Kade The Man is only 8 years old, and he’s already stacking up a modeling resume most adults would envy. With over 10K followers and posts pulling anywhere from 10K to 60K views, Kade The Man has quickly become one of the flyest kids on the internet.

Styled by his mother, Toni P, the Dayton, Ohio native is making a name for himself well beyond his years. Kade The Man has elevated brands like Kith, Gap, and Bottega Veneta, and he was the face of Jordan Craig’s Kids line, a huge milestone in his journey as a young creator.

We sat down with Kade The Man’s mother, Toni P, to find out what compelled her to start posting pictures online, what the ups and downs of the attention have looked like, and how it’s helping launch a clothing line of her own.

Who Is Kade The Man?

Here’s our exclusive interview with Kade The Man’s stylist, mother, and manager, Toni P.

FITGRADES: How did you first get started creating content with Kade?

Toni P.: I’ve always loved fashion. When Kade was born, I couldn’t really find clothes that fit the style I wanted for him. Then I discovered Jordan Craig and started buying a lot of their clothes because there just weren’t many brands making fashionable clothing for boys.

Kade really inspired me to start modeling with him. I love styling people, whether it’s my friends or other kids in the community. I’ve even styled children for picture day. Fashion has always been something I genuinely love.

One thing a lot of parents struggle with is knowing whether their child actually wants to model or if they’re pushing them into it. How did you find that balance with Kade?

Toni P.: Communication. I always ask him if he wants to do it, and he always says yes. He genuinely enjoys it.

I never wanted to force anything because kids can’t fake excitement. If they don’t want to be there, it shows in the photos. Authenticity matters.

Meet Toni P, The Woman Behind Kade The Man’s Style

What’s your creative process like? Do you batch your content?

Toni P.: Absolutely.

I’ll hang all of the outfits in the car and shoot multiple looks in one day. A lot of it comes down to the location. Sometimes it’s graffiti walls. Sometimes it’s a clean background. It all depends on what fits the outfit.

I live in Ohio, and there are a lot of murals and creative spaces around the city. I’ll drive around looking for inspiration, and sometimes the environment completely shapes the content.

What are some of your favorite brands for kids?

Toni P.: Jordan Craig is definitely one of my favorites. I also love brands like Tommy Hilfiger, See You In Paradise, Polo, Cat & Jack from Target, and honestly Target has a lot of great pieces. Their graphic tees are especially good because they’re easy to style with just about anything.

I noticed you customize clothing too. Is starting your own clothing brand something you’ve thought about?

Toni P.: I actually already have one.

But, manufacturing has been difficult. I’ve dealt with scams, samples coming back completely different than what I designed, sizing issues—you name it. It can be frustrating when manufacturers don’t fully understand your vision.

The brand is called Drip Icon.

Kade The Man’s Biggest Brand Moments

Are you currently working with many brands?

Toni P.: Besides Jordan Craig, I have a Gap back-to-school campaign coming up with Kade.

I do have moments where I get discouraged with social media because it feels so saturated. But I also remind myself there’s only one me and there’s only one Kade.

I don’t think you realize how good your work is. Your styling, your photography, and the way Kade models all stand out. You’re one of the best creators. Do you spend time studying content creation or marketing?

Toni P.: I don’t really read books on it, but I listen to podcasts and follow fashion designers and other creators who are doing well in the industry. I like learning from people who are already succeeding.

Your numbers are already impressive. What kind of monthly reach are you seeing?

Toni P.: It usually ranges between about 50,000 and 100,000 views each month.

How do you feel about putting Kade in front of such a large audience?

Toni P.: Honestly, sometimes it’s a little scary.

People form opinions about children they don’t even know. Just recently someone commented that Kade was going to grow up arrogant.

Comments like that used to bother me a lot more, but now I’ve learned not to let them affect me. Sometimes they actually motivate me to keep going.

I understand that completely. People can be incredibly judgmental online. At the same time, you’ve built something really special. How does it feel knowing Kade has become one of the recognizable faces of Jordan Craig’s kids line?

Toni P.: I love it.

It means a lot knowing Jordan Craig genuinely loves working with him.

Do you ever find yourself being your own toughest critic?

Toni P.: All the time.

I’ll take photos and immediately think they aren’t good enough. Then I’ll go back a month later and wonder why I was so hard on myself because I actually love them.

I think every creative goes through that. One lesson I’ve learned from interviewing artists and creators over the years is that they often dislike the work audiences end up loving the most. Sometimes you just have to create, put it into the world, and let people decide what resonates. Finally, what’s next for you and Kade The Man?

Toni P.: We’re continuing to grow, keep creating content, and work with more brands. I’m excited to see where everything goes from here.

That’s the story behind Kade The Man’s rise, and by the sound of it, this is only the beginning. Who should we interview next and what brands would you like to see Toni and Kade work with next?