Model Diaries with Lucy Hale

Photographed by Sarah Krick

Wardrobe available at ModeSens  modesens.com

What’s a fun fact people would be surprised to know about you?
My natural state is actually pretty introverted. Not only do I enjoy solitude, but I need alone time to recalibrate.

A nickname your friends call you?
All my friends, or even people I don’t know, call me Luce. I have a handful of people who call me Goose which came from loosey goose. Some call me Lulu. I have two friends who call me Boots which came from Puss in Boots, then Luce in Boots, then just Boots.

Favorite project you’ve worked on to date?
Oh, this is tough. I take great memories from everything I’ve been a part of. Sometimes it’s friendships or some truly killer shoes from the wardrobe. I’ve literally stolen props before. Sometimes all the stars align and you create something that really resonates with people. That sort of feeling stays with you forever. I’ve been fortunate enough to have a handful of those career defining moments that I’ll always hold onto.

First TV show you worked on?
Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide on Nickelodeon in 2005. I played a character named “Amy Cassidy.” Pretty sure I’ve never been that nervous.

Can we expect any new music in the near future?
Music has always, and will continue to be, such an evolving part of my story. It’s what led me to the path I’m on. Will I make an album again? I’m honestly not sure. I never say never. I will say that incorporating music in a way that involves film, through acting, or even theater, sounds more in alignment with where I’m at these days. I am seriously excited for the day I get to do a musical.

What would you like people to remember most about you?
I just hope what I do and what I’m about resonates as authentic. I want to lead an honest, authentic life.

Go-to piece in your closet you cannot live out?
Right now I am really into these emerald green Converse. I’m wearing them every day.

What advice do you have for an aspiring actress?
It took me a while to claim my seat in my industry and settle into knowing I was exactly where I was supposed to be. Everyone is on their own path to self discovery, but my advice would be to own your power, speak your truth, know that your ideas deserve to be heard, and above all, allow yourself to have fun. I’ve also learned that there is a way to still be kind, but also speak up for yourself.

What makes you smile?
My dogs Elvis and Ethel, synchronicities, my morning coffee, climbing into bed at night, and knowing that the universe has my back.

What scares you the most?
I really try to not live a fear based life. I feel you attract what you think about. I will say in the past I really struggled with the fear of not living up to expectations and fear of failure. Then I realized if you’re not taking big risks, is that really a life that I want to be living?

How did you know you wanted to pursue a career in acting?
I honestly wish I could pinpoint the “aha” moment that many people have. I was the kid who rushed home from school to climb the huge tree in my backyard to talk to the tree fairies and daydream for hours. I have always been drawn to escapism as an outlet. I really just never had any thought of doing anything else. I never had a backup plan. Constantly using my imagination has and will always be the only way for me. It’s what has given me a lot of purpose.

What inspires you most and why?
Most of the people in my inner circle are creatives. Hair stylists, makeup artists, photographers, stylists, designers, actors…I draw from their passion and creativity. Also, lots of nature time.

What was your favorite childhood show?
I was borderline obsessed with anything on the Disney Channel. We only had basic cable at home, so on vacations I would stay inside and watch Disney Channel movies all day. I remember loving “Smart House,” “Xenon,“ “Halloweentown”

A song you can listen to on repeat?
I have such a soft spot for the Dear Evan Hansen soundtrack and *NSYNC. You’ll also never hear me complain about putting on an early 2000s pop playlist.

What’s at the top of your bucket list?
Visit Tokyo and do a musical.

Where are you from and what’s a short itinerary you’d recommend for a first time visitor?
I’m from Memphis, TN, home of Graceland, Sun Records, Beale Street and a lot of great BBQ. Visiting the home of Elvis Presley is a must. Central BBQ is my favorite food spot. The Civil Rights Museum you cannot miss.

What’s your typical daily uniform?
Levi’s, Anine Bing white tank, high top Converse and a ton of gold, layered jewelry.

Beauty product you cannot live without?
Retinol. I’m at that age, but it also helps with hormonal breakouts.

What are your top beauty, health and wellness tips?
I take a probiotic for gut health. I always wake up an hour early to start my mornings slow and set the tone for my day. LED light therapy for skin is a game changer.

Any upcoming projects you can share with us?
I’m filming a comedy right now which hasn’t been announced yet. I also started filming a movie called “Which Brings Me To You” this fall on the east coast which I’m thrilled about. “The Storied Life of AJ Fikry,” which I shot last year will be released this fall!

What does being a Modeliste cover star mean to you?
I’m flattered, humbled and honored to be on the September cover. Traveling across the globe with a group of talented individuals who brought this vision to life will be something I’ll remember forever. It was a pinch me moment.

What did you love most about flying on Turkish Airlines?
They treated us with so much kindness and love. I also ate my fair share of Turkish desserts before we had even crossed the Atlantic. It was so delicious!

What was your favorite part of your stay in Istanbul?
It was a whirlwind 48 hours but also very memorable. We were lucky enough to get to shoot in a completely empty, closed Grand Bazaar on a Sunday which is typically filled with hundreds of thousands of people. Taking pictures on the roof in that gorgeous blue gown was a standout moment.

What was a highlight of your Morocco trip with Modeliste?
Taking photos in the Medina, which is a huge market of thousands of local vendors, was pretty incredible. It really captured the essence of what makes Morocco so special. The colors, the textures, the people, the smells of all the delicious food…

What was your favorite aspect of staying at Jnane Tamsna in Marrakech?
The beautiful mustard colored walls and incredible interior design, waking up at the crack of dawn for the delicious cappuccinos, farm to table dinners, the eco friendly aspect, and feeling far removed from regular life. It’s a truly special place with lots of TLC.

What would you like to say to your followers?
Thank you for growing alongside me. Thank you for supporting and loving me through all of my phases. You’ve watched my shows and my movies. You’ve lifted my spirits when I’ve needed it most. I am constantly in a state of gratitude for having you all do life with me!