Growing up in the south, N.Y.C. always seemed like a destination to visit but not to live in.

It all started when I went to this model search in Charlotte when I was 18. That's when I met all these agents and realized I could do it, and I won! I met a photographer at the competition who persuaded me to sign with a different agency than the one that was offered to me. So, I started with a small agency and eventually moved up to IMG.

I try to keep it in a very low impact - I have scoliosis, so exercises can be really hard on my back, whether it's too much running, jumping or boxing. I'll do those things once in a while, but I keep it mostly Pilates, resistance-band based, softer exercises that build strength from inside the muscle.

It's great to have girlfriends who are in the industry, that you know have your back.