Haley Kalil Was a Lab Technician, Now She’s Walking in NYFW — Here’s Her Advice for Switching Careers & Following Passions
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Model, former pageant queen, content creator and scientist are all words you can use to describe Haley Kalil, an influencer who has a whopping 6.4 million followers on TikTok. Most recently, however, one more descriptor can be added to the list: a NYFW runway model. In fact, Kalil made her debut on Sept 8 at the Jovani fashion show at New York Fashion Week. After the show, Kalil opened up to SheKnows about her milestone moment, getting prepared for the show and her ever-changing career.
“I was so excited!” she says of the Jovani runway show, adding that the brand “was one of the first brands I ever worked with when I was a model.” As for how she got ready, Kalil admits nothing could have prepared herself for the moment (Kalil even wrapped the show as their last model).
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“Talk about social anxiety!” she adds. “There’s so many variables at play but I think the key to staying confident on a runway is to let go of some of control, relax, remember everyone is just as nervous as you, and get pumped up with some good music (preferably Taylor Swift),” she says, noting that “a Red Bull or a Celsius” might’ve also helped relieve the stress.
If you follow Kalil on social media, or watched her in the show, you know that her beauty and confidence is undeniable. But, according to her, her self-love journey was a long-winding process. “I spent so many years of my life being uncomfortable in my own skin,” she admits. “I was teased relentlessly growing up so it’s easy for some of that negativity to stick with you…”
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As for her advice on getting through that hump, Kalil says “confidence is a mindset.” “Fake it until you make it!” she adds.
Most of all, Kalil says that the key to her newfound attitude is her community, both in person and online. “I’ve surrounded myself with super positive and inspirational women — whether that’s my family, my friends, my team, or other creators — and that’s definitely helped me,” she says. “I’d tell everyone to do the same… make sure you find your people.”
As for one thing that surprised Kalil about fashion week, she reveals the whole experience was “extremely exhausting.” “You’re running all around from show to show, or stoping by events. And there’s always an outfit change in between,” she says. “Most of the time, there’s nowhere to change so you change in the backseat of a car. But that’s part of the fun… so we embrace the chaos!”
Prior to becoming a model, Kalil was following a completely different career path and was a lab technician studying for the MCAT following her graduation from St. Cloud State University with a Bachelor of Science in medical biology and psychology, per Daily Mail. While studying, however, she applied for a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit open casting call and was one of two models selected for the 2018 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
Looking back, Kalil is grateful for her time in the medical field, but is happy she found her true calling. “I love medicine!” she says. “I have so much respect for those working in the medical industry. They are doing work in those labs that will make lasting change on millions of people’s lives for years to come.”
“Going from working in a lab to creating content has been a culture shock for sure,” she remembers. “But I absolutely ADORE my job!! It’s given me the opportunity to connect with people I may have otherwise never had the chance to. My community is the reason I post every single day! And luckily I’m still able to tap into my former passions!”
Since building her platform, Kalil founded The Nerd Herd, an organization that empowers women to love their bodies and minds while working to educate the new generation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). “If I didn’t have as big a platform as I do now, I wouldn’t be able to reach as many people with my work,” she adds of her foundation. “Making a difference and giving back remains something I care deeply about.”
For anyone looking to make such a major career change, Kalil is the first to cheer you on. “Find what you’re most passionate about, and follow that,” she says. “Don’t let anyone put you in a box or tell you that you can’t do something – it’s your contrasts that make you unique.”
Before you go, click here to see all of the models who’ve walked down the runway pregnant!
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