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Liv Nicholson
Meet
Our
Model
**Personal & Career Journey**
Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you started your modeling career?
I’m a tiny person, but I’m often told my personality is huge! I’m 4ft 10 and have been called a ‘pocket rocket’ for as long as I can remember, sometimes even by people who’ve only just met me!
I have a chronic condition called Hypopituitarism, that caused my short stature as well as a number of other health challenges growing up. Because of this, I naturally developed a very high-energy, positive personality to compensate for the fatigue and illness I often experienced. Health, fitness, and wellness became incredibly important to me, because I always wanted to feel as strong and healthy as possible.
My modelling journey actually happened quite accidentally, because I genuinely didn’t realise modelling could be inclusive. Growing up, I thought models were all very tall, very thin, and traditionally beautiful, so it never crossed my mind that there could be a place for somebody like me in the industry.
One day I was scrolling on LinkedIn and came across an advert from an extra petite clothing brand for women under 5ft who were looking for crowdfunding support. I was fascinated, so I contacted them and ended up being invited onto a shoot modelling their jeans.
That day completely changed my perspective. I met around ten other women, much younger than me, who made me feel so welcome and they were ALL under 5ft tall; I honestly couldn’t believe it! Through them, I discovered there were inclusive modelling agencies in the UK actively representing women like me, and that was really the beginning of everything.
What inspired you to become a model?
I didn’t ever consciously want to become a model; not ever. It simple was not on my radar. It was not possible for people like me. I’m not putting myself down, it’s just fact. You simply didn’t see people like me represented in the industry. However, I have always absolutely loved fashion, makeup, wellness, beauty, and experimenting with different looks and hairstyles!
Was there a defining moment that made you realize modeling was your true passion?
I think the defining moment was actually that very first shoot I did for the extra petite clothing brand. Until then, I had genuinely never considered modelling as something that could be possible.
Walking onto that shoot and meeting other women under 5ft was honestly incredible, because for the first time I saw people who looked like me being represented in a positive, fashionable, confident way. It completely shifted my perspective.
It could have been very daunting at my age, but I think that gave me confidence, because I had nothing to lose. The other girls were so much fun and we had wonderful MHUAs on set. Being able to channel all the positivity from that day forwards, into actual work at this stage of my life, feels incredible. It never feels superficial to me; it feels expressive, creative, and empowering.
**Industry Experience & Challenges**
What has been the most exciting or memorable shoot you’ve worked on?
It’s actually quite a difficult question to answer, because every shoot I’ve done so far has been completely different, and I’ve genuinely enjoyed them all for different reasons. At this stage in my journey, I’ve been very open to gaining experience and building my portfolio, so I apply for a wide range of opportunities, including TFP shoots, wellness campaigns, skincare content, fitness shoots, and lifestyle work.
One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that everybody is really in the same boat creatively. Whether it’s a photographer, brand owner, makeup artist, or model, most people are simply trying to create something beautiful and meaningful together. I think that’s why I’ve always felt surprisingly comfortable on set.
What has honestly stood out to me most is how grateful and respectful people have been. On skincare and gym shoots especially, I’ve been treated with such kindness and encouragement, which I never expected when I first entered the industry.
I also make a huge effort to bring positivity and energy onto set. Living with health challenges has taught me not to take experiences for granted, so I genuinely try to enjoy every moment. I’m often told I bring great energy, and I think that’s because I truly do have fun with it, whatever the product or campaign may be!
Have you faced any challenges in the modelling industry?
If so, how did you overcome them?
The modelling industry is incredibly competitive, and one of the biggest challenges is accepting that so many people are often fighting for the exact same opportunity. You can put yourself forward for something, feel excited about it, and then simply never hear back. I think you have to learn very quickly not to take rejection personally and to keep moving forward without letting it affect your confidence.
Honestly, if I had entered this industry when I was younger, I’m not sure I would have been resilient enough to handle that side of it. Life experience has definitely helped me develop a much stronger mindset.
Another challenge is representation and visibility for somebody my height. I’m 4ft 10, and it’s still very rare (if ever) to see casting calls specifically looking for models under 5ft or under 150cm. Most of the time you still see height requirements asking for models who are at least 175cm tall, so there are naturally fewer opportunities available.
However, instead of allowing that to discourage me, it’s actually motivated me more. I think the industry is slowly becoming more inclusive, and I love being part of that change in my own small way. I hope that by showing up confidently as myself, it encourages brands and agencies to think more openly about representation and diversity within modelling.
How do you prepare for a big shoot or runway show?
You’ve got to laugh a little at the runway part of this question, because honestly, have you ever really seen somebody under 5ft on a runway?! There are a tiny handful of strong petite females out there, trying to improve representation, which is wonderful to see, but the fashion industry still has a long way to go when it comes to genuinely embracing petite women.
What I still find surprising is that even many brands advertising ‘petite’ collections rarely use truly petite models. Often the models are simply on the borderline of petite sizing rather than genuinely short in stature. In a world where women naturally come in all different heights, I do sometimes question why the industry still seems hesitant to fully represent shorter women visually.
For shoots, though, preparation for me is very wellness-focused. Because I live with Hypopituitarism, I have to take care of my energy levels carefully. I try to fit in regular strength training, I’m very keen on good nutrition, I love walking my little toy poodle, resting when I can and looking after my skin. To keep a balance, I love a glass of wine or two as well, esp with family and friends.
I also genuinely enjoy the preparation side of things for my hair, makeup, styling, and planning outfits. These are all things I’ve loved for years. I think when you feel prepared physically and mentally, you naturally feel more confident in front of the camera, even though it’s not always easy!
Most importantly, though, I always try to arrive with a positive attitude and good energy. Shoots are collaborative, and I think being kind, adaptable, and enjoyable to work with is just as important as the photos themselves.
**Creative Process & Style**
How would you describe your modelling style?
I think people would probably be surprised to hear me say this, but I still feel quite awkward and stiff in front of the camera! I’ve never naturally loved having my photograph taken. I grew up in the era of 35mm film cameras, where every photo was printed whether you liked it or not, and my mum was very much ‘waste not, want not,’ so there was absolutely no chance of ripping up the ones you hated!
Because of that, learning to see myself through a camera lens has actually been a huge personal journey for me. Even now, there are times when a photographer or brand absolutely loves an image that I’m personally not keen on myself. I’m definitely getting better, though, at accepting that we’re often our own harshest critics.
In terms of style, I naturally seem to suit fitness and wellness shoots because I train a lot anyway, I’m very compact physically, also flexible, and genuinely feel at home in a gym environment. That side of modelling feels very authentic to me because it reflects my real lifestyle and personality.
At the same time, I absolutely love high-glam editorial styling too. There’s something really transformative about professional hair, makeup, and fashion. It allows you to step into a completely different version of yourself, and I think that style has actually helped build my confidence enormously.
Do you prefer editorial, commercial, or runway modelling, and why?
I think editorial modelling is probably what fascinates me the most, because there is usually such a strong creative concept behind it. I love the idea that a team can have a very specific vision for your look, styling, hair, makeup, and clothing, and then bring that vision to life through photography. There’s something both fascinating and very flattering about somebody seeing you in a certain way creatively before you can even see it yourself.
That said, I also really enjoy commercial modelling, especially when working with newer or independent brands. There’s often so much passion behind the business, and you can feel how much the owners care about every tiny detail of their product and brand identity. Being part of helping somebody bring their vision to life is genuinely exciting and very rewarding.
As for runway modelling, ahem … hello?! If somebody ever created a runway training class specifically for pro-age women under 5ft tall, it would honestly be my dream; it’s also unlikely! To then see genuinely petite, pro-age women represented on a runway would probably be both the biggest shock and the biggest delight for me.
I don’t exactly see it happening anytime soon, but if anyone out there is brave enough to make it happen, please hit me up HA!
In all seriousness, though, I do think fashion is slowly becoming more inclusive, and I’d love to see even more representation of women of different heights, ages, and body types within runway and high-fashion spaces.
What role do you think storytelling plays in modelling?
I also think representation is part of storytelling. Seeing different ages, heights, body types, and backgrounds represented visually, tells people that they are allowed to exist in those spaces too. For somebody like me, who grew up never seeing women my height represented in fashion or media, that matters enormously. Even in commercial work, there’s still a story being told, whether it’s about confidence, health, beauty, lifestyle, or aspiration. The best shoots are always the ones where you can feel some kind of emotion or personality behind the image.
**Influences & Inspirations**
Are there any models, photographers, or designers who have inspired you?
I’m especially inspired by women who challenge traditional fashion standards and make space for people who haven’t always been represented in the industry; particularly petite women. There are so many petite women in the world, yet we rarely see them acknowledged on the runway or in high-fashion spaces, so I really admire those who use their visibility to advocate for that representation.
People like Louise Thompson inspire me because they openly embrace being petite rather than seeing it as something to overcome. I also find Kylie Minogue incredibly inspirational; although she’s known primarily as a performer, she’s proof that presence, confidence and femininity are never defined by height. And I absolutely love Simone Biles. She represents strength, power and excellence in a petite frame, and honestly, I’d love to see her walk a runway one day (or maybe cartwheel the runway!) - how amazing would that be?!
Photographers continually inspire me too, especially newer creatives who are still building experience but bring so much passion and fresh perspective to their work. Sometimes those photographers capture the most incredible, authentic moments because they’re experimenting, learning, and genuinely trying to create something meaningful rather than overly polished.
More broadly, I’m inspired by people in this industry who are helping redefine beauty, visibility and confidence at every age, and showing that individuality is far more powerful than fitting one mould.
​How do you stay motivated and continue growing as a model?
I think because I’m still very new to modelling, it’s easier to stay motivated because the whole experience still feels so unexpected and extraordinary to me. This was never something I thought was possible for a petite woman in her mid-fifties, so every opportunity still carries a sense of excitement and disbelief.
At the same time, I’ve learned very quickly that modelling can bring moments of self-doubt, especially during quieter periods when you’re not working and naturally start questioning yourself. I have huge respect for younger models trying to build this as a full-time career, because mentally it can be very demanding.
I also continue growing by leaning into what makes me different rather than trying to fit a traditional mould. My focus is very much on representing a petite, pro-age, high-energy woman in her fifties, and although that still feels unusual within the industry, I genuinely believe there’s space and demand for it. Whenever I have moments of doubt, I try to come back to that belief and keep moving forward.
**Future Goals & Advice**
Are there any models, photographers, or designers who have inspired you?
What are your biggest career goals for the future?
For me personally, the dream would be to work with a brand or platform that embraces a petite, pro-age message alongside wellness, strength and vitality, and to hopefully become a face that represents that movement.
I’d love to be part of helping people see that confidence, femininity and visibility don’t have an age or height limit. If I could help shift perceptions even slightly and make other women who’ve never seen themselves represented feel recognised and inspired, that would mean SO much to me.
To see that reflected in mainstream magazines or campaigns one day would feel incredibly special, because it would show that there really is space in the industry for women who don’t fit a conventional mould.
Do you have any dream collaborations or brands you'd love to work with?
I have so many dream collaborations that it’s hard to narrow them down, because I genuinely love the idea of representing brands that combine style, wellness and individuality. One ambitious dream would be for someone like Victoria Beckham to create an elegant petite range specifically for women under five foot, especially something stylish but still accessible and affordable. I know that sounds bold, but wouldn’t that be amazing? There are so many petite women who struggle to find beautifully cut, classic clothing that genuinely fits well.
I’d also love to collaborate with boutique wellness or yoga brands that focus on health, balance and feeling good from the inside out, because that reflects who I am naturally. Whether that’s wellness retreats, yoga wear, skincare, self-care products or lifestyle campaigns, those kinds of collaborations would feel very authentic to me. More than anything, I’m drawn to brands with a timeless, classy aesthetic that celebrate confidence and individuality rather than chasing perfection. To represent a brand that truly embraces petite, pro-age women in a modern and aspirational way would be just wonderful!
What advice would you give to aspiring models looking to break into the industry?
I don’t feel experienced enough to position myself as someone giving industry advice, because I’m still very much learning myself. But if there’s one thing I would say, it’s simply: don’t give up.
I’ve seen incredibly successful models openly talk about how often they face rejection, and I think that’s something people outside the industry don’t always realise. Sometimes it really is a case of hearing “no” many, many times before the right opportunity finally appears. I think the people who succeed are often the ones who learn not to dwell on rejection or let it define their confidence. You have to almost acknowledge it, bin it mentally, and keep moving forward.
And most importantly, try not to lose what makes you different. The industry is changing, and authenticity, individuality and personality matter far more than trying to become a copy of somebody else.
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