Model Diaries with Haleyybaylee

Photographed by Bryce Thompson
Styled by Arnold Milfort

With an unmistakable presence that blends timeless glamour with a playful, modern edge, Haleyybaylee has quickly become one of the most dynamic voices in fashion and entertainment. From her early days navigating the modeling world to redefining her career through social media and comedy, she has proven that authenticity and hard work are the true markers of success. Loved for her wit, relatability, and fearless individuality, Haleyybaylee embodies the new era of digital stardom—where personality is just as influential as style. Now, as Modeliste’s latest cover star, she opens up about her rituals, inspirations, and the journey that brought her from small-town roots to global recognition.

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
Check my phone (I’m definitely addicted), put in my contacts because I’m blind as heck, and drink Red Bull because I’m also super addicted to those. Wow, maybe I need to rethink my morning routine for my own health. Haha.

How would you describe your personality in three words?
Random, satirical, and (hopefully) easy to talk to.

Where did you grow up, and what was it like?
I grew up in Victoria, Minnesota. It’s a small town west of the Twin Cities. I loved growing up in Minnesota because everyone is so nice. The culture is so supportive and kind. We talk to people in elevators, wave as people drive by… it really prepared me for the world of entertainment. I have no social anxiety because I’m used to talking to everyone… so even celebrities on a red carpet feel like my neighbors from back home. Thanks, Mom and Dad, for encouraging me to talk to strangers.

What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I do not come from money and no one in my family has any ties to entertainment. I used to view entertainment as a closed-off club where only the super rich, elite, or well-connected were allowed entry. But now, with the growth of social media, the average American can access that world… because the power of a social media channel can now get you onto the Oscars red carpet (I know from personal experience, haha). You no longer need to be a nepo baby or own a trust fund. I’m just a girl from Minnesota with a phone who had a dream. And because other people believed in me, I have accomplished any of this!

How did you get into modeling?
I don’t have the stereotypical modeling story. I did not get scouted at a young age. I was actually turned away from an agency when I was 17. They told me to focus on my dreams of medicine because they were “far more reachable given my size and shape.” I was never the “beautiful girl” growing up. I was the “smart girl.” I always looked up to the beautiful world of fashion and elegance, but I never thought I could be a part of it.
When I was 24, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit held an open casting call on Instagram (I swear Meta changed my life), and I submitted for fun with a few friends. Somehow, they saw my video… and I ended up co-winning the entire model search with Camille Kostek. I signed with an NYC agency, and my modeling career began.

How did it feel the first time you walked a major runway?
I am 5’7”, so I’ve been told by hundreds of fashion people that I am not a runway model. For me, the red carpets feel like my runway. I get to combine my passion for internet culture with my passion for entertainment and celebrity culture. The Golden Globes and Oscars were my “omg I did it, Mom” moments. To step foot on such iconic carpets I’ve been idolizing my entire life was truly a DREAM COME TRUE. I still feel like one day I’ll wake up back in Minnesota and all of this was just a crazy dream.

How did you transition into becoming such a major social media personality?
My first dream in life was to be a stand-up comedian, so one day I could audition to be a cast member on Saturday Night Live. Unfortunately, my mechanical engineer parents said, “Absolutely not.” So I went to school for medicine… but my passion was always comedy. When the apartment tour brought me front and center on social media, I took it as an opportunity to work towards my true dream. So I posted five videos a day, every day, on every platform… for a year and a half straight with no days off. Hard work and the kindness and support of other people are the reason I’m here today.

Where do you draw your inspiration from for your captivating and hilarious videos you create?
Life is inherently hilarious. I laugh to myself all the time about the things I do and think. People are also more similar than they are different. I just create sketches about the funny things we all see happen in life.

What’s been your most empowering “yes” moment in your career?
The “yes” from all the people who ever clicked follow. The “yes” from all the people who ever commented, liked, or shared my videos. I am here solely because other people believed in me and cheered me on.

Your holy grail beauty product?
MAC Cosmetics Mineralize Skinfinish. If you’re a breakout girl like me, take a small brush and dab a tiny bit over any red spot… it works way better and covers much more naturally than any concealer.

What is your morning beauty ritual?
I love my vampire machine. It’s a red light and infrared sauna that rolls over the top of my bed. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, don’t worry, I’ve posted it, because I know it sounds crazy. I sit under that for 30 minutes every day when I’m home. It’s supposed to help with skin recovery and collagen, but if it does nothing… at least it feels cozy and warm.

How would you describe your personal style?
Unless I’m on a red carpet, I just want to be comfortable. I wear sweatpants and a crop top or T-shirt every single day. I love baggy street style clothes, oversized jackets, and slippers. But if I’m on a red carpet, I’m going to show the F UP in the coolest thing designer Marc Bouwer and I can dream up.

Who’s your ultimate style icon?
Bella Hadid. She is so good at layering materials without looking overdone. I love her street style aesthetic. Plus, she looks good in anything because she’s gorgeous beyond belief.

If you could raid anyone’s closet, who would it be?
Whoever the richest person in the world is because I would pawn all those bags for cash.

What’s your everyday go-to look?
Sweatpants or baggy jeans, a crop top, and slippers.

What’s your secret for feeling confident on camera?
If you’re making a fun and entertaining video, and someone you don’t even know goes out of their way to comment on your looks… it says WAY MORE about them than it does about you. We shouldn’t put value in unkind people’s hateful words. Why let a bunch of meanies who don’t even know you keep you from achieving your dreams? I tell myself this whenever I doubt myself or feel down.

What are you most looking forward to with fall fashion?
I love big cozy jackets and sweaters. I can’t wait to swim in all my fuzziest clothing.

What’s one trend you wish would make a comeback? And what do you hope will go away forever?
I love that everyone is obsessed with the 80s and 90s. I’d love to see a rebirth of the club kid era. I hope the millennial era never ever ever comes back. Trust me, you don’t want that… I lived it. Skinny jeans are so uncomfortable.

Favorite city you’ve traveled to?
I really enjoyed the small cities in Germany and France because they remind me of Minnesota. I also really enjoyed Tokyo and South Korea because the food is so unbelievably good!! Eat sushi in Tokyo and you’ll never like sushi in the States ever again.

What are three things on your bucket list?
I would love to star in a romantic comedy. I miss the early 2000s romcom, so I’d love to bring it back. I’d also love to have a showmance with the movie’s hot lead—I feel that would be fun. Hmmm… and I’d love to attend the Vanity Fair Oscars after-party because the videos from that carpet are the most insanely gorgeous things I’ve ever seen.

Favorite celebrity red carpet interview/encounter?
Oh man, that’s so hard because I have so many of them. Ariana at the Oscars, Taylor Swift at the Grammys, Billie Eilish and Jeremy Allen White at the Golden Globes… I can’t pick—I love them all. They’re all my video children.

What’s your guilty pleasure TV show?
I love dating shows. I’ve seen every single one Netflix puts out. I just love the tea, hehe.

Who’s the first person you call when something amazing happens?
My mom. She’s the greatest person I’ve ever met.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Hurt people hurt people, so be patient when people are unkind because they’re probably acting out of their own hurt or jealousy or lack of confidence.

If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
“Best of Both Worlds” by Hannah Montana because I feel like the last normal person ever and I don’t know how I’m even allowed at the Grammys, but I am so thrilled and honored to be living my dream.

What projects are you currently working on?
Every single day I’m coming up with new content… but we are currently working on a longer-format show that I really hope people enjoy!

What’s next for you?
I truly could have never predicted any of this, so the real answer is I have no idea. I’m just going to keep working hard and saying yes to the opportunities that come my way.

What would you like to say to your fans and our readers?
I hate the word fan because the people who follow me are literally the only reason I am here and doing this. I couldn’t accomplish this alone. I’d love to say THANK YOU for supporting a stranger. Thank you for being so kind. Thank you for being so funny and sweet and caring. Thank you for making my days so much more meaningful. I am blessed in this life because of you. THANK YOU.

Why are you excited to be Modeliste’s next cover star?
Back when I was a model, I was told I wasn’t “fashion” enough to be on the cover of a magazine. I was never going to be a “cover girl.” Well, now I am. And it isn’t because I stood there and looked beautiful—it’s because of my work and my comedy. And that makes me so, so happy. I am honored to be here because of hard work, not the way I look.