Conversations with Hazel McNish

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hazel McNish.

Hi Hazel, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always loved being in front of the camera for as long as I can remember. Since I was a baby, my family would tell me I was the happiest little girl they knew, always smiling and always ready to pose. Looking back, nearly every photo from my childhood shows me happy to be anywhere with anyone. Posing came naturally, and I lit up every time a lens was pointed my way, simply happy to be present and captured in the moment. Even back in elementary school, I would always grab my mom’s phone to snap pictures of my outfits and poses. I would constantly use her laptop to film and edit little DIY videos I made, often recruiting my friends and neighbors to be a part of them. I really enjoyed capturing fashion and creating content from a young age, so I always felt like I was destined to follow a career path related to fashion or content creation. In December 2023, at 19 and just months after graduating high school, I decided to take a risk and pursue modeling. I always knew I wanted to model, but I just never knew my full capability. I was unemployed for months at the time, and I knew I did not want to settle for something that would limit my potential or creativity. I have always believed I was meant for more: to express myself, to create, and to inspire. As a first-generation Latina and being half Irish this journey means more than just personal ambition. It is about honoring my mother’s strength and sacrifices coming to this country to give not only herself but her children a better future. I carry that purpose with me in everything I do. My first photoshoot was Christmas themed. I picked out the red lingerie myself, styled the set, and did my own hair and makeup. I remember catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror just before the photographer arrived, and in that moment I felt confident, aligned, and completely in my element. I knew then that this was the beginning of something important. That is not always the case for every model’s first shoot. What really stood out to me about my emotions in that moment was how natural it felt because it is normal to feel unsure and even a little lost at first. I drew strength from iconic women I admired, including Dita Von Teese, Bettie Page, and Janet Rae. I reminded myself that every journey begins somewhere no matter how uncertain it feels at first. I loved feeling like a doll, a muse in my own story, and that is when I knew I had to prioritize my modeling career to truly reach my goals. That is when I really began pursuing my dreams by going out more to shop and thrift pieces from different fashion styles I admired, using fashion as a way to express my individuality. At the time, my boyfriend Brandon was always there to help. I would constantly ask him to take my photos and videos for content, and he was always supportive, knowing how much this career meant to me. After months of experimenting with different shoot styles and working with local photographers throughout Los Angeles, I still was not getting the exposure I had hoped for. I kept asking myself, “What am I doing wrong?” I had to constantly regroup and remind myself that modeling is a saturated industry, and everyone moves at their own pace. Still, I was stubborn. Even when I felt underestimated, I kept going. I ended up settling for a full-time security job for two years monitoring a plaza, but I never felt fulfilled working there. If anything, I felt more out of place than ever in my life, just as I feared, but I managed because bills needed to be paid. In January 2025, the contract ended, and I was let go. I found myself back at square one unemployed but this time with more freedom to focus on modeling again, giving myself another chance to prove myself. Two years had passed since I first started, and I was about to turn 21 in April, still feeling far from where I wanted to be. I knew something had to change. In March, I took a route I normally would not and posted a reel on Instagram instead of a regular photo. It gained over 10,000 views, which was encouraging, but I still was not satisfied. That is when I tried something new: I made a Get Ready With Me video in a Gothabilly pin-up style, and it reached over 30,000 views, which gave me so much hope. For the first time, I truly felt seen. I had around 3,500 followers, and in just one month, I gained 1,400 more. It felt surreal. I realized I was finally on the right path. People were actively engaging with me. From there, I focused more on reels and began sharing my own thoughts, which surprisingly resonated with people. I noticed my audience connected most with two things: my unique fashion sense and my honest opinions. I started reposting older GRWM videos that performed well, featuring Gothabilly, rockabilly pin-up, and cosplay looks, and that is when I gained another 2,000 followers in just one month. By sticking to that routine from May through June, I have gained over 16,000 followers on Instagram alone. May was my biggest month yet, thanks to an iconic look I am incredibly proud of. I created a jungle rockabilly-themed GRWM video that received over 300,000 views on Instagram and 400,000 views on TikTok. In addition, alongside my highest-performing photo on Instagram featuring the same outfit, which has received over 20,000 likes. This new chapter in my life has opened doors I had always dreamed of, such as being featured on brand homepages and websites, receiving PR packages from iconic and influential brands, and being asked to promote products in exchange for gifted items. Then, in May, I was offered my first two paid brand shoots. I remember getting emotional that day, realizing this was the original goal. For the first time, I felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be: seen, valued, and appreciated. From that moment on, my confidence grew, and my drive to keep growing in my career only became stronger. Creating content that stands out has always been important to me, especially when it comes to my GRWM videos. I did not want them to blend in with what everyone else was doing. I wanted them to reflect me visually, creatively, and emotionally. I put thought into every detail, from the way I film and edit to how I tell a story through each look. My goal has always been to create something that feels nostalgic, comforting, and influential. Now, I wake up feeling blessed and excited to share that creativity with the world, knowing I am expressing both my style and my voice, but most importantly, simply being myself and inspiring others who relate to my interests.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely wasn’t a smooth road to get where I am now. Most photoshoots I did in the beginning came straight out of my pocket. I’d thrift outfits, build my own sets, and sometimes skip out on things just to afford a new outfit or save up gas money to travel. Working security full time while trying to pursue modeling made me feel disconnected from my purpose. I was drained creatively but kept pushing through because I knew was the only one capable of changing things permanently for myself so It really weighed on me every time I created something unique or put my heart into something I was passionate about, only to put it out there and not be recognized. I would get ignored constantly by brands, and it became a reminder that I wasn’t even close to where I wanted to be. I kept asking myself if maybe I just wasn’t meant to pursue modeling, or if I simply wasn’t good enough compared to other successful models and creators out there. Like I mentioned earlier, when I first started uploading my GRWM reels, the viewership was extremely low even though I knew deep down they were entertaining and could really inspire so many different people. It just goes to show how unpredictable Instagram’s algorithm can be. I’m proud that I gave myself a second chance and kept re uploading those reels, eventually receiving the outcome I had been hoping for. When I reached out to brands, even when they were actively looking for models in my area, I’d often be dismissed or not hear back most likely because of my low following at the time. I also thought doing OF part time might have affected things too. A lot of brands probably didn’t want to associate with that kind of work, especially with someone like me who was still unknown. It’s such a relief to know that none of that matters now, especially with the amount of iconic brands that have wanted me to be part of their brand and represent their image. Something that also really bothered me was noticing how certain people online began treating me differently once they saw how quickly I was gaining traction. Suddenly, they were eager to hang out, plan shoots, or acknowledge me online. It was a wake up call that I needed to be more protective of my energy and more discerning about who I let into my life. I realized that for some, it was less about building a genuine connection and more about leveraging the opportunity for their own benefit.One of the hardest parts was holding onto my visions when it felt like no one else did. But I learned that consistency and authenticity eventually speak louder than numbers.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a model and content creator who specializes in expressive fashion across a wide spectrum. I’ve always been open to experimenting with different aesthetics and vibes, but I feel most in my element when I’m creating fashion content inspired by Rockabilly, Gothabilly, Western, and especially Pin up styles. If I had to label my personal aesthetic, I’d say I’m primarily a rockabilly and western gal at heart. I’m most known for my GRWM videos, where I combine storytelling, styling, and editing to create content that feels nostalgic, cinematic, and personal. I think what draws people in is not just the niche styles I showcase, but how passionately I bring each look to life. I put intention behind everything from the outfit and makeup to the mood, camera angles, and poses. Whether I’m shooting solo or collaborating with someone, I’m always heavily involved in the creative direction. For my independent shoots, I do styling, makeup, set design, and editing all myself. I love drawing inspiration from iconic past eras and putting a modern twist on them to make each look feel like a character or a moment out of a classic film. Beyond fashion, I also bring awareness to topics I think are important, like political issues that affect us as Americans or the chemicals found in the everyday products we consume and utilize. I want to be known not just for style, but for meaningful insight too. I’m really passionate about these topics, and I know people would appreciate seeing this deeper, more authentic side of me that I genuinely care about discussing. As a creator with influence, I believe it’s important to bring awareness to meaningful topics because even small changes can have a real impact. It truly warms my heart to know that by sharing truth and positivity people have reached out to me expressing how I changed their mindset and being able to influence their opinions, or inspire change in their daily life motivates to continue being authentic to myself and spread useful information. I think what also sets me apart is that I’m not afraid to use my voice. My audience knows me for my creative photoshoots and collaborations with iconic brands and talented photographers, along with my unique, exotic fashion style and the hot takes I share on Instagram reels. They also appreciate how I balance expressing pride and concern in speaking out on global conflicts and raising awareness about risky products we encounter here in America.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Being where I am now feels truly beautiful the freedom to express my thoughts and fashion online, knowing that people genuinely care, is a gift I don’t take for granted. I want to give a huge thank you to all my supporters who’ve been with me from the very beginning, before I had the platform I have now. I couldn’t have made it here without you, and I’m forever grateful. To my newer followers who relate to and appreciate my content, I’m excited to keep interacting and creating for you! I hope to keep expanding my career and one day pursue bigger dreams, like hosting events to meet and connect with my supporters face to face. Performing is also something I’d love to dive into one day, whether it’s burlesque or something in the entertainment industry. One thing I’ve learned along the way is that everyone is born with a chance, but that chance looks different for everyone. The key is to never lose sight of who you are, stay true to yourself, and put in the work to get where you want to go. Don’t let distractions or doubts take you off course you only have one life, so make the most of the potential you know you have. Remember, success isn’t just about getting things right it’s about failing and learning from it until you find what clicks for you. Be patient, and most importantly, be kind to yourself during the journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/kittyvondoll?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=2a76793e-07f8-4032-9ad3-071279bbae1c
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kittyvondoll
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kittyvondoll
• Twitter: https://x.com/kittyvondoll

Image Credits
3 collage pin up pictures shot by Joao Serra or @Joaocserra on instagram