Check out our interview with stunning British Model and Entrepreneur Holly Hawkins-Smith. Holly was born and raised in Brighton, England and was scouted at age 9 by a child model agency and has been working in the industry ever since. She recently signed with top London Model Agency FOMO Models and has worked with some of the most influential fashion brands in the industry including Valentino Beauty, SKIMS by Kim Kardashian, Oh Polly, Lounge, Pretty Little Thing, Boohoo and is an Ambassador for American Fashion Brand, Fashion Nova to name a few.
Besides modelling Holly also has her own successful business Kamiraa and is currently working on her first sustainable swimwear line to be launched this Summer!
Follow Holly on IG @hollyhawkinssmith
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Loyal, kind and happy.
How and when did you start modeling?
I was scouted by Grace and Galor, a child’s model agency when I was 9 years old and travelled internationally modeling until Covid-19. I’m now signed with an adult Model Agency FOMO models in London.
The most important thing when you are shooting is?
Never be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, I am a bubbly happy person, but when I very first started modeling, I was very camera shy and not overly confident with posing. I learnt the most important thing was to never hold back! Imagine no one is in the room and work it!
What’s your advice for the newer models and influencers?
Always be yourself, consistency is key. Lots of research and learn from the best in the industry. It’s always great to have muses, people to inspire you, whether it be there work ethic, style or image. Always be Kind.
Can you name a few brands you are working with or have worked with?
I am an ambassador for Fashion Nova and I have worked for Oh Polly, Club London, Pretty Little Thing, SKIMS, Lounge, Valentino Beauty, That’s so Fetcho, Lemon Lunar and Femme Luxe.
What’s next for Holly Camilla?
My goals for this year are, as always work work work! My mindset has always been work hard at a young age for a financially stable future. Im currently designing something new and exciting for Kamiraa which I can’t wait to show you all.
I also have castings and shoots and hopefully lots of travelling. I’m just so grateful to do what I love every day and thankful to each and everyone one of you that support me along the way!
If you could meet someone living or dead who would it be and why?
I would love to meet Selena Gomez. She’s a Cancer like me and has very similar values. She seems so lovely and a huge inspiration to so many people. A true Icon.
Please describe a typical day for you?
I’m usually up early and the first thing I do is make my bed! It really bugs me if I leave my room and I know it’s not done! I always have breakfast, it’s usually avocado on toast or yogurt and fruit. If I don’t have a shoot that day, I tend to go to the gym and walk my dogs after breakfast, and then I go to my office and work on Kamiraa. I’m in London with friends some evenings, but If I stay home, I’m usually in bed working on my lap top by 9pm or watching Netflix. ????
As a popular model and influencer you are followed by so many people. How do you feel about that pressure of doing always the right thing, and encourage people to follow their dreams?
I will always encourage people to follow their dreams, I’m living proof of that! Ever since I was a little girl I knew I wanted to model, travel and be successful. I had extremely bad skin when I turned 15 and I didn’t believe in myself if I’m totally honest! I lacked confidence, but my parents made me realize that nothing good comes easily and I will face much harder times in the future and to never ever give up! I want to show my followers that nobody is perfect and there is always ups and down along the way.
When it comes to doing the right thing, I do feel greatly that I have a responsibility to my followers to help make changes for the better. My new business Kamiraa’s main ethos is sustainability. Our fashion brand pieces are made from plastic bottles and netting from the ocean. It was incredibly important to me, that if I was going to start something it had to be ethical and I’m really proud of it! Our first bikini launches in the Summer.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
Girl Boss by Sophia Amoruso.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Being with friends or family.
What annoys you the most?
People who are rude.
Something you can’t live without?
Family.
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car?
Omg easy! Anything by Rihanna.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Removing everything in my life that creates negative energy, surrounding myself with family and friends I love, and that genuinely love me and want the best for me. Keeping my circle small, safe and happy, and also encouraging them to be the best they can be.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
This is a hard one, as I could say so many things to a younger me. I think firstly I would say always believe in your gut it’s never wrong!
Who has made the biggest impact in your life so far, and why?
My parents, especially my Mum. She always told me to believe in myself and anything is possible if I put my mind to it! She instilled in me in a fairly young age to work for my dreams and to set goals for myself and always above all do what makes me happy ????
Do you support any charity?
I support Guide Dogs for the blind. My family have for many years and I started to also, when I turned 18.
