Kendall Jenner, born November 3, 1995, is an American model and reality television personality who gained initial fame through “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” alongside her family. The daughter of Kris Jenner and Caitlyn Jenner launched her modeling career at age 14, becoming Forbes’s highest-paid model in 2017 with earnings of $22.5 million in 2018. Her business ventures include 818 Tequila and various fashion collaborations, establishing her extensive influence across entertainment and commerce.
Who exactly is Kendall Jenner, and how did a teenager from Los Angeles transform herself into one of the world’s most recognizable models and media personalities? Born November 3, 1995, in Los Angeles, California, Kendall Nicole Jenner emerged from a wealthy suburb as the daughter of Kris Jenner and Caitlyn Jenner, formerly known as Bruce Jenner. Her middle name Nicole was chosen in tribute to Nicole Brown Simpson, and she grew up alongside full sister Kylie Jenner and numerous half-siblings, including the Kardashian siblings Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, and Rob, as well as the Jenner siblings Burt, Cassandra, Brandon, and Brody. She attended Sierra Canyon School before switching to homeschooling and graduated in 2014.
Jenner’s rise to prominence began with the reality television series “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” which aired from 2007 to 2021 and chronicled the daily lives of the Kardashian-Jenner family over 20 seasons spanning 15 years. The show began as supporting actress on a series that premiered on October 14, 2007, on the E network. This pop culture phenomenon established her public profile, leading to participation in multiple spin-off series including “Kourtney and Kim Take New York” and “Life of Kylie.” In 2013, she shared the Teen Choice Award for Favorite Female Reality Star with her sisters, and the family continued their television presence with “The Kardashians” on Hulu starting in 2022.
At age 14, Jenner signed with Wilhelmina Models and began her modeling career with Forever 21‘s “Rocker Babes with a Twist” campaign as her first professional assignment. Her breakout modeling years occurred in 2014 and 2015, when she walked for high-fashion designers during New York, Milan, and Paris fashion weeks. She became an Estée Lauder brand ambassador in 2014 and appeared in campaigns, editorials, and covers for prestigious publications including “LOVE” magazine and several international editions of “Vogue.”
Forbes named Jenner the world’s highest-paid model in 2017, surpassing Gisele Bündchen’s long-held position. She debuted at number 16 on Forbes‘s 2015 top-earning models list with $4 million in annual income, eventually earning $22.5 million in 2018.
Beyond modeling, Jenner launched 818 Tequila in 2021 and engaged in various clothing, accessories, and makeup merchandising initiatives. While her sister Kylie founded Kylie Cosmetics and built a billion-dollar beauty brand, Kendall focused primarily on her modeling career and selective business ventures.
Jenner maintains a substantial social media presence with millions of followers across platforms, establishing herself as a top fashion e-commerce influencer. She leverages these platforms for brand promotion, modeling work, and personal branding while collaborating with fashion and beauty industry leaders. Her sustained visibility in celebrity and fashion circles, combined with her openness about family dynamics including her father’s gender change, has solidified her position as a trendsetter and influential public figure.
