Meredith Mickelson is the Girl Next Door
Gen-Z bombshell Meredith Mickelson dominates social media as the multidimensional, multitalented model-vlogger-influencer triple threat — with a striking profile. Bode’s Errin Taylor Maye virtually visits Mickelson to discuss quarantine routines, life in the industry, and [hopeful] 21st birthday plans.
Model: Meredith Mickelson | Photographer: Lauren Schulz | Stylist: Beatrice Balaj | Hair & Makeup: Leibi Carias | Jewelry: Logan Hollowell | Dress: MATERIEL | Boots: Paris Texas
Self-described as a bubbly, loyal, and hardworking southern-bred model, Meredith Mickelson has graced a mélange of magazine covers, high-profile pages of Vogue, Kardashian-led Good American campaign, and has since become a lucrative social media figure – all in just the past few years. Now, with the industry at a standstill, Mickelson has adapted to quarantine life rather productively. While in conversation, Mickelson notes her chance to take a low-key trip. “Currently I’m in Atlanta for a few days for Mother’s Day. I’m trying to spend as much time with my family before I head back to Los Angeles for work,” Mickelson shares. The majority of the model’s days in LA naturally — to her — consist of morning coffee, listening to the Beatles, a podcast, then partaking in something active, either a hike or workout class. On lockdown in the hills of Los Angeles, Mickelson is not alone — housed with fellow model Katelyn Rae Byrd. The two confidently display their hidden talents as young yogis. “Self-quarantining with my other half who keeps me sane (clearly, we’re getting creative here),” Mickelson captions a mesmerizing photo with the two models in a rather acrobatic position, but also somehow pleasing. Plus, no one can knock the backdrop view. From in-home yoga to self-directed photoshoots and a few curated throwback editorial shoots, Mickelson is a sight to see (and follow). Her pearly whites, captivating green eyes, and a signature — and envious — pout, Mickelson wants the world to know she is much more than her mesmerizing surface looks.
“The fashion industry wasn’t always in the cards for me,” the model relayed, cozying up in sweats – far from her off-duty street style of oversized jeans and a band tee — she continues, “I think it’s something that comes with a lot of determination, focus and not giving up, not a deck of cards you are dealt in life.” Mickelson, a native of Alpharetta, Georgia, was discovered at the age of fourteen in a local mall. Since the launch of her career, it is the model’s mature view on the experience that has allowed her a gracious, steady, and long-lasting climb to the top as a public figure. “My biggest message from myself, model or not, would be to surround yourself with people who support you and protect your mental health. Don’t let your career, materialistic items, and your success define who you are as a person. You could reach every goal in life and have everything you want, but if you’re not happy, none of that means anything,” says Mickelson. For the last five years, Mickelson has dominated the fashion industry. Her face and name have echoed in the offices and halls of designers, famed photographers, and editors alike. For the model, things took off rather quickly. “My first encounter with this industry was crazy. I was fifteen shooting summer outfits in the snow, and I’ll never forget how cold it was, but I was so excited to do it. My most memorable shoot is for sure anything with Ellen Von Unwerth, Evelien Joos, and Sloan Laurits for CR Fashion Book,” beamed Mickelson.
Tank: Oh Polly | Hat: Eugenia Kim | Jewelry: Logan Hollowell
Pants: LPA | Boots: Paris Texas
As a flourishing influencer and established industry figure, the model’s pinch-me-moment happened on the set of a global beauty campaign. “Brand wise doing a campaign for Maybelline was so memorable for me, especially because I remember being younger and seeing all those beautiful girls when I would go buy Baby Lips and just be in awe. So, to see me up there was just surreal,” says Mickelson. Quite different, yet quite the same in many ways from her social media versus her real life, Mickelson explains her tactic of mainly posting photos of her work. Though other times the model shares about 20% of herself behind-the-scenes, one will likely find her comfortably in sweats and no makeup. Seemingly, the model has had to juggle growing up in the public eye, which many her age would sell their souls to do, but she understands the stakes have been paramount from the start. “Being in the public eye has its ups-and-downs. So many opinions on my dating life, body, and anything I do. I’ve dealt with a lot of hate from a young age due to my past relationships. I’d like to say it didn’t get to me, but being that young it did. Realizing I couldn’t please everyone was a super hard thing for me. I tried changing my body several times to fit a mold and was constantly searching for approval. As I’ve grown and become my healthiest self mentally — and physically — none of that comes to mind. I accept myself and love myself exactly the way I am. No one else’s opinions define me anymore,” states the model. Usually quite open with past and current relationships, Mickelson has learned to take precaution when it comes to displays and over conversations that will ultimately dissect the very special and intimate bonds in her life. With added opinions, judgment, and hate that can come from every direction, the model-influencer has opted to move forward with keeping her personal life not as open. Raw, vulnerable, and sincere, adhering to her privacy, the model did praise one impactful and important special someone currently in her life: “My manager Rhiyen,” says Mickelson as she reflected on his loyalty over the past years. Mickelson has been using this time of lockdown to self-reflect and dives deep into her self-love practices. Whether it is experimenting with a new facial mask, counting her breaths in a pretzel yoga pose, or taking time off away from social media Mickelson is focusing on one serious relationship – 100% herself.
Celebrating a milestone amid quarantine sounds farfetched, but today, it is all too real. Lately, it has been a difficult feat to escape the realm of social media. From Tik Tok dance challenges to drive-by birthday parties, Mickelson is upping her creative ideas to make her birthday extra special. It is the monumental 2-1 after all. “It’s a big one!” laughs Mickelson, and we were eager to divulge not only how she intends to celebrate, but most importantly, what will she be wearing. “Hopefully, we still won’t be in quarantine. I want to go to Hawaii, so hopefully, I’ll be wearing a bikini,” the model says flashing her pearly whites. Although in place of her dream, sweet twenty-one birthday vacation, sharing in Zoom and FaceTime celebrations with loved ones might have to suffice. For one, the model will be showered with love across social media: “Social media has opened up so many doors for me, which I’m very blessed to have my platform,” beamed the model. With more than 1.9 million followers, the model-influencer brings fantasy, fun, and all-around girl next door to her curated feed. Highlighting exclusive events like Gucci, Cannes, Super Bowl, and Coachella, and behind-the-scenes photoshoots, the highly impressive insights are from Mickelson’s virtual travel diary. From Abu Dhabi to Milano, Paris, London, Ibiza, Capri, Positano, and Florence, when asked her favorite vacation spot, Mickelson is stumped — every time. “Between the desert in Abu Dhabi and the island of Bora Bora. Riding ATV’s during sunset on the sand was insane and seeing water so blue and an island so pure in Bora Bora, it’s just crazy to experience that level of beauty in both those places,” Mickelson gleamed. A dream world for many, Mickelson’s work carries her to distant lands allowing the model to soak up every bit of diversity, fashion, and culture cities have to offer. “They all offer things I appreciate and admire. Each place I travel to offers something completely different. I find things I love in each city,” shares Mickelson.
Bodysuit: Commando | Jewelry: Logan Hollowell
Tank: Oh Polly | Hat: Eugenia Kim | Jewelry: Logan Hollowell
Work is her passion. “I put so much of my energy there so when I get to share it, it excites me,” says Mickelson. Introducing her to highly important figures in the world, the model thanks social media again for its ability to aid in the connections to some “extraordinary humans in the fashion industry.” As it is inspiring looking at other influential figures and their accounts, the model addresses the pressure of dismissing the need to compare. “It is very hard to not compare yourself, but everyone’s accomplishments deserve to be celebrated,” she says, sharing her favorite adage, “someone else’s success is not your failure.” The model finds inspiration through beloved Elsa Hosk and Bella Hadid, and vintage-inspired looks from iconic rocker style icons David Bowie and Mick Jagger. Though social media comes with many pros and cons, one thing Mickelson admires most about the platform is sharing healthy practices and personal struggles. “I speak on things I believe in and promote a healthy lifestyle. I also feel lucky to speak on topics that show every day isn’t perfect for me and I do have struggles. As I got older, I surrounded myself with the most genuine and loyal people; I got super lucky with an incredible group of friends and family. I also realize social media is just a highlight reel and the human connections you have are most important,” shares Mickelson.
Unapologetic, the model feels the freest when discussing her developed self-love. “I’ve gone through a good amount of mental health battles, and worked super hard for the career that has shaped me to be who I am today, and to love myself the way I deserve,” says Mickelson. With a thicker skin, the model has learned over the years to not harp on the no’s in life. “The best advice would be ‘you’re going to be told ‘no’ 99% of the time. Don’t let that 99% stop you from continuing to push hard to get that yes.’ I would also tell my past self to surround myself with a team that I hold close to my heart. That no matter what will respect me and never try to change the way I am,” says the model. It may seem like second nature to Mickelson to receive two-sense advice, but it is another story to share her own with others. “A piece of advice — career-wise — I would say is what my manager has told me, in that ‘in life, you’re given as many opportunities as you’re prepared to stand up and bat for.’ In other words, no matter how many times you fall you get another opportunity if you provide it for yourself. Also, I would remind myself it will all work out, and if it doesn’t work out that door closes so another opens,” the model advises. Her current motto to others, as well as her self-practicing, is to be present. “I would get so caught up in the ‘what’s next’ that I would forget to even be proud of myself for my accomplishments. So, I am always working on that,” shared Mickelson. Taking on the mental note – closing out the conversation – the model left one bit of advice on the table: “Always eat the cookie.”
Hair piece: Ettika | Jumpsuit: Ronny Kobo | Boots: Miista | Jewelry: Logan Hollowell
