Kyla Cole

After a contentious six-year relationship, Cole broke up with her manager and boyfriend, photographer Stephen Hicks, the man who was instrumental in launching her career.

Kyla remains devoted to a close-knit circle of friends in her homeland, but has so far not had much success in romantic relationships.

Kyla's achievements remain a point of pride for many people in Slovakia.

Kyla was born Martina Jacova on November 10, 1978, in Prešov, Czechoslovakia (present Slovakia). She is her parents' first child.

As a young girl, she loved to visit her grandmother's farm in the countryside.

As a young teen, Kyla used to receive love notes and gifts from fellow schoolmates.

Kyla studied fashion design and painting in high school.

In 1998, at age 19, Kyla moved to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic.

Posters of women on the walls of her boyfriend's apartment inspired Kyla to try her hand at modeling.

In the summer of 1999, Kyla got a work visa and she traveled to the United States to work as a counsellor at a summer camp.

Upon encouragement from a friend, she participated in a beauty pageant, 'Miss Monticello Raceway,' and came out a winner, in July 1999.

In December 1999, one of Kyla's first photo shoots appeared in Genesis magazine.

Kyla Cole has gracefully managed a long and prosperous career as a glamorous model. Proud of her heritage, Kyla enjoys her celebrity role as a representative of Slovakia on the global stage.