this week’s kai conversation features gina nalamlieng—a true california girl born and raised in the los angeles area. a longtime kai devotee, she first discovered the brand in the early 2000s and still remembers the moment vividly. 

gina began modeling at just 15, a journey that has evolved into a multifaceted career spanning runway, on-camera work, tv spokesperson roles, and, more recently, life as an influencer. driven by a passion for fashion, adventure, and authentic connection, she brings warmth and intention to everything she does. enjoy this glimpse into gina's world. 

xo, kai

how did you first discover kai? 

growing up on the beaches in malibu, i was fortunate to discover kai in the early 2000s at a small boutique owned by gaye straza. i still remember the first time i ever smelled the kai eau de parfum all my senses lit up. it was unlike anything i had ever smelled in a fragrance before. the fresh, invigorating notes of gardenia instantly lifted my spirits and made me feel truly happy and alive.

what’s your favorite kai product and why?

kai eau de parfum is without question, my favorite product. the fresh gardenia scent is so uplifting and soothing that i find myself instantly transported to a place of calm happiness whenever i wear it. it’s the one fragrance i can wear every day and never grow tired of. i often catch myself pausing just to breathe it in. it still makes me just as happy now as it did when i first wore it as a teenager. what makes it even more special is how often people ask me what fragrance i’m wearing. it’s always a nice feeling when people stop to say you smell good.

what’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

the best advice i’ve ever received came from my 98-year-old grandmother, who always says, “everything in moderation.” she must be doing something right at 98, since she’s still as sharp as a whistle and going strong. her simple wisdom has stayed with me, a gentle reminder to find balance in all things.

do you have a mantra you live by?

my mantra is “good enough.” i tend to be a perfectionist, so this simple reminder helps me release the need for everything to be perfect. it’s a powerful shift to recognize that “good enough” truly is enough. not everything has to be perfect, and embracing that truth has given me a sense of balance and freedom.

what’s your beauty secret? or must have beauty product?

tinted sunscreen, always. i love a good two-for-one! my favorite is the hydratint pro mineral sunscreen spf 36 by Alastin Skincare. it gives you that healthy glow while protecting your skin, and honestly it looks so good you don’t even need makeup.

go-to lipstick color?

rosewood glow by Makeup By Mario is my everyday favorite. a true mauve nude shade that goes with everything.

what color nail polish are you wearing right now?

right now, i’m wearing a white shimmer polish giving the perfect hint of summer glow.

how would you describe your personal style?

my personal style is versatile. day to day, i’m very much a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl. i still wear my original vintage 501s from high school. they are definitely one of my all-time favorites. when it comes to going out, my style shifts to something more classic and bold. i gravitate toward form-fitting pieces that make me feel confident, empowered and at my best.

what do you love most about where you live? any secret spots you love to go to?

what i love most about where i live is the balance. it’s a place where i can look out my window and see the mountains, enjoy open space, reach the beach in minutes or drive into the city if i need to. my secret spot is in point dume, where a cliffside trail leads to sweeping views that stretch from santa monica in one direction to ventura in the other. below, you’ll often spot seals playing in the water and if you’re lucky you might catch sight of dolphins or even a whale passing by. standing up there looking out over the ocean truly feels like being on top of the world.

describe your perfect day.

my perfect day begins with eight hours of restful sleep, quick morning meditation, followed by vinyasa yoga. from there, it’s straight to joi café for my favorite extra-hot matcha with a sprinkle of cinnamon powder. then an afternoon spent with friends, shopping, laughing and hopefully scoring a great find is a must. the evening would end with a delicious beet salad, perfectly cooked branzino and gelato for dessert. always love a good sweet treat!

favorite date spot?

my favorite date spot is geoffrey’s in malibu. the moment you arrive, it feels as though you’ve slipped away to a vacation retreat. the ocean views are breathtaking, the atmosphere is serene and the food is always delicious. it’s a romantic magical place. also, it’s where i had my very first date with my husband, which makes it all the more special. i loved it then and i still love it now.

ultimate getaway?

my ultimate getaway is a white sand beach with crystal blue water, a cute bikini and plenty of sunshine for the perfect tan. just as much as i love the serenity, i also love to fully immerse myself in experiencing new cultures, savoring local foods and exploring historical sites. for me, it’s all about the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.

favorite food?

thai food and sushi. thai food is a given especially since i’m half thai.

guilty pleasure?

gelato. i could honestly see myself becoming a gelato connoisseur. whenever i travel i make it my mission to try every gelato shop i come across. i don’t even mind indulging two times a day. sometimes i even joke about opening my own shop one day. gina’s gelato does have a nice ring to it.

morning person or night owl?

definitely a night owl. two a.m. can roll around and i’ll still be wide awake either editing content or lost in a good show. honestly, some of my most creative moments happen in those late night hours.

what’s the most adventurous thing you’ve done?

back in 2005, i took my seven year old daughter to bali to sail to the gili islands.