Mode Around the Globe: Lindsey Coffey

Lindsey Coffey
@lindseymariecoffey

Photography by Brett Erickson @brettericksonphoto

Location: Hotel Mousai Cancun
www.hotelmousai.com
@hotelmousaicancun

Tell us a little about yourself and how you would describe your personal brand in three words?
I grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania with more cows than people. Although I dreamed of one day living in New York City and becoming a model, and was scouted at the age of 12, I surprisingly didn’t fully pursue that path until college. Then, through my work and travels, I discovered a deeper purpose: advocating for our planet and all living things. That journey led me to compete in Miss Earth, where I became the first, and only, U.S. representative to win the international title. Since then, I have dedicated myself to restoring balance between humanity and nature by elevating our environmental consciousness through beauty, story, and action. I would describe that dedication as aspirational, authentic, and accessible.

What inspired you to begin your journey as a content creator, entrepreneur, or influencer?
I’ve always felt a deep connection to nature, but it wasn’t until I was older that I truly understood the power behind it. Traveling to different countries and experiencing different cultures opened my eyes to the extraordinary beauty of our planet: the vast ecosystems, natural wonders, and unique flora and fauna that connect us more deeply to life itself.
Yet alongside that beauty, I also witnessed devastation: the deforestation of the Peruvian jungle, the decline of Australia’s coral reefs, and overflowing landfills in Mexico. I also experienced several natural disasters, including the water crisis in Cape Town, South Africa, where clean water became a luxury rather than a necessity.

Watching us take from the Earth after she had given us so much was heartbreaking. Causing irreparable damage to ecosystems, animals, and communities that did not deserve it compelled me to act. Although I lacked direction, confidence, and any formal environmental education, I knew I had to become part of the movement to protect our planet.

How would you describe your personal style, and where do you find fashion inspiration?
Because "all over the place" doesn’t sound particularly put together, I would describe my style as versatile yet refined. I’ll switch from casual to elegant, masculine to feminine, and sporty to polished and chic, but overall my aesthetic is defined by intentional details and a mindful approach, balanced with some form of sophistication. Fortunately, my work allows me to watch stylists create pieces in both the simplest way as well as the most intricate. That’s where I find my inspiration. I take what I’ve learned on set and curate "new" outfits out of my older pieces. I create entirely new looks by reimagining a particular piece of clothing or how there’s more than one way to use an accessory. I love discovering unexpected combinations and finding new ways to elevate pieces I already own.

What are three wardrobe staples you can't live without?
I would love to change this to four. An oversized blazer, a great pair of jeans, a waist-cinching belt, and stackable gold jewelry.

What does a typical day in your life look like when you're not traveling?
Outside of work and traveling, I’m typically at home focusing on other projects or attending a networking event. Much of my life revolves around my career, which is why I made it a priority this year to socialize without an agenda. Whether it’s planning something fun with my friends or staying in and hanging out, I’ve learned how important it is to connect simply for the sake of connection.

What passions or interests do you have outside of social media and content creation?
I have a few hobbies that rotate throughout the year. I love to read non-fiction, where I’m constantly learning and expanding my perspective. I am an avid hiker, and I’ve hiked on six of our seven continents. I enjoy spending time outdoors, whether that’s playing some type of sport, sitting in the park, and everything in between. I like to cook and bake, finding ways to create healthier versions of the foods I love. I enjoy painting and DIY crafts... Honestly, the list is endless. I’m the type of person who is always down for an adventure or to try something new.

What has been the most rewarding moment of your career so far?
In terms of career highlights, it was an honor to be on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar three times in one year. However, as amazing as those moments are, the most rewarding accomplishment will always be the simple fact that I still get to do what I love. Outside of the top 1%, everyone in or out of the industry understands that modeling comes with an expiration date. The opportunity to continue calling this my full-time job is a blessing I never take for granted.

Who are some of the women that inspire you and why?
I find inspiration in everyone I meet. Whether it’s a well-known philanthropist, model, or speaker, I’m equally inspired by the artist selling paintings on the sidewalk, the single mother of three in the grocery store, or the woman who goes out of her way to help a stranger pick up the packages they’ve dropped.

What is one piece of advice that has had a lasting impact on your life?
"The day you make the greatest impact on the world is the day you show up for yourself as yourself." That was a quote I randomly stumbled upon on a blog years ago and has stayed with me ever since. It makes me think about the power our authentic selves bring into the world. It’s easy to lose ourselves in the noise around us, to conform, to shrink, or to become distracted by who we think we’re supposed to be. It goes hand in hand with what Carl Jung said, "If you do not know who you are, the world will tell you." By showing up as our most authentic selves and staying true to our heart, our values, and our purpose, we open ourselves up to a deeper sense of meaning and fulfillment. The more we embrace who we truly are, the closer we come to the life we were meant to live.

How do you stay motivated and creatively inspired?
Some days are tough, but whenever I struggle to find motivation, I come back to my purpose and the reason I believe I was put here. I’ll remind myself of the saying: If not me, who? If not now, when? I have a vision for the life I want to create and the impact I hope to make, and the only way to get there is to keep moving forward. I also rely on my friends. I love bouncing ideas back and forth and having spontaneous brainstorming sessions. If an idea is there, or even half of one, I make sure to write it down immediately—that’s one of the most important parts. I’ve learned some of the best ideas begin as a fleeting thought. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been hit with one in the shower and had nothing to write with.

What are your favorite beauty products or self-care rituals at the moment?
It’s important to make time for yourself and create a routine around it. The hardest part is staying consistent, which is why the key is finding something simple or enjoyable—something you genuinely look forward to. For me, that’s listening to Solfeggio frequencies while dimming my lamp to its meditation setting and putting on my LED light therapy mask for 20 minutes. I also love lighting candles, turning on my diffuser with essential oils, and giving myself a foot massage. If I have extra time, I’ll begin it all with a meditative bath. Most days I don’t have time for the full routine, and sometimes the foot massage or diffuser doesn’t make the cut. What matters most is setting aside even 10 minutes for yourself. It’s a small act that reminds you how much you value and care for yourself. Our minds and bodies need that space to rest and recharge, even when we don’t realize it.

What is something your followers would be surprised to learn about you?
I think my followers would be surprised by what it took for me to get to where I am today. When I first started modeling and commuting to NYC, I was balancing both school and modeling full-time. I had classes every Tuesday and Thursday, and when my agency needed me in New York, I would take overnight buses into the city on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, even if it was just for a five-minute casting.

As a broke college student, I spent anywhere from 9 to 16 hours (one way) on those sketchy overnight bus rides—some even ended with cops and a K-9 unit. I slept in hostels, had countless sleepless nights, and survived on nothing but peanuts and Special K snacks. Every moment of discomfort, every setback, and every sacrifice was made in the hope of building the life I have today. And knowing where it all led, I would do it all over again.

What is your favorite way to unwind and recharge?
Mentally, most of us spend our time living in the past or worrying about the future. Outside of my self-care routine, the best way for me to reset is to become fully present and do something grounding. Sometimes that means adding to my vision board or creating new affirmations to place around my apartment. Other times it’s journaling, meditating, or simply spending time outdoors. Those small moments of presence create space to slow down, reconnect, and return to myself.

What upcoming projects, collaborations, launches, or exciting news would you like to share with our readers?
I am currently creating a new series on social media that’s a more interactive and engaging way for people to connect with nature and the world around them. I also have some televised projects in the works, one being a docu-series I created that challenges people to step outside of their comfort zones and reconnect back to nature. It’s about creating transformative experiences to explore the wild within themselves, helping them remember who they truly are.

Looking back on your time at Hotel Mousai Cancun, what was the highlight of your experience, and what made it so memorable?
I have so many answers to this question, but if I had to sum it up, my favorite part was the connections I made along the way. From the incredible women I shared the trip with, the photographer, the Modeliste team, and the hotel staff, each person left a meaningful impression. Another major highlight was being next to the ocean. I love every part of it, but there’s something especially magical about the Caribbean. Watching the warm waters shift from deep blue to crystal clear is absolutely mesmerizing. Even the quiet moments in my hotel room felt special. It became a space where I experienced so many moments of gratitude—not only for the opportunity to be part of such an incredible trip, but also for the beautiful place I was fortunate enough to call home for the week. I can’t thank the Modeliste team and Hotel Mousai Cancun enough for creating such a remarkable and unforgettable experience.