Name – Elyse Hofer
Family Dynamics – I live with my parents, Michelle and Mitchell. I have three siblings. My brothers, Rhys and Peyton, are both in College. My sister, Saydee, is a Senior in High School. We have two dogs, Olive and Sage. Both are Australian Labradoodles.
Hobbies/Pastime – I love playing sports. I currently play soccer and basketball. I enjoy being outside and swimming in the pool and lake. I’ve always enjoyed fashion and modeling, and I’m working on making that a career. In my free time, I enjoy baking and crafting, and have recently fallen in love with making bleach-dyed shirts.
Business/Talent – I have been an Influencer on Instagram and TikTok for several years. I work directly with brands providing photos for their websites, as well as making videos for their social media platforms. I also have experience as a print and runway model, and have had the opportunity to travel to cities all over the world to model. My favorite has been Dubai, but I’m heading to Tokyo in November.
Where are you from? – I’m from a small town in Southeast Indiana.
What are you passionate about? What is the driving force behind it? – I’m passionate about fashion, and have been ever since I was a little kid. I was always admiring the outfits and shoes of people around me. This has turned into my current love of fashion and modeling. I also love sharing inspirational and uplifting quotes when posting on social media. The world needs more kindness and love, so I try to share as much as I can.
What sets you apart from others in your same field? – Currently, what sets me apart in the runway world is my age. Being 5’ 10” and looking older, has given me opportunities that I might not have experienced otherwise. However, I’m usually the youngest.
What’s your purpose in life? – I believe my purpose in life is to be a light to everyone who I come in contact with. In the modeling world, there is so much competition, jealousy, and hate. I want everyone to know and believe that there is room for them to shine.
What does it mean to be a Model Icon Model? – I absolutely love representing Model Icon. They promote diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry, which directly aligns with, what I believe is, my purpose in life. I love that their workshops and shows are not “one size fits all”. There is a place for everyone
What would you tell your younger self? – I would tell my younger self to never give up on her dreams. There will be hard days and set backs, but if you keep your eye on the end goal, work hard every day, treat others with kindness, and celebrate the small steps, your dream will eventually become reality.
Who are your role models? – My role model is Coco Rocha. I was able to attend the Coco Rocha Model Camp over the summer, and she is one amazing woman. She truly cares for everyone who comes to her camp. She spent time with each person individually talking about our dreams and goals, she spent time one-on-one with each person during a photo shoot, and taught me so much about the modeling world.
What would you say to those that are starting out in your field? – One thing I would say to people who are starting out in the modeling world is to NEVER GIVE UP. You will face hardships and rejections. But just know that each agency, client, designer, etc. has a vision. Even though your current image may not fit their vision, it doesn’t mean that there is anything wrong with you. You just need to find your people. That could take months, or even years, but it will happen.
What is your favorite quote? Explain. – “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” This has been my favorite quote since I was very young. I’ve had it hanging in my room for years. I truly believe that kindness and love can open so many doors for you. Staying humble and treating people with respect has always been a goal of mine, and I do believe it has paid off.
If you were an animal, what would it be and why? – If I could be any animal, it would be a giraffe. To be honest, I’ve always been referred to as a “baby giraffe” as I grew tall very quickly and it took me a little bit to figure out my height. I’d love to be a giraffe because they are so unique. I love being tall, so being a tall animal would be perfect. You stick out and people notice you.
If you could leave a lasting impression, what would that look like? – I don’t feel like you need to move mountains to make a lasting impression. Even if I know I’ve made an impact on one person, I will feel successful.
Feather dress- Elyse Hofer
Designer: M&J Designs
Photographer: Cuauhtemoc Campos of Model Icon Inc
