Model Citizen: Kate Heussler’s Mission to Redefine the Modelling Industry

It’s a crisp winter morning on the Beaches and donning a monochrome chic tracksuit and white kicks at 7 am, Kate Heussler is already two coffees deep, replying to a flood of DMs from students all over the world. She’s a woman not just power-walking the streets of Manly or Palm Beach with her Apple Watch giving wellness data while walking runways; she’s helping others navigate that blurry line between empowerment and the often-messy expectations of the model world - and teaching them how to become a model in today’s fast-changing industry. 

Originally from Darwin, Kate's called the Northern Beaches home for a few years now, swapping the heat of the Top End for salty air and early mornings by the ocean accompanied by her iPhone and laptop, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s the perfect backdrop for her mission to help the next generation of models navigate an industry that’s changed beyond recognition.

Back in the day, supermodels like Elle Macpherson, Miranda Kerr and Gemma Ward were the blueprint for beauty, with model agencies and media moguls controlling who got work and who didn’t. But that world has shifted. 

“Who decides what’s beautiful now? The public does,” Kate says. 

“It’s about diversity, not perfection. The industry is finally catching up to the fact that people want to see real, relatable beauty in all its forms.”

Kate has seen first-hand how the industry has flipped, moving away from agents holding all the power to models managing their own careers, bookings, and brands. 

“It used to be that you waited to be picked,” Kate says. “You needed an agent to open doors, and your career was in their hands. Now, that’s changed. You can build your own audience, find your own clients, and make money in other ventures while still modelling, all on your own terms.”

She laughs when she says she “fell into modelling by accident.” Like many stories, it started with a dream. 

Scouted in Covent Garden whilst working in London fresh out of University, one job turned into another, that turned into agency representation, that turned into being signed with a bigger agency, then into an accidental career. Parallel to her base skillset, a trade in graphic design that evolved into marketing and communications collateral for small business and companies in various sectors; before she knew it, she was representing Australia internationally and working with global brands. Her story is proof that if you’re wondering how to become a model in Australia, you don’t need to live in a fashion capital to succeed. But behind the glossy images was the reality no one talks about enough: the resilience it takes, the rejection, the toll on your body, the constant pressure to maintain your sense of self in a world obsessed with comparison, and the impact on your mental health. She wanted to change that.

Kate’s take on model education is refreshingly real. June Dally-Watkins is absolutely iconic, but as Kate puts it, “We’re in a different world now.” For her, it’s about personal branding, digital smarts, and helping influencers and models understand their worth beyond a snapshot on Instagram or a campaign with the latest haircare or swimwear brand. Her online course ‘How to Become a Model’ breaks the old-school mould, offering a fresh roadmap that blends confidence coaching, personal branding, styling and real-world strategies to help you become a model in today’s industry - whether you’re signed or starting solo, without losing who you are.

Social media has flipped the modelling world on its head. You can be discovered on Instagram today, but it also means being under constant pressure tomorrow. Kate sees this as both an opportunity and a challenge. She teaches her students how to build an online presence while keeping their mental health intact, reminding them that likes don’t define their worth.

“People think modelling is all about being discovered by some big agency, but honestly, these days, you have to discover yourself first. You have to know who you are and what you stand for before you even step in front of a camera,” she said.

“Most people would be surprised how many working models today don’t even have a traditional agent. Social media has changed everything. You can build your own brand, find your own jobs, and create your own opportunities if you’re willing to put yourself out there.”

“It’s not like the old days where you wait to be picked. You pick yourself now. You decide what your image is, how you show up, and what work you say yes to. That’s powerful.”

“If you’re waiting for someone else to give you permission to start, you’ll be waiting forever. These days, the models who are out there working are the ones who have backed themselves first.”

At the heart of it, Kate’s message is simple: “You belong. You're enough.” She tells every student this, whether they’re dipping their toes into the industry, returning after a break or just wanting self-confidence to promote their businesses. Her sessions are full of practical exercises, mindset coaching, and a whole lot of honesty about rejection. She reminds them that while rejection is part of the job, it doesn’t get to define or stop them.

Having walked for big brands and experienced the highs and lows of the industry herself, Kate brings a clear-eyed view to her teaching. It’s not all glitz, and she’s upfront about it. There’s hard work, constant learning, and the need to show up with professionalism and confidence. But it’s also about embracing individuality, and Kate encourages her students to let that shine through.

Something many are shocked to find out about Kate is her 20+ year role as an Instructor with the Australian Air Force Cadets, which might sound worlds away from the runway, but to her, it’s the perfect match. It’s where she learned discipline, structure, and leadership, qualities that have shaped her approach to modelling and teaching and running her company. “Discipline isn’t about being perfect,” she says. “It’s about showing up for yourself, prepared and confident.”

Looking ahead, Kate’s vision for The Institute of Modelling is clear. She wants to keep creating a space where aspiring models can learn, grow, and thrive in an industry that values authenticity and kindness as much as beauty. For Kate, it’s about building a legacy that goes beyond the runway - a legacy where the next generation knows their worth and isn’t afraid to stand in their power.

If you’re curious and want to learn how to become a model in 2025, Kate Heussler’s step-by-step strategy is changing the game, and it all starts at kateheussler.com. Follow her on Instagram @kateheussler for behind-the-scenes tips, confidence coaching, and model education that goes beyond the runway.

Whether you’re chasing your first casting or a confidence comeback, Kate’s here to help you walk your own runway - your way.

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