Meredith Mickelson on finding strength in vulnerability

Mickelson owes it all to her family. Their unwavering support has been the foundation for everything she’s learned and achieved so far, teaching a young Mickelson how to treat herself and others. “I think that’s where my confidence comes from,” she says of the values her parents have instilled. “I will always be the best person I can be, and I know that to my core. I go to bed happy at night because I know that I will always try to treat people the way they should be treated.”

While her parents were skeptical at first, the stars aligned for Mickelson when she was scouted in her local mall by a modeling agent at just 14 years old. “My parents were always there for me. They’re the strongest people I know.” After she began booking jobs at 15, Mickelson shares how her parents “picked up their whole lives and made it happen for [her].”

While her scouting story is just one of thousands, Mickelson honors the slow burn trajectory of her career in her first modeling projects. She laughs at the memory of shooting in below freezing temperatures, reflecting on how that experience took away some of her initial wide-eyed awe. Still, she recalls feeling over the moon. “I remember getting paid a hundred dollars. I was like, ‘Let’s go! I am a working model!’” 

Ten years later, Mickelson has made a reputable name for herself and has taken the industry by storm. From gracing magazine covers to starring in campaigns for brands like Kith and Maybelline, Mickelson is a model megastar and social media it girl. On the outside, she has it all figured out. Her highs have been stellar, but the lows have taught Mickelson immense lessons.

“I’ve been in airports sobbing my eyes out because I get so overwhelmed that I don’t know what I’m doing. It eventually catches up to you,” she admits. “It’s a self-taught emotional process that you go through, when you’re traveling from Europe to the United States three times a week. I had to learn how to disassociate and turn off my emotions and anxiety.” 

Mickelson’s career has been a balancing act — one that she is not sure she will ever perfect. “I’m learning to be present in the important moments, instead of freaking out about how overwhelming it all is,” she says of the day-to-day uncertainties. “Sometimes, I’ll have a whole week or a whole month where nothing’s happening, and then the next month, I’ll work every single day. I’ve learned to appreciate the months where I’m working every single day, because I might have not worked the week or month before. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve also learned to appreciate not only the time on, but also the time off.” 

Mickelson prioritizes ambition and determination in an industry that is quick to bring her down. She recalls the advice she received just starting out, words she still clings to as inspiration today. “I remember, at a young age, my manager told me, ‘You get as many chances as you’re willing to stand up and take.’”

Mickelson has discovered power in her confidence amidst rejection and hardship. “Having beautiful relationships outside of my career has given me the ability to like who I am now. I love my style, and I love to try new things,” she says. “I have enormous respect for my friends. I look up to them because a lot of them have been given a really bad deck of cards and created a beautiful life out of it.” 

Mickelson quickly gained a following when she moved to Los Angeles, but immersing herself in the world of social media led to many pitfalls. She has been transparent about her struggles with mental health. “I started modeling at 14, and growing up in this industry was really hard. I had depression and anxiety, and I didn’t necessarily have the tools to deal with it.”

Now, at 25, she refuses to let the outside noise define her. “I have to keep going, no matter how many times I get knocked down or rejected — which is all the time. Whatever they’re saying about me online, I can’t let it define me.” She remains hopeful about it all, sharing how therapy and an incredible support system have helped her find joy in the small things. “I’ve had so many ups and downs. I’ve struggled with health in the past. Whatever my vibe is now, if I’m healthy and mentally stable, I’m good. I’m happy, which is a really hard place for me to be at,” Mickelson says.