Hayley Herms has never been one to step back from a challenge. As a plus-size model, singer-songwriter, actress, and entrepreneur, Herms is a champion for women everywhere to pursue their dreams, no matter what challenges may lie ahead. Her passion for her work and consistently positive outlook on life have driven her success, but she doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. So how does she do it all? “My number one motto is ‘keep it moving’”, says Herms. “The world moves on with or without you, so you have to heal through your pain and then let yourself thrive!”
We recently caught up with Herms on her success to date, her thoughts on body inclusivity and representation in the fashion industry, and her plans for the future. Spoiler alert: she has BIG plans.
What drew you to modeling in the first place? What’s your favorite thing about being a model?
I first got into modeling through child acting. I was discovered on Myspace in the 7th grade! Modeling definitely made me feel like how acting made me feel — like a chameleon! Then when the internet and iPhones came around, one of my favorite things about being a model was inspiring others and seeing what a difference I was making in lives besides my own.
Besides modeling, you also cite songwriting and acting as some of your passions. What are your current goals in these fields?
When I was 12 years old, I signed to BMI for a publishing deal, and since then I’ve gone on to ghost write for some of today’s favorite artists and charted on the Billboard. So as a songwriter, my next big goal is to put out my own project that I’m currently working on. It is great working with others, but I’m excited for my own voice to be heard. In terms of acting, I’m currently filming for a couple pilots so my fingers are crossed one of the pilots gets picked up on a major TV station this fall!
For those who don’t know, you were featured on Khloe Kardashian’s show Revenge Body. Can you share a bit about your experience on the show and how it has affected your life today?
Being on a reality TV show is definitely a huge emotional roller coaster that I don’t think anyone can prepare you for. Especially when you’re doing a show as extensive as Revenge Body, emotions run high because you’re going through SO many changes emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually. It definitely helped me grow into the woman I am now and I am able to take my experiences and everything I worked for on the show and use them in my daily life as tools to keep growing and thriving.
As a plus-size model, what are your thoughts on size inclusivity in the fashion industry? What is the industry currently doing right?
I definitely believe inclusivity has come a long way in just the past couple years alone. Although I would like to see even more representation, I think one thing the plus-size industry is starting to do right is hire curvy women of all different body types, not just your standard hourglass shape. I love and would love to see even more “real” women — curvy women with stomachs or arm fat or stretch marks or small breasts or short women — just more diversity of what a “curvy” body looks like!
What are some of your favorite brands that cater to curvy women?
Besides Glamorise of course, some of my favorite brands for curvy women are ASOS, Eloquii, Parade, GOOD American, 11 Honore just to name a few!
Do you have a favorite Glamorise bra?
I live in my Glamorise bras for the most part, so I would have to say right now I have two favorite bras from Glamorise! They are the Max Out High Support Underwire Sports Bra for when I’m working out, and the Sexy Stretch-Lace Underwire Bra because it makes me feel so sexy and powerful!!
How do you remind yourself to stay body positive on the days you’re not feeling your best?
I just try to remind myself that I’m only human and doing the best I can. There is so much pressure from society of what healthy looks and feels like mentally and physically, but if I remind myself that I’m doing the best that I can for myself and my needs, I remember there’s nothing else I can do and the rest is out of my hands. There’s no need to worry about the things I can’t change.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Some advice that I would give to my younger self is to just let things go more. Reflecting on my younger self, when I was hurt, I would just hold on to that hurt. In hindsight, the only person I was hurting with that was myself. When I learned to let go of the small things and things not worth my time and learned that not everything needed revenge, life shifted for me completely.
Who are some of your current favorite artists on your playlist?
Some of my favorite artists right now are Qveen Herby, Rico Nasty, Pardison Fontaine, Summer Walker, the Sunday Service Choir, and Louis The Child! I actually have a workout playlist on Spotify that I put out every month so you can listen to my top 10 favorite tunes — while you’re working out in your Glamorise sports bra of course.
Describe your idea of the perfect day.
My idea of the perfect day would be waking up in the paradise of Bora Bora, going to the beach to do yoga and go swimming, then taking a jet to New York City to model and perform on stage. Then I’d end the night at a beautiful rooftop eating all my favorite foods and drinking cosmos (like Samantha from Sex and The City) with my closest friends while we dance the night away!!
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