Nicole Petrie wearing Madalyn Joy Designs photographed by Tif Cohen in Milwaukee, WI. 2017.

Hello everyone + Happy Monday! I am so excited to be continuing this inspiring series called Monday Muse and to be featuring the divine Nicole Petrie for this special Christmas edition of Monday Muse!

I first met Nicole in April 2016 when I was looking for models to present my Senior Thesis collection at the UW-Madison annual Threads Fashion Show. All of the Seniors were able to pick models from the Rock Agency since the faculty felt the Senior Thesis collection should be presented on more professional models. Nicole was one of the models at the look book photo shoot and I distinctly remember her coming up to me asking if she could model my lingerie pieces. First of all, I was stunned by her beauty, height, and long locks, but once I composed myself I responded with, "Yes, of course! I would love to have you model my pieces!" Essentially, the rest is history and she has been modeling for me ever since!

Nicole modeled all of my Senior Thesis pieces for my own collection photo shoot and closed the fashion show in my LED light up bra. Nicole has been closing my shows ever since and I plan on her continuing to close every show as long as she is interested and available. I told her I still want her closing my shows even when she is 90 years old and has a walker!

Nicole was the very first Madalyn Joy Designs model and has been with me since the very beginning. She holds a special place in my heart and always will! <3 We both have watched each other grow tremendously within the past year and half and it is crazy to think how far we have come in such a short amount of time. It has been exciting to have someone by your side to enjoy the ride!

I know Nicole's future is SO bright! She is the most beautiful person inside and out and encourages other people to be their best selves as well. She is so talented, gorgeous, sweet, confident, inspiring, empowering, and just overall amazing that I know she will achieve whatever she sets her mind to. As much as I will miss you if you deicide to move, I know you need to spread your wings and reach your full potential. You will ALWAYS have a home here at Madalyn Joy Designs!

Good luck in your future endeavors! I can't wait to see what the future holds for you! Love you so much! xoxo

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

I am 23 years old and just graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Philosophy. I love both of these fields of study because they are so applicable in everyday life. I am now trying to decide on my next steps but know that I would like to focus on modeling as much as possible for the time being. No matter where life takes me I know I will be okay because I have an amazing support system behind me including my beautiful family, friends, and boyfriend.

How did you get into modeling?

I started modeling after I made the decision to end an 8+ year volleyball career. I had lost the passion for the sport and was searching for something to replace it. I had been told many times growing up that I should try modeling because of my height but never thought it was something a girl from small town Wisconsin could do. Luckily, I had a friend of a friend who was already in the modeling world that directed me to The Rock Agency and they signed me right away! That was 4 years ago now and one of the best decisions of my life.

What is your favorite part about modeling?

Modeling has made me so confident and empowered. I love that I can step in front of the camera or onto the runway and be whoever I want to be. It allows me to explore and create and meet amazing people. I couldn’t think of any better job.

What is your least favorite thing about modeling?

Honestly, there isn’t much about modeling that I haven’t enjoyed. Even the tough things like dealing with rejection and pressure have made me a stronger and more well rounded woman. I think it just goes to show that if you are genuinely passionate about something, you will do whatever it takes to succeed and not let those negatives discourage you.

What has been your favorite modeling experience (i.e. show, shoot, event)?

I have been so fortunate in the past 4 years and have had so many amazing experiences that I don’t know if I could pick just one. I guess I would say that some of my top experiences include traveling to New Orleans for a hair show with Kenra Professionals, working with the Arsenic this past summer in Chicago, and meeting and becoming the first person to model for Madalyn Joy Designs!

What was your most beautiful and confident moment?

I don’t think I have ever felt as beautiful as I do when I put on a Madalyn Joy original! Not only are your designs incredibly intricate and breathtaking, but also the experience of working with a girl boss like yourself is incomparable to any of the other jobs that I have done. You build up everyone around you and make sure that all of your models feel both beautiful and confident. Women supporting women is so important and you are a golden example for the rest of us!

Who is your muse/inspiration?

I draw inspiration from everyone around me! My parents are definitely my biggest inspiration in life and love. As for modeling I look up to models such as Gisele Bündchen, Candice Swanepoel, Tyra Banks, and Heidi Klum.

Fun fact?

I adopted a vegan diet just over a year ago now! This is another one of the best decisions I’ve ever made and one that I think truly saved my life. It has not only positively affected my body but my mind as well. After struggling with depression and anxiety for many years, veganism has made me happier and healthier than ever!

Looking forward to most in 2018?

I hope to travel and develop my modeling career as much as possible in 2018. Now that I have finished school I feel like the world is my oyster!

What is your #1 modeling goal?

I would love to be a face in the modeling community that brings back the supermodel era that once was. I have always dreamt of walking for big name designers and seeing my face on the covers of major magazines. I would also like to use my platform as a model to spread awareness about important issues such as mental health, veganism, and equal rights.

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MONDAY MUSE // NICOLE PETRIE