You know you are born to be a model when people mistake you for a mannequin. Kim Tyo was working as saleslady at a posh boutique hardly anyone ever visited, when a customer walked in. “When I spoke up to tell her about our products, she nearly ran out in fright.”
Polished skin, statuesque height and precise facial symmetry make Kim Tyo an arresting beauty. Dusky complexion and raven hair make her an intriguing one as well. You can’t put a finger on her Asian roots.
Kim Tyo’s name sounds Korean, and she looks Italian, but this dusky 5’11” model is a Canadian with Indian parentage. “Sometimes I think it’s funny. If I am in Italy, they think I’m Italian. If I go to Paris, they think I’m French. People will never guess I’m Canadian. If I take an appointment on the phone and give my name, they will expect to see a Japanese or Chinese girl arrive. I can’t tell you how many times I get that one.”
Tyo has always had talent scouts and modeling agencies handing her calling cards, thinking she was their discovery. Little did they know that modeling already runs in her veins; her mother was a ramp model herself.
Tyo has a drawer full of cards. She recalls, “When time came for me to pursue a modeling career, I just closed my eyes and picked one out.”
For all these reasons, Kim Tyo is now the new face of Artistry, Amway’s cosmetic and skin care brand. Artistry is one of the world’s top five in the global cosmetics industry and its second largest market is Asia, particularly Japan.
Holly del Rosario, Amway brand communications specialist, explains, “Before, our products were more in tune with Caucasian skin tones. Asian complexion has more olive undertones. We are responding to the market.” Though she notes, “Skin whitening products are our biggest sellers in Asia.” She adds, “We have some of the best scientists working at Amway. We are using the same technology used by NASA in mapping the surface of planets to map the face of women.”
Tyo herself is pleased with the product. “I use it myself. It’s great.” Tyo’s chameleon complexion, a blend of East and West known to the Filipino as mestiza, is the new ideal of beauty for today’s world. And Kim Tyo is its face.
Amway sells their products by direct marketing through independent business owners. For more information, call 853-1053.