From Self-Doubt to International Success: The Inspiring Journey of Model Kelly McGarvey

PHOTO BY OTTO MASTERS

In the fast-paced and glamorous world of fashion, success often seems far out of reach. But what about those who start their journey with self-doubt as their constant companion? Meet Kelly, a remarkable fashion model who defied the odds and transformed her lack of confidence into a flourishing career that has taken her across continents.

When Kelly first stepped into the competitive realm of modeling, she couldn't have imagined the whirlwind adventure that awaited her. With zero self-assurance and a modest background, the idea of becoming an international sensation seemed like a distant dream. However, fate had other plans for her.

As Kelly's career unfolded, she found herself traversing the globe, shooting commercials and campaigns in six different countries. Each step of her journey was marked by challenges, triumphs, and moments of profound self-discovery. Now, as she reflects on her path from uncertainty to acclaim, Kelly shares her insights, struggles, and the invaluable lessons she learned along the way. Join us as we delve into the inspiring tale of Kelly's transformation and learn how she conquered her doubts to carve out a name for herself in the fiercely competitive world of fashion.

Models of Canada: How did you first get into modeling?

Kelly: I got into modeling when I was around 14 years old. It was my dream to be a Victoria Secret model, like a lot of the other girls! I tried this program for modeling in Toronto and it was one of those programs where at the end people would sign you if you were good enough. At the time, I had zero self-confidence. I was a skinny teenager and everyone at school would always make harsh comments, you know… “Wow you’re skinny, you need to eat, do you even eat?”… not fun.

Jumping back to the modeling program I was trying out for, at the end of the program they went to measure me and said, “Wow you have really big hips” … and didn’t sign me. I honestly just sat there and was like, “Ok I don’t want to do this whole model thing if this is what is going to happen to me.” Remember, I had zero self-confidence.

Fast forward to my early 20’s, I had a few friends who were photographers and we had some fun exploring some different ideas. I started to receive agency interest. I ended up meeting Christopher from Massardo Management who is now my agent, and there was just an instant connection. Also, it’s so so important to have a connection with your agent. Chris had a vision for me which helped me get started because here in Canada it’s hard to find let alone leverage the proper resources. I didn’t know I had it in me to be a international model until Chris brought it to my attention. One thing led to the next and now here I am!

Models of Canada: So tell us where was one of the first places you visited as an international model?

Kelly: One of the first places I got to visit was Greece, and I fell in love. I want to go back! I’m so grateful that I get to see these beautiful places while doing what I love to do. Not many people have the ability. My first day in Greece, I got to shoot on this old cruise ship and then other days I was shooting on the beach, then the mountains… just everywhere. It was amazing!

From Greece, I went to Dubai for a few months. Again, the experiences were unbelievable. After that, I came home to Toronto to regroup and then off to London and Spain. I actually ended up staying in London for 2 years. I met my partner there and now we live together in Australia. Crazy how things work sometimes.

Models of Canada: To recap you started modeling in Toronto, than flew to Greece, Dubai, London, Spain and Australia. Wow that’s a lot of living out of your suitcase, but how fantastic all your experiences were!

Did you find it hard to build your portfolio in Canada to make it competitive enough with the international market?

Kelly: I think it really depends on the market you’re going to. For example, my first stop was Greece. Greece is more beach, commercial type vibes. I had some lingerie in my portfolio as well and it worked but again it really depends on the market you’re trying to get into. I do find Toronto, Canada really loves creatives, which I miss doing but it’s important to balance creatives and paid work. Doing creatives and test shoots are helpful to build your portfolio which is really nice and it’s also important to obtain the proper imagery for your portfolio too. It’s all about a balance.

Models of Canada: Totally agree with what you’re saying Kelly, models have to keep themselves as competitive as possible to compete in the international markets. When you were first getting into the international market, how hard was it to stay competitive?

Kelly: I was very lucky because I went in prepared. I had a year of experiences and I also had a lot of test shoots leading up to it. My agent and I made sure my book was ready. Greece was an amazing place for me to start because a lot of models get placed in Greece to get the stunning imagery. I got a lot of strong photos so I could use them towards the next market because my goal was to go to either London or the United States… and we both know the United States asks for a million and one tear sheets. The process is actually insane! And it’s funny because everyone would always ask me, “Why are you in London and not the United States” … and I always said, “Do you have any idea how hard it is to get in?” People thought that because I was from Canada it would be easy… hahaha nope! I think coming from Canada, we just have to work a little harder.

Keep in mind too, you have to continuously keep building your book and adjusting to the certain market you’re in. When I was in London, I had to work so hard to keep my book updated. London is a super expensive market so it was difficult. It took me a good 3 months to get consistent work in London. It took a lot of patience and mental strength! To put things in perspective, when I first got to Greece, I was seeing clients within the hour of landing. I would sometimes shoot for 2 days straight. In Dubai, same thing. I was shooting 5-6 days a week, sometimes shooting twice a day. Dubai is super fast paced and it’s been said that it’s the new China, so I developed a lot of experience while shooting there too. At times I was shooting 100 looks a day while doing e-commerce.

Models of Canada: During the timeframe where you weren’t working, what did you do to keep yourself motivated and also how did you attract more work? It must have been so hard going from being insanely busy to not busy at all!

Kelly: Every time I got down, I would remind myself how lucky I was to be doing the job I love and the places it’s brought me. It was all about keeping that positive mindset. During the time I wasn’t working much in London, I would be so grateful for the fact that I was just in London! I would tour the city, workout, post on Instagram to stay relevant as a model, make myself nice meals…you know just keeping myself out there as much as possible. The key was learning how to pivot. One thing I found really helped me was working with photographers that the clients were working with. When you do this, people start to recognize your face like, “Oh I’ve seen you before”. The fashion circle is so small and everyone knows everyone. You do one good job, it will lead you to the next one. Your worth ethic and personality is an important factor as well.

One more thing, having supportive agents is everything! Sometimes models need that pep-talk and the encouragement. When agents see you as a person before a model, it’s a true game changer.

Models of Canada: How did you invest in yourself as a model?

Kelly: I definitely invested in myself when it came to my digitals and a good test shoot. If you can get a set of 3-4 different outfits, you’re on your way to building a good book. That good digital or that good photo from the test shoot could change everything. One thing I never invested in though, was paying an agency upfront. I never had to do that, as you shouldn’t have to.

I also think investing in yourself mentally is important. Do whatever you can to keep your mind clear and healthy. I also did a lot of research of the industry so I know how to perform my best.

Models of Canada: One last question for you Kelly, from travelling all over the world experiencing many different markets, how did you build your thick skin and deal with rejection?

Kelly: Great question! I think my thick skin developed over time. From having a really good run to all of a sudden hearing “no”, it stopped me in my tracks where I thought, “Hmmmm ok, I think this is common”. I processed that being told “no” was common.

I realized that people didn’t see my insecurities through the photos, in fact they saw the complete opposite. People saw all the beautiful things about myself and it really helped me stop being insecure. We are all our worst critic so these moments taught me to be gentle with myself and to love myself. I also learned that, if some clients didn’t want to work with me, than I didn’t want to work with them either. I really focused on putting my energy and talent into people who wanted to work with me. What’s for you, will always be for you.

Written by: Models of Canada