Interview with Kim Hnizdo: Her thoughts on the model business

Kim Hnizdo in an interview – About six years ago, Kim from Bad Homburg was able to prove herself against thousands of girls and won the 11th season of “Germany’s next Topmodel”. Since then, she has worked internationally as a model and traveled all over the world. Mental health, but also support and empowerment, especially among women, are very important to her. Kim is therefore committed to social projects and recently became the latest ambassador for “Women For Women International”.

The international model Kim Hnizdo

Kim talks to our magazine about the German and international modeling industry. The model has always wanted to see the world and get out of the German comfort zone. Through her job, she achieves all of this and is constantly getting to know new places, new people and new challenges. Of course, we also spoke to her about “Germany’s next Topmodel”. We asked her what she thinks of the show as a winner and how open she is to radical change today. We also questioned whether she would have gone down this path without GNTM, as she actually chose a different path before the show. Last but not least, we spoke to Kim about mental health and her values. Find out what Kim thinks about these things and much more in this interview!

• Kim’s Instagram

“Out of the German comfort zone”

FIV: Hello dear Kim, thank you very much for taking the time for this interview today. Let’s get straight to it! You are under contract with the renowned agencies Louisa Models and IMG Models. In other words, you also work internationally. What do you like most about the German modeling industry?

KIM: I’ve always wanted to work internationally, see the world, get out of the German comfort zone. Nevertheless, I’m happy when my general wanderlust turns into homesickness, i.e. being back in Germany.

New places, people & challenges

FIV: How nice that you enjoy working practically everywhere. What kind of jobs do you enjoy the most?

KIM: What I love most about my job is being constantly on the move. New places, new people, new challenges. Slipping into different roles and still being so much yourself.

Personal success: Self-realization

FIV: Looking back now, what has been your greatest personal success in your career so far?

KIM: I used to measure my professional success by the names of the brands I work with. Today I understand that self-realization is my greatest personal success – I am truly living my dream with all the ups and downs. Nevertheless, sometimes I can’t believe it myself when I see my face on a magazine cover or randomly somewhere at the airport. You have to rock many, many, many castings for that to happen.

Changes in the German modeling industry

FIV: In your opinion, has the modeling industry in Germany changed in recent years and if so, in what way?

KIM: Yes – and finally! We still have a long way to go, but the trend is moving away from the outdated, unhealthy values of the fashion industry towards diversity, personal storytelling, sustainability, etc.

GNTM: Springboard into a new world

FIV: Now we would like to talk to you about “Germany’s next Topmodel”. In 2016, you won the eleventh season of GNTM. How would you rate the show as a winner and as a successful model?

KIM: GNTM was a wild springboard for me into a world whose doors weren’t open before.

Almost a law graduate instead of a top model

FIV: It’s hard to believe, but before you took part in GNTM, you studied law. Do you think you would have gone down this path without GNTM?

KIM: I usually divide my life into the time before and after Topmodel. Simply because my life, the path I take and I have changed fundamentally as a result of the show.

Makeover & changes? YES!

FIV: The makeover on GNTM was a radical change for you, can you imagine making such a change again?

KIM: What felt unimaginable to me back then is now a reality. I now approach change with a lot of openness and curiosity, so a resounding YES.

Mental health: only one way!

FIV: You went through a difficult time last year. Mental health is still a taboo subject in Germany. What do you think needs to change in society for mental health in general to become a priority?

KIM: It is important to destigmatize so-called taboo topics. Mental health is vital, essential and, above all, it is important to educate and share. By sharing my mental journeys honestly and unfiltered, I have received a lot of feedback that has shown me one thing: Many people feel the same way and many finally felt seen, heard and no longer alone. Mental health suffers in times of crisis like these, so for me there is only one way: together!

Mental health tips

FIV: What advice would you give to young girls who also want to model in terms of mental health?

KIM: Find out about good therapy options. Especially when you start young, the job shapes you a lot, which is why you should be aware of who you are, where you want to go and how you feel with all the challenges. Awareness is the key!

Comeback on German television

FIV: In addition to GNTM, you also took part in “Promi Shopping Queen” and won there too. Can you imagine taking part in another German TV show?

KIM: After GNTM, it was important for me to make a name for myself internationally as a “real model” in the fashion world. In the meantime, I can well imagine a comeback on German TV.

Women For Women International

FIV: Last but not least, we would like to know what values you stand for as a model?

KIM: As a model, but above all as a person and an independent woman, I stand for solidarity, support and empowerment, especially among women. That’s why I work closely with Women For Women International.

FIV: Thank you again for your time and the great interview! We wish you all the best for the future!

More interviews with models

Did you like the interview with Kim? Then you’ll find more exciting interviews here.

Interview with Trixigiese: Ballerina, content creator & model

Trixi gained her fame through her participation in the 13th season of“Germany’s next Topmodel” and is now a successful model and content creator on Instagram and TikTok. The 23-year-old Berliner loves fashion and fashion. But that’s not her only passion. She moved to Paris on her own for ballet when she was just 17, but that wasn’t her only move either. She loves discovering new things and places and can’t get enough of them. We talk to Trixi about her passions for fashion, ballet and social media. Her job means she works a lot with her boyfriend. This can often lead to problems in relationships. That’s why we asked her for tips on how to make a relationship work despite all this. Of course, we also spoke to her about her participation in GNTM. She shares her experiences with us and how her life has changed after GNTM. You can find out where she has lived, what it was like for her to move to a foreign city alone at a young age and much more in this interview!

• Interview with Trixi

Interview with Vanessalealia: About GNTM, social media & fashion

Vanessa has been a successful model and content creator since her participation in“Germany’s next Topmodel” this year. On her social media channels you can find model as well as beauty and fashion content. Hauls, inspiration, product tests and fun are all part of her program. The 20-year-old stands out above all with her turquoise hair. She got it during her makeover on GNTM and liked it so much that she still wears it that way today. Find out how she looks after it and how her life has changed after GNTM in this interview. We talk to her about her experiences, what filming days are like and how her life has changed since taking part. Her turquoise hair is her trademark. So she tells us how she looks after it and how she styles her bangs. She reveals her tips for the perfect fringe look. In addition to modeling, fashion is also a big topic on her social media channels. So we asked her if she could only buy her outfits in one store, which one would it be. And what mustn’t be missing from outfits? Accessories! You can find all that here in this interview!

• Interview with Vanessa