Age: 20

Measurements:

Waist: 24”

Hips: 35”

Bust: 33”

Height: 5’10”

Weight: 120 lbs

Hair/ Eye Color: Brown/ Brown

Tell us about yourself (where are you from, age, whatever you want to add)

Hi! My name is Annika Bergsten, I’m from the tiny town of Holton, Kansas, I’m 20 years old, and I’m studying Business Administration with a minor in International Business at the University of Kansas! I hope to someday have a career in the fashion industry doing something with the business and analytical side of things. The logistics part of fashion is so interesting to me, second to being in front of the camera as a model!

Tell us about your modeling experience. 

I’ve been modeling since I was 14 years old. Since then, I’ve done 12 seasons of Kansas City Fashion Week, Los Angeles Fashion Week, and countless photo shoots and other gigs! I have also been featured in British Vogue.

What is your biggest dream?

My biggest dream is to have a great career in fashion, be able to travel, and have a beautiful family in the future. For right now, my biggest dream is to walk the runway at New York Fashion Week!

What does it mean to be your own kind of beautiful?

To me, being your own kind of beautiful means to be confident in your natural skin at any angle. It’s so important to me to love yourself exactly how God made you, or whoever you believe in. I also think your intelligence is equally as beautiful. No one should be underestimating your mind and what it is capable of, nor should anyone be afraid to show it.

How would you describe your fashion style?

I would describe my fashion style as very casual and laid back, but elegant and classy when I want to be! As a college student I spend a lot of time in sweats, but getting dressed up and creating new outfits is so much fun. You can never be too overdressed!

Who or what inspires you?

There are a lot of things that inspire me, but I feel like I inspire myself the most. I have been through a lot of different setbacks from my mental health to school, and I didn’t really have any support systems to help me through them. But I learned how to navigate through these setbacks on my own, and am continuously bettering myself and my life. 

What is your advice to someone who is just getting started with modeling?

Be careful, but don’t give up. Love yourself and be confident! The modeling industry is a very complicated and difficult industry to understand and succeed in, but if you meet the right people they can guide you through these problems. If modeling is something you’re passionate about, keep going and don’t stop, you never know what can happen!

Describe some obstacles you have overcome in your life and how that has changed or shaped you.

One of the biggest challenges I’ve overcome was major mental health issues. There was a time in my life where I struggled getting up in the morning, eating, and even showering. I was in such a dark place. But I kept going and fought my way through it, and now I am happier than I have ever been and I’m surrounded by people I love and who love me! Another challenge I faced was in high school, I had just got into modeling but my parents were extremely against it and didn’t want to bring me to model auditions or photo shoots. My parents and I used to have a really difficult relationship. I almost gave up on modeling because of how impossible it seemed, but I persevered and kept going. Now I’ve been featured in British Vogue and I just walked in Los Angeles and I couldn’t be happier!

What makes you beautiful/handsome?

I think I’m beautiful because of the characteristics I hold inside rather than my physical features. I like to think of myself as kind, loving, big hearted, considerate, compassionate, and intelligent. I love my physical features, but these characteristics in me make up the beauty in a person that is truly most important. 

What would you say to another girl/guy your age who is struggling with their confidence?

You are beautiful, and you are loved! Don’t think any different. There are over 7 billion people in the world, you can’t possibly think not a single person loves you or finds you beautiful! If you are going through something, please don’t give up. You have your whole life to live and experience the world, and you were put on Earth for a purpose.