Mode around the Globe: Mackinley Hill

Garza Blanca Cancun
cancun.garzablancacancun.com.mx
Photographed by NICK URTEAGA
Videography by NIKO VELASQUEZ

Mackinley Hill
@Mackinley_hill

Tell us about yourself!
Hi, my name is Mackinley and I’m from Arvada, Colorado! I feel like I’ve always been a free spirit when it comes to careers. I have a long history in the modeling industry. Social media influencing comes naturally due to my time in front of the camera and my knowledge of what brands are looking for. I am a full-time university student with one year left until graduation.

Describe yourself in three words.
If I were to describe myself in three words it would be: Funny, Sensitive, and Loyal.

What can people expect to see from your social media platforms?
When people look at my social media platforms, I would expect them to see a normal girl. I’ve always thought showing the real you on social media is more relatable to viewers.

Can you share information about the process of creating the platform you have today? What challenges did you overcome and what part seemed perfect?
My platform was a slow grower. I started my account around December 2012. I think what helped me the most was accounts with a lot of followers would tag me in photos. Then more and more people started following. I think the challenges I’ve overcome with my platform was trying to create my own identity through it. It felt like I needed to give people a reason to follow me. But I’ve overcome that self-placed expectation and allowed myself to use my platform to express what I like.

What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
I think people would be surprised to know that I’m quite shy when it comes to social media. I think you’ll only find one video of me talking on Instagram. I definitely strive to be more open on social media, but it can be a judgmental place.

What’s a goal in your career you hope to accomplish?
I have a lot of goals, but I think my most important and hopefully attainable goal is to use my platform for something continually positive.

What and who inspires you the most? Why?
My parents are the people who inspire me the most. The life they have set up for themselves and for their children is what I want to do. They seem to have knowledge about everything. I’m trying to learn the best I can from them to make the right decisions moving forward in my life.

As an influencer, how do you hope to influence people through your platform?
As an influencer I want to influence people to let down that perfect persona you find all over social media.

Who are your favorite content creators?
I really like Remi Bader on TikTok. She’s known for her “realistic hauls”, she showcases a normal body type and there’s just something really refreshing about how she goes about influencing and social media. It’s real.

Are you working on any exciting projects that you can share?
Not at the moment!

What are three items in your closet you cannot live without?
It’s winter here in NYC, so the first pick would have to be my big winter jacket. I spend a lot of time at home in front of the computer, so my next must have is my UGG robe. The last pick is my vintage Gucci purse, she’s so cute!

Essential product in your beauty routine?
I have super dry skin, so Weleda Skin Food is my savior.

What was your favorite part of staying at Garza Blanca Cancun? What activities would you recommend for someone looking to visit?
My favorite part of staying at Garza Blanca Cancun would have to be the views from the hotel room and the food options. The restaurants were to die for and waking up and seeing the gorgeous swimming pools and ocean was beyond amazing!

What are you looking forward to most in 2022?
There’s nothing more to hope for than a post Covid world. It might not happen anytime soon, but we’ll get there together.

What advice would you give to someone who aspires to have a career like yours?
I think the best piece of advice for anyone trying something new and out of their comfort zone is patience and being able to admit you don’t know it all.

What would you like to say to your fans?
“Hi, remember to take deep breaths… you don’t need to have it all figured out!”