INTERVIEW 003: Michaela Hartnett Didn’t Like Looking at Herself, Now She’s Killing The Modeling Game

Interview With Michaela Hartnett

Ethnicity: White

Profession: Model and Student

Current Location (Country): United States

Instagram Username: @its.michael.with.an.a

What inspired you to get into the modeling industry?

When I was little I saw an episode of America’s Next Top Model and I loved it. I told my mom about the show and she mentioned to me how she modeled when she was a teenager. 

This set the wheels in motion. I kept watching America’s Next Top Model and doing research and dreaming of modeling.

How long have you been modeling?

I have been modeling close to two years.

As a model/aspiring model, do you think that it is important to have a large following?

I think it depends. I don’t think a large following should dictate whether an agency signs a model because a large following does not guarantee ability or personality. However, it is important for me personally because I want to inspire and be a light for people.

Who is your favorite model?

I have multiple because no two models are the same and all have unique things they bring to the industry, but the first model I ever saw and looked up to was Cindy Crawford.

She has a beauty mark on her face and this helped me get through my own insecurities about my beauty mark.

Were you ever camera shy?

When I was younger and less confident in my looks I was camera shy. I did not like looking at myself and never wanted to take a photo because of it.

Have you ever been published in a print or digital magazine before?

Not yet. I have been featured by some accounts on Instagram and put on my university’s fashion magazine blog, but not in one. I do have a goal making the cover of every Vogue Magazine and all the others I can think of, so this is such an exciting step for me!

What’s something a guy can do to get your attention?

I notice if a guy is polite or has manners first. If he holds the door open for me or others, smiles or says “please” and “thank you” he will immediately grab my attention.

 What’s an instant deal-breaker for you?

An instant deal breaker is if a guy is rude and has no manners. The best way to see this is to see how he treats or talks about his mother. If he is mean or rude then you can kind of tell he will not treat you right.

What is your ideal first date?

My ideal first date is something that is somewhat planned out by the guy. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but nice and like he put some thought into what we are doing.

One thing I don’t want to do is dinner and a movie. For me it’s so cliche and I would rather do something where we continued to get to know each other.

Tell us a random fact about yourself.

I have a weird love for cows and horses. I think they are so cute!!

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of how far I have come in this industry. Even though, I am still a beginner, it takes a lot of courage to keep going after being told “no” repeatedly, but somehow I keep chasing my dreams and trying to accomplish my goals…

What’s your favorite healthy snack?

I love to eat Greek Yogurt with granola. It’s so yummy and a great late night snack!

Did you have any mentors who greatly impacted your career or growth?

My mom has influenced me because I was able to ask her questions about her career and learn from what was done then versus now.

Also, her work ethic is amazing. She keeps going until the job is done. She doesn’t quit and she continues to encourage me to not quit on my dreams and career.

Do you have any tips for aspiring models who are trying to break into the industry?

Don’t join this industry because you think it’s cool and easy. Modeling is hard work and you need a passion for it like any other job. As much as my feet hurt after a runway show I would do it again because of how much I love it.

Make sure your heart and mind are in the right spot because this is a hard industry and can take away your self confidence if you are in it for the wrong reasons.

What do you want to be remembered as?

I want people to remember me as a good person, who changed the fashion industry and was able to inspire so many other people to chase their own dreams.

I also want people to know that they do not have to sacrifice their morals or beliefs for a job. They can make it work. 

I am a Christian and can be somewhat picky about what I am wearing and what it shows, some people will not work with me because I don’t want to be nude or overly revealing, but it’s okay because nothing will stop me from reaching my goals and I hope people see that and that it encourages them.