Kelly Hughes

Kelly broke barriers in this year’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue being the first model to highlight her caesarean section scar, which has never happened in the magazine’s 58-year history. Along with being one of this year’s most talked about swimsuit models, Kelly is also a single mother to her 3-year-old son as well as the founder and designer of the jewellery brand, HÜES.

Kelly Hughes started modelling over 20 years ago with Next Models, who she still calls her mother agency. When she started her career there was something about the energy and adrenaline on set that made her embrace this industry and never look back. In 2009 with work slowing down due to many uncertainties in the economy, Hughes began working part-time in a restaurant and noticed her manager had a stack of bracelets on his wrist and thought to see if he wanted to add one more. She went home that night and out of a determined spirit and a God-given talent she made her first bracelet that would launch her jewellery line, HÜES. With word of mouth, she sold over 200 bracelets until her first store, Base (on Lincoln Road in Miami), saw someone wearing it and invited her for a meeting to sell in their store. This turned out to be the catalyst that launched her successful unisex jewellery line which has been worn by names such as JBalvin, Ricky Martin, Chayenne, Zion y Lennox, Alicia Keys, Maxwell, Young Thug, and many more.

In 2018, Kelly added becoming a mother, to her already impressive resume, which she credits as her most rewarding accomplishment. When she found out she was pregnant, Kelly immediately started realizing her birthing plan. After weekly birthing classes, and countless doctor visits, the most important day of her life had arrived, and she was ready to give birth. Kelly quickly realized that her birthing plans would have to shift as she had lengthy labour. She and her doctor would ultimately agree that a c-section was the best choice for her and 30 minutes later she met her beautiful, healthy boy for the first time. She would be sent home with a clean bill of health, however, unbeknownst to her she had a serious infection and had to be rushed back to the hospital 2 days later. Kelly would have emergency surgery to reopen her c-section which was successful but would leave her with two additional scars. Even though Kelly’s birth experience was far from what she expected, knowing her son was healthy was all that mattered to her, and she is thankful that her c-section was able to keep her baby boy healthy and allow him to be delivered successfully.

Now, the model is continuing to embrace the outpowering love she’s received from the mama community to showcase others and lift them. She has partnered with ESTAS Beauty to start the #ScarLoveChallenge on social media to spread a feeling of empowerment and change the societal stigma around scars. The challenge encourages participants to reinterpret Kelly’s photo showing off their scars using the # and challenging their friends to join the movement. Every time a #ScarLoveChallenge photo is posted, ESTAS will donate $1 to World of Children, helping disadvantaged children around the globe.

Tell us about becoming the first Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model to highlight your caesarean section scar. What made you passionate about changing the societal stigma around scars?
It was such an honour to represent such a meaningful moment in history. C-sections are very underrepresented in the market and as 1 in 3 women are having one there aren’t many outlets or information out there. Not only that but I had no idea the many stigmas that were going to follow as I planned for a hypnobirth and never researched c-sections. I think the lack of knowledge is where these stigmas come from and unfortunately create shame and insecurities which is why sharing our stories is so important to normalize these changes our bodies go through. It’s not just with c-section scars but all scars tell a story and in that story, there was a pain experienced and a lot of times when that pain heals physically we are left with mental scars that can take a lot longer to heal and that’s ok.

You have recently partnered with ESTAS Beauty to start the #ScarLoveChallenge on social media. Tell us about what encouraged this partnership and why it’s important to you to spread a feeling of empowerment.
I was so moved by the 100’s of dm’s I received from women around the world after seeing my photos in Sports Illustrated. Many of them shared their stories with me and others told me how much they struggled and seeing this represented in fashion inspired and encouraged them. I knew right away I had a responsibility to do more, and I thought how much more empowering it would be to have a place to see 100’s or even 1000’s of photos of people embracing and loving on their scars. I loved ESTAS mission to love on our scars and not try to get rid of them and I didn’t want to limit it to just c-section scars all scars are welcome. I’m hoping this hashtag will create a community for people to go to be encouraged and you can post your scars if you feel comfortable and ready to join in on the challenge or no matter what place you are on your journey you can be inspired by others that have posted.

Tell us about your jewellery brand, HÜES! What inspired you to create the brand and how has it grown since your launch?

It was truly a blessing because I didn’t plan to have a jewellery brand, but I was always inspired to create, it was a god-given talent I didn’t know I had. In 2009 I started a part-time job at a restaurant because there was a pullback in the economy, and I wanted supplemental income. My manager was from Greece and had a full stack of bracelets on from there which inspired me, and I offered to make him one more to add to the stack. Once I made my first bracelet the response was overwhelming. I sold over 200 bracelets by word of mouth before I got my first retail store BASE in Miami, FL. Since then, HÜES has grown to be located in some of the top hotels and boutiques in the world such as The Edition, One Hotel and Patron of the New and has been worn by many celebrities. Since then we have recently updated our website to offer styles made for you so you can create your own and added on a plating program being more conscious and offering sustainability in the line so you can keep your jewellery forever. Connect with us on IG @byhues to see all of our updates and things to come.

As a single mother to your 3-year-old son, how do you find a balance between motherhood, modelling and being an entrepreneur?

This is always a challenge. My son is in preschool from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM during the weekdays so this is when I get the bulk of my work done. I then typically work at night after he goes to sleep because that is the quietest time of the day. Being a single mom definitely has its moments where you feel like it’s all falling apart and then other days where you feel like Superwoman and you have it all under control. I think it’s all about time management and priorities which is something I’m still working on, and I don’t know if it can ever be perfected but you give yourself grace and do your best. We all have busy lives these days so it’s just important to be diligent in what you do with your time and having a schedule definitely helps and leaves you a lot of wiggle room because things always change.

Describe your perfect day off when you are not working.

I enjoy completely disconnecting from the busyness of life and doing activities with my son. Some of my favourite things we love to do are visiting a farm, water park, the beach, horseback riding and going to the park.

You started modelling over 20 years ago. What advice would you give to aspiring models?

Never let anyone discourage you or destroy your dreams. Take every no and turn it into a no right now and use it for your motivation. I have heard so many no’s along the way and I still do today however it’s how you respond to them that makes the difference.

Has your perception of the modelling industry changed over time?

Yes, it definitely has. The industry has come a long way, especially with inclusivity. When I started modelling there was a very narrow idea of what beauty was and there was one size and you had to be above 5”9 which made it very hard for me to break into the industry. On the other side, I do feel that due to social media being such a big part of the industry today it has really shifted the way things are done and has added a ton of pressure which can be very unhealthy because your work depends on it. I have mixed emotions at times, and I always say you need a very thick skin for this industry because it’s not as glamorous or easy as it looks.

Tell us about some standout moments in your career so far.

The most stand-out moment so far is this year being in Sports Illustrated because it wasn’t just about the photos it made a statement and meant so much to so many people around the world. However, there were moments along the way that I had the pleasure to experience like travelling to places I would have never gone to and meeting people and that to me is truly special.

How do you handle the pressures that come with modelling?

I used to always struggle with this because I felt there was always something wrong with me and very little that I could do about it. For one client you might be too short and for another too tall and it took a long time for me to realize that I won’t be able to please everyone or get every job. I started to feel thankful for what I had instead of focusing on the things I didn’t. This really helped create a new mindset that ultimately led me to work more however the pressure never completely goes away because it’s a very competitive industry so there are a lot of expectations.

What is next for you?

My focus is to continue bringing awareness and empowering women in any way I can. I have so many things planned however you will have to follow me on my IG @kellyhues to find out as it’s released!

My Holiday Rules

Your favourite vacation destination?

I love the mountains and the cool weather. I think being from Miami you always want the opposite.

Favourite hotel?

The Edition

Packing essentials?

Travelling with a toddler there’s a long list of essentials however for myself I have an incredible traveller bag from BEIS that I take on the plane with me always filled with snacks, my collagen from Isagenix to keep my skin glowing and I always make sure to bring my travel chargers because it never fails my phone dies.

Your packing advice?

Try to plan out your outfits so you don’t overpack. I ALWAYS overpack!! So, I plan out my outfits and roll my clothing to make space and limit how many pairs of shoes I bring because I have a 2 luggage limit no matter how long I’m travelling for and that’s with my son’s clothing otherwise I can’t push it by myself. Remember most places you can always buy things if you forget something you don’t have to bring it all.

The one beauty product you can’t live without?

I can’t live without my collagen from Isagenix it really is like liquid gold and has transformed my skin but even better because it’s liquid collagen it’s for nails, hair and bone health as well.

What beauty trend will you be rocking this season?

I’m loving metallic lids for eyeshadow looks. Champagne gold is such a beautiful effortless look and looks good on everyone.

How do you keep fit on vacation?

I am really bad about working out on vacation. I’m normally with my son when travelling so all of my free time I’m with him and I just try to enjoy the time since we don’t vacation often. However, I try not to splurge as much as I would do at home to balance it out.

What’s swimwear trend is a must this season?

Cutouts. Everyone is loving them!

What is your go-to travel outfit?

Sweatsuit and a leather jacket and Jordan’s

What songs are you listening to on repeat these days?

I love 90’s music the most but I’m loving the new Taylor Swift song, Anti-hero!

What’s your beach read?

I have been reading “The Way of a Warrior” by Erwin McManus. I love all of his books.

For more, follow Kelly on Instagram 

Photography by Melody Mai @shotbymai
Videographer: Victor Quintana @victor_quintana
Hair: Yulia Afanasieva @yulia_afi_beauty_project
Make-up: Khadine Ali @khadinebeauty
Styling: Kelly Hughes @kellyhues
Spray Tan: Shirley Pear Tans @shirleypeartans