Conversations with Michal Ruth Idan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michal Ruth Idan

Hi Michal Ruth, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up in a religious Orthodox city in Israel. The city’s lifestyle was strict, but my family wasn’t as extreme, and modeling was never part of our lives. I attended an all-girls school, wore modest clothes, and followed traditional customs. Then, at age 12, I surprised everyone—and myself—by choosing to enter the fashion world, an industry far from anything I had known.

Balancing these two contrasting worlds wasn’t easy. The people, events, and culture were so different from what I was used to. Fortunately, my sister had been modeling for a few years, and she became a guide for me in this new environment. By the time I turned 15, I was doing mostly bridal and bikini shoots. With a mature look for my age, I often landed jobs aimed at older models. Ironically, it seems the fashion industry prefers younger models for bridal shoots, maybe because of that “perfect” youthful skin.

For years, I felt I was living two separate lives: my private life and my modeling career. I’m a pretty private person, and even on social media, I choose not to share much about my personal life. You won’t often see my family on my pages. It was my way of keeping those two worlds apart.

At 20, after a year of national service with the police, I wanted to expand my career internationally. Most agencies in Israel didn’t work abroad, so I had to find someone who could connect me with an overseas agency. I’d worked with nearly all the big Israeli brands by then, doing major campaigns and billboards, but I wanted to expand beyond Israel. My first international modeling trip was to Turkey when I was 21. I stayed there for two months—my first time traveling solo for such a long period. My English was limited to what I had learned in school, so I struggled to communicate. I lived in a tiny apartment with five other models, sharing beds and adjusting to the rotation of new roommates. Although the experience was challenging, especially with long workdays and difficult conditions, it was also a huge learning experience.

At 22, I had a shoot in Texas. I didn’t know much about the U.S. then, but with a visa in hand, I decided to go. After the shoot, I headed to Los Angeles, armed with $1,000 and no contacts. I went to open calls at various agencies, slowly building connections. In just a week, I met people who would become like family and encouraged me to stay. After extending my stay, I knew that LA was where I wanted to live.

Determined, I returned to Israel and worked on building a stronger portfolio. Over the next two years, I made several trips back to LA, each time for three months, striving to gain traction in the industry. In 2018, I finally signed with LA Models, but it wasn’t an easy journey. I knew I had to continue building my brand, so I worked tirelessly back home, strengthening my portfolio and building my fitness.

In 2019, I decided to visit Miami, hoping to sign with an agency there as well. While in Miami, I realized how much the industry values specific looks—I’m not tall or super thin, and that was an obstacle. But I was determined. I returned to Israel, started working out rigorously, and became disciplined with my diet. By the time I returned, I had transformed my look, ready to show the Miami agencies I could be an asset.

Then, just as I was preparing for a shoot in Thailand, COVID hit. We managed to get the shoot done, but my plans were delayed. I received my U.S. work visa just before the pandemic, and after two years of waiting, I finally moved to LA at 26. I was no longer a young girl—I was a woman with a clearer vision and purpose.

LA had changed post-COVID, but my dream of living and working here remained. Along the way, I’ve met fascinating people, experienced both highs and lows, and gathered countless funny stories. One time, at a party, I found myself chatting with “JB” without realizing he was Gerard Butler—just one of many amusing moments when I didn’t connect famous faces with names.

At 30, I’m still chasing big dreams. I’ve been featured in magazines I’ve admired for years, like *Vogue* Ukraine and Vogue Mexico, I sign up past year with 3 more agencies around the us and one in uk, and I finally worked with Gymshark and nike, after years of doing castings, I kept pushing, and the “yeses” started to come.
My journey has taught me to dream big and embrace change, no matter how challenging.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road hasn’t been smooth at all—it’s been filled with challenges that have shaped who I am today. Growing up in a religious Orthodox city, I was raised with certain values and expectations that didn’t align with the modeling industry. Just stepping into the world of fashion at age 12 was a shock to everyone around me, and even to myself. It wasn’t easy to balance the two worlds, where one emphasized modesty and tradition, and the other, often, encouraged expression and exposure. I felt like an outsider trying to blend in, but the reality was that I was living in two very different worlds, and I had to learn how to navigate that duality.

Even as I began to gain traction in my career, every step forward came with its own set of obstacles. For instance, my English was a struggle when I first began working internationally. I remember my first extended trip abroad, living in a tiny apartment in Turkey with five other girls, barely able to communicate and trying to figure out how to survive both socially and professionally in a foreign place. The days were grueling; I remember one time there I was so stressed that I start eating so much chocolate than my body start getting red dots! I would work 12-14 hours, shooting for e-commerce brands, changing countless outfits. I often came back exhausted, barely able to hold myself up. And despite all the hard work, the pay was minimal, leaving me questioning if it was even worth it.
Then came my move to Los Angeles—a city I dreamed about but one that was intimidating, too. I came with little money, limited connections, and, honestly, a shaky grasp of the industry here. Those early days in LA were filled with rejection. I went to countless open calls, only to hear “no” after “no.” It was discouraging, especially because I knew I didn’t fit the typical model standards. I wasn’t super tall or super thin, and nine years ago, that mattered even more. Each rejection felt like a reminder of what I wasn’t, and it took a lot of inner work to stay focused on what I was capable of instead. Adding to this, my experiences in Miami presented their own set of issues. I struggled to find an agency willing to take a chance on me, and at that point, I had to make a serious decision—was I going to give up, or was I going to push harder? I chose to push harder, returning to Israel, where I dedicated myself to a strict fitness and nutrition regimen, determined to fit the standards I was being measured against. I became more disciplined, more focused, and gradually built a portfolio that I felt proud of.
The pandemic hit just as I was gaining momentum, throwing all my plans into disarray. I had my work visa for the U.S., but borders were closed, flights were canceled, and I had to postpone my move. I went from a period of intense focus and preparation to being completely stuck. Those two years felt like a test of patience and persistence, but I decided to use that time to continue improving my craft, building my portfolio, and preparing for the next opportunity.

When I finally moved to LA, everything had changed. The city felt quieter, even unfamiliar compared to the lively LA I’d visited before. Adjusting to this new reality, I still faced challenges with each step in the industry. There’s a pressure in this career, not only to look perfect but also to constantly reinvent yourself and adapt. It can be exhausting—emotionally, mentally, and physically.

Through it all, though, I learned resilience. I learned that while the road may not be smooth, every bump, every delay, and every rejection has taught me something valuable. The struggle isn’t easy, and the world I stepped into years ago continues to test me in new ways, but I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for those moments that forced me to dig deeper and prove to myself that I could keep going.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I’ve had a rich and varied career path, working in many different roles before finding my passion in fitness and wellness. Recently, I completed a Pilates instructor certification, and I’m now in the exciting process of planning to open my own studio. My journey to this point has given me a unique perspective on what it takes to not only stay physically fit but also mentally resilient, and I aim to bring that to every class I teach. What sets my future studio apart is my holistic approach. I’ve spent years building a career that combines my love for movement with my desire to help people feel their best, both inside and out. I want my studio to be a welcoming and empowering space. more with it to come I can’t tell it all:) but im still of course modeling and I won’t stop until I will feel that im done with it. so far I love it and I have the passion for it more than million people I met in the industry

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
When it comes to finding a mentor or building a network, my best advice is to start by seeking out people who share your values and goals. Networking isn’t just about connecting with the most successful people you can find; it’s about connecting with those who inspire you and can offer insights relevant to your path. I’ve found that approaching relationships with genuine curiosity and openness goes a long way. Ask questions, be willing to learn, and don’t be afraid to share your own experiences and ideas. Real connections are built when both sides are invested in each other’s growth. What’s worked well for me is not limiting myself to one industry or a narrow circle. I’ve worked in many different jobs, each with its own set of challenges and learning experiences, which introduced me to people from all walks of life. These diverse connections have often led to unexpected advice and opportunities.

Another thing that’s helped me is staying consistent and engaged. It’s not just about showing up to an event or sending a one-time message; it’s about nurturing relationships over time. A strong network isn’t built overnight, so be patient and consistent.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice, even from people you might feel intimidated by. People are often more willing to help than you might think, and showing respect and appreciation for their time can leave a lasting impression.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michal_idan/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michalidan
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYQMG2PEUHeDXG6y_jiKcDw
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@michal_idann

Image Credits
Rachel Tzairi https://www.instagram.com/racheltzairi_makeup?igsh=MTM4M3dobTZnbXh4ZQ==
iddo Goldberg https://www.instagram.com/iddophoto/profilecard/?igsh=MzRsNGgwN3picHdl
Shahar arviv https://www.instagram.com/shahar__arviv/profilecard/?igsh=eG51ZjMxeGV5dXJm
Naomi piercer https://www.instagram.com/naomiperier/profilecard/?igsh=cnRsYTRhYnpob3Rx
castro Clifton https://www.instagram.com/castroclifton/profilecard/?igsh=ODFtYmc0dDl3cGJs