Meet Madeline McKinnon | Model & Creative Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Madeline McKinnon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Madeline, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born in Berlin but raised in Denver, Colorado, and both places deeply shaped who I am today. Being born abroad gave me an early global awareness—a curiosity about people, cultures, and ideas beyond my own. But it was growing up in Colorado that grounded me. There’s something about being surrounded by mountains and nature that keeps you humble. No matter what’s going on in your life, the Rockies have a way of reminding you that you’re just a small part of something bigger. I was always active—playing basketball, tennis, volleyball, swimming—which instilled discipline, resilience, and a sense of community. My upbringing encouraged both ambition and humility: to work hard, dream big, but never take myself too seriously. That mindset has carried into every part of my life—from entrepreneurship to modeling.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Modeling, for me, has always been about more than just images—it’s a way to express myself and quietly document the different versions of who I’ve been throughout life. It’s less about chasing perfection and more about capturing a feeling, a phase, or a shift in energy. I love being part of a creative process where emotion, style, and storytelling come together without words. It’s a medium that’s helped me become more present in my body and more appreciative of the passing moments that make up a life.

What sets me apart is the balance I bring—groundedness from my athletic background, and openness from my creative side. Growing up playing competitive sports taught me discipline, resilience, and how to take direction—all of which show up on set. At the same time, I’ve always been drawn to the emotional side of modeling: the energy in a room, the silent connection with the camera, and the trust it takes to let yourself be seen.

I’ve worked with brands like L’Oréal, Louis Vuitton, and Il Makiage and even stepped into performance, appearing in a scene on And Just Like That. But the work I value most is the kind that feels honest—the kind where I’m able to bring something personal to the frame.

It hasn’t always been easy. Once I was dismissed from a runway show for being half an inch too short, standing at 5’9.5″. Another time I went to a fitting and all the “size 0” clothes were falling off of me – I was embarrassed walking out of the casting.

What I hope people take away from my story is that beauty can be powerful when it’s grounded in honesty. And that there’s real value in simply showing up as yourself.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Morning: Start the day with a quaint brunch at The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker in West Hollywood. It’s got a cozy, relaxed vibe with amazing food – the perfect spot to catch up and ease into the day.

Afternoon: After brunch, we’d take a scenic drive up the coast to Malibu. We’d grab a spot at El Matador Beach—the one with all the stunning rock formations.

Evening: Once we’re back in the city, we’d go all out with a late dinner at n/naka— no explanation necessary.

Late Night: I’d do both of our makeup and we’d end up at Spring Place. I love the community that shows up there, whether I’m in LA or NYC.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely—I wouldn’t be where I am without the support of some incredible people. First and foremost, my family. They’ve always believed in me, even when I was taking risks or choosing less traditional paths. I also want to shout out the early mentors and founders I worked with in the startup world—people who trusted me with big responsibilities before I even fully trusted myself. And a huge thank-you goes to Heloisa Faria, a Brazilian designer who started my modeling career. Walking in her show opened my eyes to the fashion world and gave me the confidence to start modeling professionally.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeline_mckinnon/

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@madelinefromdenver

Image Credits
Salvador Delgado
Chris Dobey
Oliver Endahl