Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsie Nick.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey with modeling, acting, and influencing started about 6 years ago. I was deep in PTSD from my nursing job. I was burnt out, stressed, and trying to gain some semblance of joy on my days off. A friend messaged me wanting to take my photo. At first, I brushed them off- who was I to be in front of a camera? Eventually, I took a chance and let them photograph me- and from there it snowballed. Other photographers reached out to collaborate- and suddenly I had a new hobby. Since I have to go 110% into everything- I started practicing, studying, taking every chance I got to grow.
Through working with amazing photographers- I was able to build a portfolio and work with some amazing companies like Budweiser and Forever 21. In a weird turn of events- my photos started going viral on Instagram which lead me into the influencer world. Seeing curve models, and body positivity influencers were so eye opening and completely changed my modeling journey.
In my first year of modeling- I was desperate to be picked up by an agency. I tried to gain control through exercising and under-feeding myself, only to binge on fast food at the end of the night because my body was screaming at me for nutrients. I was powered by Instagram compliments “Yass skinny queen” and “#fitspo”- and agency tear downs- too wide of hips, too fat of thighs. I kept fooling myself that if I was a certain number on a scale- my life would be perfect. I would be picked up by a Saint Louis or Chicago agency and be the next brunette, Karlie Kloss. (lol).
Being empowered by other body-positive models like Iskra Lawrence, inspired me to stop believing other opinions of me as my worth and use my medical background as an ICU nurse to dispel toxic diet culture themes, talk about social justice, politics, plus size fashion, and many other topics on my Instagram. With this work, I’ve acquired over 10K followers and been covered in Allure Magazine, Refinery29, CNN, and Marie Claire.
After moving to Los Angeles, I was picked up by an agency here and have been blessed to work with some amazing brands like Stitch Fix, Jannuu Scrubs, and Buzzfeed. I just finished a short film called Lola’s Journey, which is about medical discrimination and how it affects minorities. I continue to talk about important topics on my Instagram- and am able to work with some amazing companies that share that message.
I’m so grateful for the opportunities that Saint Louis gave me- and so look forward to what comes next!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely not been a smooth road.
From getting rejected from every local agency for being “too short/fat/old/etc.” to then having to convince photographers and brands that I was a skilled model even though I was freelance to gain a portfolio. From gaining a portfolio to having to fend off creeps and scams once I started publishing my portfolio, to then leaving an established network to start over in one of the biggest cities in the world.
This road is not for the faint of heart or for those looking for an easy route. It’s a lot of dedication, hard work, and planning for this career to happen. But it is so worth it. If I had the role models that looked like me when I was younger- it would’ve made such a difference in my self-esteem.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
So to clarify- I’m a Peds ICU nurse who uses my medical background to educate others on a range of topics from mental health to diet culture. AND I’m a working commercial actress.
Most notable work includes working with national companies like Forever 21, Budweiser, shooting the first Plus Size Cover for Conceptual Magazine, walking for Beyonce Designer Reuben Reuel, and filming with Buzzfeed. I branched out from modeling into the influencer world, acquiring over 10K followers chatting about social justice, politics, plus size fashion, and the medical world of nursing. With this work, I’ve been covered in Allure Magazine, Refinery29, CNN, and Marie Claire.
While I continue to grow in this entertainment world- I’ve gotten into acting and have booked several jobs including commercials with BetterHelp, Stitchfix, Jaanuu scrubs, Budweiser, and an upcoming short film about medical discrimination of plus-size bodies called Lola’s Journey!
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’m available for commercial acting and modeling jobs working with companies such as BetterHelp and Stitchfix- but love speaking engagements such as podcasts, Instagram/Facebook live, and panels to talk about dismantling diet culture, body positivity, medical bias against plus-size people, and more!
You can find me at my website www.kelsienick.com, or my any social account Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter.
Contact Info:
- Email: kelsienick0531@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.kelsienick.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsienick0531/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelsienick0531
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/kelsienick0531
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kelsienick
Image Credits
Caitlin Fisher, Natalie Costello, Natalie Costello, Natalie Costello, Chloë Schneid, Anna Tripolitis, and Adam Veevers
