Meredith Mickelson opens up about grief, purpose, and the power of choosing discomfort as a path to emotional growth.
Meredith Mickelson is emerging as a creative force who transcends the world of modelling to carve out a powerful space in acting. In an intimate conversation with Xmag, the American actress and model invites us into her deeply personal journey — one shaped by spirituality, grief, and an unwavering commitment to purpose.
“Everything I do, I do for my brother,” she shares, in one of the interview’s most poignant moments. The loss of her brother became a turning point, reshaping her path and imbuing her work with a renewed sense of meaning. That pain, processed with courage and grace, has driven her to seek out projects that challenge her emotionally, that push her to feel deeply and evolve. For Meredith, comfort is not an option. “I choose discomfort. That’s where true growth happens.”
What stands out is her emotional clarity and creative vision. She sees acting as a space to express what words often cannot: “Telling stories through raw emotion — sometimes even through silence — has pushed me in the best way. It’s taught me to listen, to shed ego, and to stay present.”
“Playing someone I’m not sets me free. I discover myself in every character, like peeling off layers I didn’t know I had.”
Meredith Mickelson
Meredith embraces her modelling roots, crediting them for giving her tools that now serve her in front of the camera. “Modelling taught me how to tell a story without speaking. That awareness of energy and presence is something I carry into acting.”
She reflects openly on the challenges of growing up in the public eye, and how she’s learnt to protect her peace. “When I was younger, the noise really affected me. Today, what grounds me is tuning into what I think, what I feel. That shift has made all the difference.”
Currently filming a new series, she feels inspired by the creative energy around her. “Seeing so many people give their all for a story moves me. It’s a privilege to be there, to learn, to contribute.” For this editorial, Meredith collaborated with longtime friend and photographer Jorden Keith. “Creating with Jorden always feels like coming home. There’s a beautiful creative bond between us — we build from a place of love and honesty.”
When it comes to the future, Meredith prefers to leave space for surprise. And to those dreaming of a career in fashion or film, her message is clear: “It might sound cliché, but just go for it. Start with what you have. If you put your heart and effort into it, you never know where it might lead. Doors start to open — often in ways you don’t expect. Trust your voice, stay curious, and keep showing up. That’s where the magic happens.”
To read the full interview, purchase the digital edition of Xmag on PressReader — available now.
