done designer shoots, been published in multiple magazines (including one cover), and booked several runway shows — including New York Fashion Week. KidFash helped give us the confidence to really go for it.
What is it like being a twin in the modeling world?
It’s amazing because we always have each other for support and confidence. Even though we look alike, we show different personalities on camera and runway. People love guessing who’s who — and they’re usually wrong at first!
Are you often compared to anyone famous?
Yes, people often call us the “next Olsen twins” or Mary-Kate and Ashley
What do you think makes a great model
Confidence, reliability, and the ability to work well with others. A great model stays calm under pressure and communicates well on set.
Platinum Members
Jordie & Delaney
Photographer: Kate Smith (@katesmith.photography)
What do you like to do when you are not doing runway shows or photoshoots?
We stay busy with all-star cheer, softball, and acting classes. We love beauty products, playing with our dogs, skating, and hanging out with friends
What are you most excited about doing in 2026?
We’re excited to attend iPOP in Los Angeles to showcase our modeling and acting skills to agents and casting directors.
What advice would you give any new models?
Don’t get discouraged if you don’t book every job. Keep going, follow your heart, and say yes to opportunities when they come.
What characteristics set you apart from one another?
We look very similar, but our personalities are different. Jordie is bold and loves the spotlight, while Delaney is more sensitive at first but quickly opens up. Once you meet us, it’s easier to tell us apart.
Do you both have the same style in clothing?
No, we haven’t liked dressing alike since we were four. Jordie loves pink and leggings, while Delaney prefers edgier looks like jeans, black tops, and leopard print.
Some photographers chase perfection. Anita chases feelings.
Long before @thebutterflyphotography became a name recognized for its emotional, story-driven imagery, Anita found herself drawn to something much simpler, honesty. There was something about the way children exist in front of a camera that felt different to her. Unfiltered. Real. They don’t try to be perfect. They just are. And that, more than anything, is what first pulled her into photographing children.
It wasn’t a carefully mapped-out plan or a career she set out to build from the beginning. Instead, it unfolded naturally. What started as a creative interest slowly grew into something much deeper, something she truly loved. Over time, that love shaped not only her work but her entire perspective on what photography could be.
There was som hing abo the way children exist in front of a camera th fel di erent to her.
Today, Anita’s style is instantly recognizable, yet difficult to replicate. Her images aren’t about stiff poses or forced smiles. They’re about emotion. Movement. Story. She focuses less on perfection and more on authenticity, allowing moments to happen rather than directing every detail. The result is work that feels alive, images that don’t just show a child, but allow you to feel who they are.
That same creative energy is what led to the birth of Muullberry. Rooted in her love for art, painting, and design, the brand became an extension of her creative identity. It gave her a space to merge photography with fashion and storytelling in a way that felt seamless. Through Muullberry, Anita isn’t just capturing images, she’s creating worlds, building visual narratives, and bringing her artistic vision fully to life.
Her work is also shaped by a sense of exploration. Traveling and photographing children from different places has added depth to her perspective, reinforcing the idea that every child carries a unique story worth telling. That sense of adventure lives within her work, subtly woven into every image she creates.
But beyond the artistry, what Anita cherishes most happens during the quiet in-between moments of a shoot. The transformation. The shift. A child who starts off shy and unsure slowly begins to open up. They relax. They smile. They start to move freely. And in that moment, when they forget about the camera and simply exist, that’s where the magic happens. Those are the moments she lives to capture.
In an industry that often emphasizes appearance, Anita sees something deeper. To her, what makes a child truly memorable isn’t just how they look, it’s their presence. Their confidence. Their personality. When a child feels comfortable in their own skin, that energy translates through the image. It creates something lasting, something people remember.
That’s where fashion begins to play its role.
As both a photographer and designer, Anita understands how powerful styling can be. The right wardrobe doesn’t just enhance a photo, it transforms it. Thoughtful, fashion-forward choices can shift the perception of an image entirely, elevating it from something cute to something editorial. It adds intention. It adds depth. It tells a story before the child even moves.
Still, she believes balance is key.
Parents often find themselves unsure of what kind of photos their child should be creating. Editorial or commercial? Creative or clean? Anita sees value in both. Editorial images allow for storytelling and artistic expression, while commercial images showcase versatility and simplicity, something brands are always looking for. A strong portfolio, she believes, should reflect both sides, giving a complete picture of what a child can offer.
And that starts with choosing the right photographer.
For Anita, it’s not about finding someone who simply takes beautiful photos. It’s about working with someone who understands the modeling and fashion industry. Someone who knows how to guide a child, create natural moments, and produce images that are truly portfolio-ready. Clean lighting, natural editing, and thoughtful direction all play a role in creating images that feel professional and intentional.
But even with all the right elements in place, there’s one thing that consistently sets certain images apart: storytelling.
There’s a difference between a posed photo and a lived moment. When a child is moving, playing, or expressing real emotion, the image carries a different kind of energy. It feels more natural. More engaging. More real. And that authenticity is what connects with people on a deeper level.
It’s also what separates a “pretty” photo from one that feels publishable.
A beautiful image might catch your eye, but an editorial image holds your attention. It has depth. Movement. Emotion. Strong styling. A sense of purpose. It makes you feel something, and that’s what makes it magazine-worthy.
That same intention should carry into how a child’s portfolio is built.
A bea iful image might c ch your eye, b an ed orial image holds your tention.
Anita often sees portfolios filled with random shoots, beautiful, but lacking direction. Instead, she encourages parents to think more intentionally. Each image should serve a purpose, showcasing something different: personality, expression, versatility. It’s not about having more photos, it’s about having the right ones.
And above all, it’s about consistency.
Creating a recognizable visual identity doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from a clear sense of style, mood, and direction. When images feel cohesive, they build something stronger, a presence that stands out, one that people begin to recognize.
That’s where Anita’s ability to blend fashion and photography becomes so powerful. Fashion shapes the vision. Photography brings it to life. And when the two align, they create something greater than either could alone, a strong, defined identity that helps position a child within the industry.
But for parents just beginning this journey, Anita offers one of the simplest, and most important, reminders: Slow down.
It’s easy to get caught up in quick results, bookings, and immediate success. But modeling isn’t about rushing, it’s about growth. Confidence, experience, and enjoying the process matter far more in the long run. When a child is given the space to develop naturally, everything else begins to fall into place.
Because in the end, the goal isn’t just to create beautiful images. It’s to tell a story worth remembering. And that’s exactly what Anita does, every single time she picks up her camera.
Made by 12-year-old fashion designer Poppy Gillett
Platinum Member levi
How old are you and what grade are you in school?
I am 15 years old, and I am in the 9th grade.
What was the transition to high school like for you this year?
Honestly, it was pretty easy. A lot of my friends went to the same high school, and I already knew some of the older kids through sports. I’m usually pretty laid-back about transitions and new situations.
What kind of student are you?
I’m a good student and I work hard in school. My best subject is probably ELA.
Tell me about your family.
I live with my mom, dad, my younger brother, my Vovo, and our two dogs. Most of my extended family lives in other states, especially Florida and New York, but we still see each other a lot during vacations and holidays.
So you and your brother are close in age? What is that like?
We’re 17 months apart, so we’re pretty close in age and only one grade apart in school. We both usually have friends over, so our house is kind of the hangout house. We definitely have different personalities and interests, though.
What are your best memories so far?
Probably vacations and traveling with family and friends. We’ve gone on a few cruises with friends and family over the years, and those trips are always some of my favorite memories.
Tell me what activities you are involved in. I played freshman basketball for my high school this year, but soccer is definitely my main sport. I play for my high school team, a club team, and a local travel team. I’ve tried a lot of different sports over the years. I like being adventurous, staying active and trying new things.
Besides sports, what are some other things you’re interested in?
I’m into fashion and keeping up with trends. I like putting outfits together and taking pride in how I look. I think style is another way people can show their personality.
Do you prefer to be alone or out with friends?
A mix of both. I like having time to relax at home, but I also spend a lot of time with my friends.
If I were to ask people to describe you, what would they say?
Probably quiet at first, especially when I first meet people. But once I’m comfortable, they’d definitely say I’m funny and always joking around.
Australian designed boutique childrenswear. Born from curiosity
Missyx.co @missyxofficial
Handmade Children's Clothing. Specializing In Little Girls Dresses.
