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.

Photo: Kim Hnizdo

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 We still have a long way to go, but the trend is moving away from the outdated, unhealthy values of the fashion industry towards diversity, personal storytelling, sustainability, etc.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

Photo: Kim Hnizdo

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

Photo: instagram.com/@samyneo

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

Photo: instagram.com/vanessalealia

Vivian Cole: Successful as a model since GNTM

FIV: Hello dear Vivian, how nice that it worked out with the interview today! Model With A Message – we immediately became aware of your profile! This beautiful sentence holds one and makes curious for more! Many know you from GNTM where you participated in 2020. Your perseverance has brought you far and you have even made it into the top 10 models 2020! Since the end of the season, some time has passed, how are you doing at the moment? What has happened to you since your time at GNTM?

Vivian: I’m doing great! A lot has happened in that time. I’ve been able to do a lot of work in Mental Health and with important organizations, I’ve launched my own jewelry collection and I’ve been doing further training to become a Mental Coach since the beginning of the year. Right now I am working on current and future goals.

GNTM Highlight: Entry into the Top 10

FIV: GNTM must have been a good start for your life as a model. You made your own experiences there with the model business and it was certainly not always easy! Still, you stuck it out as long as you did and showed everyone what you could do. Were there ups and downs that you remember fondly and would you participate in the show again at your current level?

Vivian: Definitely! It was a challenging, yet incredibly beautiful and unique experience, in every area. But then I would come out of myself sooner and show even more of myself. What was difficult was the time when my health went on strike and I could only slowly return to my normal physical performance due to the after-effects, which is why I had to drop out in the end. But I have so many more great memories: making it to the top 10, my interview on TV about Mental Health, the many different places and people I got to meet!

Photo: Fab4Media

Vivian Cole: Your way to more self-love!

FIV: For many, the modeling business is daunting, full of Photoshop and perfectionism. You are a very natural model and also dare to post pictures without much make up, which we think is really great! We wonder, how big is the pressure in the business to always be “perfect”? How do you deal with it best?

Vivian: Social media in particular was a challenge for me. The pressure was enormous at the beginning. I have learned, especially in the last year, what self-love really means and how I can best distance myself in a healthy way from the pressure and unrealistic expectations. For example, I now only follow people who inspire me and stopped comparing myself to others when I learned how much editing, posing and lighting is behind the seemingly perfect (self-)presentation and how unrealistic it can be. The more I work on my own self-worth to do this as well, the easier it then slowly becomes to post images that are not “perfect”. It is a process.

This is how Vivian deals with her mental illness!

FIV: Model with a message – that also includes showing yourself as you are. I’m very interested in this question – can you make a statement for our readers about what your message is and what you want to give to people with your feed?

Vivian: I want to inspire, inspire courage, inspire hope. As a person who has lived with mental illness for more than ten years myself, but has found his own way out, I want to show what can happen when you prioritize working and healing on yourself and your inner self and surrender to the process; that these open whole new doors in our lives and our path to our own happiness. Challenges and lows will always be a part of it, but we can learn to actively shape the process ourselves and also to deal differently with difficult times.

Photo: Fab4Media

The model educates her followers about Mental Health!

FIV: You talk about mental health on your channel and give tips on how to deal with depression and bad thoughts. You have a message here, too, because you’ve been suffering from mental problems since childhood. How do you deal with it when you’re feeling down? Do you have any tips, for people who feel the same way, on how to best get through this time?

Vivian: That’s what I always tell my community: let the feelings be and share them with the right people. Write down your thoughts to give them space and sort them out. I always try to treat myself like my best friend, especially in difficult times. Every day I take time just for me, even if it’s just 10 minutes. Daily walks are the order of the day, because exercise and nature are two very important factors for holistic health for me. Being mindful with myself has changed a lot for me; listening to what my body and mind feel and need. This is not a skill for me, but a way of life by now.

That’s why Vivian speaks openly about her experience with depression

FIV: Positive thoughts are one of the hangers-on in your profile – you share them with the world and want to show people how to see life more positively. Unfortunately, depression is still a rather unspoken condition in our society, people don’t like to talk about it. What gave you the impetus to share your story and raise awareness about depression?

Vivian: My dad passed away in early 2019, which was a hard event for me, but at the same time the trigger for my life change. Three months after his death, I came across a film about the impact of our mindset on our lives, and although I’ve always known it, at that moment it became clearer to me than ever: “There will be no one to take all this away from you. It’s entirely up to you where you go from here.” For the first time, I wholeheartedly decided to heal and came to terms with myself. After a few weeks, I noticed more progress than ever before. The big audition for GNTM, one of my big dreams, was coming up months later after that and I knew I wanted to take this chance. It was there that I spoke publicly about my experience for the first time, with the hope of encouraging other people with similar experiences.

Photo: Fab4Media

Tip for young models: Use GNTM as a springboard, but also work on your own career!

FIV: You were still young when you started modeling. Aside from GNTM, what advice would you give to other/ younger models to start their career or would you recommend GNTM as a career start? Do you have any tips that you can/ would like to give to younger models for their career?

Vivian: GNTM is about modeling, of course, but primarily it’s more about entertainment. Accordingly, it can be a stepping stone, but there’s no guarantee. Regardless of that, I would try to gain as much experience as possible, actively approach photographers and model agencies myself, work on charisma and posing, and simply dare!

How the model motivates itself

FIV: As a model, you certainly have to show a lot of discipline and perseverance, but you certainly also have cheat days when you would prefer to do nothing at all. What is your recipe against listlessness, how do you motivate yourself to pursue your dreams?

Vivian: I have learned to listen consciously and mindfully to my inner self. When I feel listless or have a bad day, I give myself the rest and time out I need. But for me, every day is a new opportunity and discipline picks up where motivation leaves off. Each person has to find their individual and personal “something” that sparks fire and joy in them, that makes them get up every morning and keep going. I motivate myself by visualizing my goals, acknowledging my progress so far and setting deadlines for myself. What also helps a lot: Mel Robbins’ 5-second rule.

These are Vivian’s biggest inspirations

FIV: Speaking of discipline, many top models prove it to us again and again. With your posts, you inspire many people who follow you and enjoy watching your content. But let’s be honest, everyone needs inspiration or a role model to follow, whether it’s fashion, health or lifestyle topics. Do you have a role model, whether it’s a model, celebrity or influencer that you like to follow or are you your own role model?

Vivian: I don’t have any role models myself, but I have great inspirations, especially when it comes to development and mindset. I am moved by people with their stories and what they have done with them: for example, Dr. Nicole Lepera and her work on the holistic approach, Mel Robbins or Lisa Nichols.

Photo: Fab4Media

Next Step: Move to Berlin

FIV: Finally, a short look into the future, we are curious what you have planned in the near future: Do you have big plans, like a move or something similar, or is there something special coming up? Give us a little teaser of what your fans and followers can look forward to in the near future!

Vivian: I’m going to move to Berlin! That will be very exciting, as a country bumpkin in the big city, but also professionally, because completely new doors and opportunities will open up, and I won’t be alone there either.

This is how the model deals with pressure on social media

FIV: Hi Elena, glad it worked out with the interview. You have a great reach on social media. With this notoriety comes both positive and negative aspects. Among other things, criticism. How great is the pressure in the business to always be “perfect”? What’s the best way to deal with that?

Elena: I think the pressure is more subliminal than conscious. I would say that I have always been quite indifferent to what others think of me, because it was clear to me early on that these people don’t know me. Nevertheless, it is of course the case that you permanently feel a latent pressure to deliver something and to offer people something. It’s less about criticism from the outside than about criticism of yourself.

Photo: Linda Böse

Elena advocates for the issue of Mental Health

FIV: Keyword social media. You raise awareness about mental health on your social media channels and talk openly about your panic attacks and depression. Mental health is a super important topic, which unfortunately is still not taken seriously by our society. How important do you think it is that the public is educated about mental problems?

Elena: I am actually of the opinion that a lot has changed in the last few years. Many celebrities and superstars all over the world confess more and more to strugglen and advise therapy etc.. I think it is now possible to talk about it in a very relaxed way in society. Unfortunately, the offer is still much too small to be able to really help people. In general, I find it important to use my channels to make clear to people who suffer in silence that they are not alone / the only ones with this kind of problems.

Elena gives advice: Mental Health problems

FIV: What advice would you give to those affected?

Elena: Do not be ashamed to ask for help! Everyone needs help in life, and most people are very understanding and willing to provide it!

Career start through GNTM participation

FIV: You owe your fame to your participation in GNTM, among other things. You took part in GNTM in 2016 and came in 2nd place. Since then you are a successful model and active on social media. How has your life changed since you took part in GNTM?

Elena: Well, I wasn’t in public before and then, from one day to the next, I was. It’s like eating a steak again from one day to the next after 3 years of veganism. First quite traumatizing and you have to see how you digest that. But I was still so young that I quickly got used to everything that came along. As is generally known, people are very adaptive.

Tips: Participation in GNTM

FIV: Soon the new season of GNTM will start, what tips do you have for the aspiring candidates?

Elena: I didn’t watch Topmodel, so I don’t relate to the newcomers.

Photo: Linda Böse

Elena’s exciting plans for the future

FIV: Finally, a short look into the future, we are curious what you have planned in the near future: Do you have big plans like a move or something similar or is there something special coming up? Give us a little teaser of what your fans and followers can look forward to in the near future!

Elena: I’m looking forward to Christmas with my family after 3 years of “not being together” – then to my Winter Escape and of course to my “Food Project” which I can finally hold in my hands in spring ’22! Furthermore, my move to my own apartment in Berlin is currently being planned and organized, as well as my Holistic Health studies will be finished in March and then I can finally be an official coach! In any case, I am very much looking forward to everything that is coming.

More about Germany’s Next Topmodel

Did you like the interview with Luca? Then read more interviews with former GNTM contestants here.

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Photo: Leon Schleßelmann