Chase The Life You Deserve 

with FHM United Kingdom May 2026 cover star Telli Swift 

Photographer: Brian P / @61.mm

Makeup: Armando Kole 

Hair: Jonette Marchand 

Outfit: Nike x Skims 

Happy to have you on FHM.Can you take us back to the beginning? What inspired you to start your journey as an influencer, and how has it evolved over time? I’ve been modeling since I was five, so being in front of the camera has always been second nature to me. But I never really set out to become an influencer. I didn’t think my personal life or lifestyle would resonate with people in that way. That shifted after I did reality TV. My audience grew almost overnight, going from a few hundred thousand to millions, and I started to see the impact I could have. Since then, it’s evolved into something much more intentional. I’m more mindful about what I share and how I connect with people, and I’ve embraced the platform as a way to inspire, express myself, and build something bigger than just modeling. 

At what point did you realize this could become a serious career, and what was that transition like for you? I realized it could become a serious career when my engagement became consistently strong, and I saw how quickly people were responding to what I shared. It wasn’t just about numbers; it was the fact that people were genuinely paying attention, engaging, and even taking inspiration from my style and lifestyle. The turning point for me was noticing people recreating my outfits and looking to me for trends. That’s when I understood the influence was real. From there, the transition became about being more strategic in building a brand, aligning with the right partnerships, and working with established companies in a way that felt authentic to me. It shifted from just posting to actually creating something with long-term value. 

You’ve built a strong personal brand. What key decisions helped shape your path? Building my brand has definitely been a process. It took time to really understand what felt authentic to me while also creating something my audience could genuinely connect with and enjoy. A big part of shaping my path was not limiting myself. I’ve explored different areas, from clothing, fragrances, candles, and skincare, to launching a podcast, a concierge agency, and a nonprofit. On the surface, it might look diverse, but for me, it’s all rooted in the same idea: creating experiences, products, and platforms that reflect my lifestyle and values. I’ve learned that when your influence is real, you don’t have to box yourself in. The key is staying authentic while continuing to evolve, and that mindset has really defined my brand. 

What are some of the biggest decisions you’ve had to make in your career, and how did they shape where you are today? Some of the biggest decisions I’ve made were about taking control of my brand and thinking long-term. Early on, I had to decide whether I wanted to just ride the momentum or actually build something sustainable, and I chose to be intentional about it. That meant being selective with partnerships, even when opportunities were coming in fast, and making sure everything I aligned with reflected my values and image. It also meant stepping outside of just influencing and creating my own ventures, whether that was products, media, or business platforms. Those decisions really shaped where I am today because they allowed me to transition from just being seen to actually building something with substance. I’ve focused on longevity over quick wins, and that mindset has made all the difference. 

In an industry that’s constantly changing, how do you stay relevant while still staying true to yourself? I think staying relevant comes down to evolving without losing your core. Trends are always going to change, but authenticity doesn’t. I pay attention to what’s happening, but I don’t feel the need to follow everything. I’d rather take what aligns with me and make it my own. For me, it’s also about consistency. My audience knows my style, my energy, and what I represent, so even as I grow and try new things, there’s still a clear identity behind it. At the same time, I’m always open to growth. Whether it’s new platforms, new ventures, or new ways of connecting, I embrace change but I make sure it still feels natural to who I am. That balance is what keeps me both relevant and real. 

Have you been involved in any charity work or causes close to your heart? What motivates you to give back? I’ve been involved in charity work for years and have my own nonprofit organization, which is currently going through a rebrand while keeping the same core values. Giving back has always been important to me, especially when it comes to using my platform to raise awareness and support different communities. I’ve been part of initiatives supporting breast cancer and prostate cancer awareness, as well as events for children on the spectrum. For me, it’s about showing up and using my voice in a meaningful way. I believe when you have a platform of this magnitude, there’s a responsibility that comes with it. Being able to give back and make a real impact is something that motivates me, and it’s something I’ll always prioritize as I continue to grow. 

What exciting projects or goals are currently on your horizon? I’m currently in a major rebranding phase across multiple areas of my life and business. That includes my nonprofit organization, my podcast, and my focus on fitness and health, while still staying true to the lifestyle content my audience connects with. It’s really about elevating everything, refining my message, expanding my reach, and creating more meaningful, high-quality experiences across the board. I’m focused on building something that feels cohesive and long-term, rather than just moving from one thing to the next. There are a lot of exciting projects in the works, and this next chapter is definitely about growth, alignment, and taking everything to the next level. 

 
How do you use your platform to create impact beyond content, whether socially, culturally, or within your community? I try to use my platform for more than just content by being intentional about what I represent and how I show up. It’s not just about visuals, it’s about influence, conversation, and impact. Alongside my nonprofit work and podcast, I also run a worldwide concierge service, which allows me to create elevated, personalized experiences for clients on a global scale. Everything ties back to the same vision: service, access, and creating meaningful value in different spaces. I also focus heavily on community involvement and using my voice to bring awareness to causes that matter. Whether it’s through conversations, partnerships, or initiatives, I aim to create impact that extends beyond trends or social media moments. At the end of the day, I want my platform to represent more than lifestyle; it’s about opportunity, connection, and influence that actually does something. If I can inspire people while building systems and services that help others in real ways, then I know I’m using it correctly. 

What are you currently working on or excited about? Right now, I’m really focused on a full rebrand across everything I’ve built from my nonprofit and podcast to my fitness and wellness direction, while still staying connected to my lifestyle content. I’m also expanding my worldwide concierge service, which is something I’m especially excited about because it allows me to operate on a more global, service-driven level and create very tailored experiences for people. Alongside that, I’m continuing to develop new projects within my media and business space that feel more aligned with where I’m headed long-term. This next chapter is really about refinement, expansion, and building everything in a more intentional way. Overall, I’m excited about growth, elevating what I’ve already started, and stepping into a more defined, powerful version of my brand across every area. 

What does a typical day look like for you behind the scenes, and what habits keep you productive and grounded? A typical day for me really starts with being a mom first. I wake up, get my daughter ready, and take her to school, which sets the tone for everything. After that, I usually focus on my wellness routine. I’ll make my hydration drink and head to the gym, which is a non-negotiable for me because it keeps me grounded and energized. From there, my day varies depending on what’s scheduled. It could be a content day, podcast recording, work with my concierge agency, meetings, events, or even a bit of self-care like nails, brows, or a massage when I need to reset. What keeps me productive is structure, but what keeps me grounded is balance, making sure I’m showing up as a mom, staying disciplined with my health, and still giving myself space to recharge when needed. 

What challenges have you faced along the way, and what lessons have they taught you about resilience and growth? Like any journey that’s grown at this pace, I’ve definitely faced challenges along the way, especially with learning how to navigate public attention while still protecting my peace and staying grounded in who I am. One of the biggest lessons has been understanding that growth comes with pressure, and not everything needs a reaction. I’ve learned to move more intentionally, choose what deserves my energy, and not get distracted by noise or outside opinions. I’ve also had to adapt quickly as my life and career evolved. Going from modeling to reality TV to building multiple businesses meant constantly stepping into unfamiliar spaces and figuring things out in real time. If anything, it’s taught me resilience through consistency, showing up even when things are shifting, trusting my instincts, and understanding that every phase is building something bigger. I’ve learned that growth isn’t always comfortable, but it’s always necessary. 

Looking ahead, what goals or projects are you most excited about, both professionally and personally? Looking ahead, I’m really focused on expansion and refinement across everything I’ve already built. Professionally, I’m excited about evolving my rebrand elevating my nonprofit, growing my podcast into a stronger platform, and continuing to develop my worldwide concierge service on a global scale. I’m also working on new projects within media and business that feel more aligned with long-term impact rather than just short-term moments. Personally, my biggest goal is balance. I want to keep growing in my career while still being fully present as a mom, prioritizing my health, and making space for the parts of life that keep me grounded and fulfilled. For me, it’s all about building something sustainable, expanding my reach, deepening my impact, and continuing to evolve into the best version of myself both publicly and privately. 

For anyone hoping to follow a similar path, what advice would you give about making smart decisions and building a meaningful career? My biggest advice would be to move with intention, not impulse. When opportunities start coming fast, it’s easy to say yes to everything, but real growth comes from learning how to choose what actually aligns with your long-term vision. I’d also say don’t underestimate consistency. A meaningful career isn’t built overnight; it’s built through showing up, staying disciplined, and continuing to evolve even when things feel uncertain behind the scenes. Another important lesson is understanding your value early on. Know what you bring to the table and don’t be afraid to set boundaries around that. The right opportunities will respect your direction, not distract from it. At the end of the day, it’s about building something that lasts. Trends will come and go, but if you stay authentic, make smart decisions, and keep growing with purpose, you create something that has real longevity.