As one half of a celebrity couple, Kayla Rae Reid is often exposed to the spotlight. Celebrity couples frequently capture the interest and imagination of thousands who want to know what the couple is truly like, away from the camera. Some celebrities are difficult to read, while some, like Kayla, embrace social media popularity and choose to share the joy of their lives with others.

Recently becoming engaged to her boyfriend Ryan Lochte, Kayla has experienced a new level of scrutiny and interest. Not only is she going to be marrying one of the most famous athletes in the country, but with controversy swirling about his actions at the Rio Olympics, she has been thrust into the public consciousness of the country.

While best known as a Playboy Playmate, Kayla’s career and personal life are far more diverse than one might expect. Many people are unaware of the many ways she uses her charisma, entrepreneurial spirit, character, and stunning looks outside of modeling. In fact, she is so much more than “Ryan Lochte’s girlfriend,” and it would be unfair to present her as such.

Here are some of the lesser known facts about Kayla Rae Reid:

10. She met her future husband on Tinder

While Kayla is very active on social media such as Instagram and Twitter, she apparently also uses the Tinder app to meet people. Popular for hookups, there have been many stories of Tinder matches developing a serious relationship. Luckily, this was one match that did not end up as a brief fling; the couple ended up dating for 9 months before becoming engaged.

The basic concept of Tinder is that users can view the profiles of nearby users (including a picture and some choice descriptions) and then swipe right to “like” the person. It’s not surprising that two people known for their looks and success would be attracted to one another.

Kayla discussed this modern introduction to her future husband in an interview, where she coyly told the interviewer that they met because he was on Tinder and she was as well. That was her only answer.

9. She was a Monster Girl

While best known for her Playboy career, Kayla has used her charisma and looks for other ventures as well. In fact, before ever working for Playboy, she was a “Monster Girl” with the Monster Energy company.

This was her first major role in the entertainment industry before her big break came with modeling. She worked with Monster’s motorsports circuit, which makes sense given her penchant for thrills and attention. Marrying a professional athlete is no surprise considering her career choices.

8. Kayla Rae Reid Net worth

As a popular and hard-working model, Kayla has amassed a personal net worth of over $800 000. It is to be expected that she is well-off, given how successful her career has been to date. As well, her future husband is reportedly worth around $6.2 million, so she is certainly not financially suffering after her engagement.

It is worth noting, however, that Lochte’s sponsorship losses after the scandals at the Rio Olympics could mean a decrease in his own income. Regardless, both parties are currently sitting in a very comfortable place because of their successes.

7. She loves the sunshine and outdoors

Although Kayla was born in Fairfax, Virginia, she moved to California as a child and grew up basking in the sunshine of Palm Springs. This childhood gave her a special perspective of the country, as well as a passion for the sunshine.

She has expressed her love for the heat in numerous interviews, even calling herself “the sunshine chick.” It is no surprise that Kayla is so comfortable in such small amounts of clothing, given the climate of her upbringing.

6. She was proposed to in style

While most people would agree that proposals are a deeply intimate matter that should really only depend on the two people involved, there is a great deal of expectations when it comes to celebrity proposals. Ryan Lochte’s proposal to Kayla did not disappoint.

Not only did Lochte present Kayla with a huge, custom diamond ring, but he did so in style. After taking a helicopter ride over Los Angeles, he popped the question on a Malibu hilltop with a stunning view.

The rest, of course, is history. The couple made sure the world knew the good news by posting about it on Instagram shortly afterwards.

5. Her relationship was documented on social media

For such a high profile celebrity couple, Kayla’s relationship with Ryan Lochte has had a murky timeline. Although the two apparently started dating in March, when the first of many romantic pictures of the two began appearing on social media, Lochte even said he was on Tinder in the summer.

This is likely untrue, because Kayla attended the Olympics to cheer on her boyfriend. Of course, this was all documented on Instagram. As well, their proposal was announced with an Instagram post.

Kayla has followed up on the modern means that first brought her and Lochte together, ensuring that the public has enough information to keep them satisfied as she shares her romantic journey with the world.

4. She was the July Playmate of the Month for 2015

Kayla not only stands out from most people because of her exceptional looks and positivity, she also stands out among the elite models that have graced the pages of Playboy. Her distinct looks and popularity earned her the distinction of being the July Playmate of the Month in 2015.

This was particularly special for Kayla because she was born in July. It was an excellent way to celebrate her 24th birthday, and is certainly one of the highlights of her career thus far.

3. She has dreams of a future television career

Kayla is more than just beautiful and successful; she is always dreaming of reaching higher and higher achievements. Despite such a remarkable modeling career, she has stated that her ultimate goal is to have a career in television.

With great entrepreneurial savvy, Kayla has used her career with Monster Energy to work with Playboy. She hopes she can repeat this act, using Playboy to earn her a television spot. It is not certain which type of program she hopes to appear on, although she has stated that she loves documentaries.

2. She is incredibly supportive

Sometimes bring famous, driven, and wealthy can leave a person with unfavorable people skills. Kayla, however, is far from cold or cut-throat. Instead, it appears that she is known as a supportive and loyal person.

With her boyfriend caught up in scandals from his escapades in Rio, Kayla stood by him the entire time. She also supported him after the stage was rushed by protestors during his Dancing With the Stars performance.

In fact, Lochte has said that her supportiveness is one of the main reasons he fell in love with her.

1. Her entertainment experience began with cheerleading

While best known for her modeling work with Monster and Playboy, Kayla’s first taste of the entertainment industry came from her cheerleading experience. She participated in cheerleading from her childhood all the way to her college days, before pursuing the Monster Energy job. The excitement, attention, and discipline of cheerleading prepared her for such a varied and successful modeling career, which she hopes will bring about even greater things in the future.

Conclusion

Kayla Rae Reid is a multi-faceted individual that has worked for just about her entire life to become a skilled entertainer. While perhaps best known for her relationship and recent engagement to swimmer Ryan Lochte, she has experienced great success with modeling, even being awarded with Playboy’s Playmate of the Month award. Despite such success, and the wealth that comes with it, she is known as a kind and supportive partner as well.