Riley Woodell of New York on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Riley Woodell and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Riley, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
When I wake up I always start the day snuggling with my cat. He’s incredibly needy and ready for breakfast first thing in the morning so needless to say his relief I’m alive is palpable. Next I stretch and start my beauty routine. Usually this consists of me removing my retainer, brushing my teeth, splashing my face with water and applying a gentle sunscreen. I then go into cooking myself some breakfast. Generally eggs and coffee but occasional oatmeal and fruit. If I have time first thing in the AM I try to journal or go for a run as well.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Riley Woodell, and I’m a model, wife, daughter, sister, social media star, advertising & branding connoisseur. My forte is editorial, runway, and campaign work. I’ve had the opportunity to with revered publications like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Nasty, Tush & a trillion others. I’ve walk for CFDA designers like Elena Velez, Jane Wade, 5000, Melke, & many other notable & talented designers. What sets me apart is a deep love for storytelling through imagery—whether it’s through a high-concept editorial or the quiet intensity of a runway walk. I put my soul into the creative direction of my own narrative through the branding of the team I’m working with and the job I’m booked for- plus no one looks like me and I’m proud of that! Being unique is my greatest calling card.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
Probably owning a pet. Great responsibility comes with caring for another life.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, absolutely. There was a time when I felt completely invisible in the industry – a lot of that had to do with my representation at the time. I was showing up to castings, doing the work, staying disciplined, but I wasn’t getting booked—and it started to make me question my self worth. I wondered if I was meant for this, if I was wasting time chasing something that didn’t want me back.

But I kept going—not out of blind optimism, but because something deeper in me wasn’t ready to walk away. I reminded myself that rejection doesn’t mean failure, and that every “no” is sometimes an opportunity to move on to the next chapter. The moment I shifted my focus from needing external validation as an artist to just showing up as my full self, things began to align. I started booking work that felt meaningful and working with people who saw me—and that changed everything.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
Tilda Swinton. I recently saw an interview with Tilda discussing timing as an artist. She talked about how important it is to realize that rushing a project isn’t wise and then referenced a film she’d been workshopping with a colleague for over a decade. Also friends who have worked with her (makeup artists and hairstylists) tell me that she’s lovely and a very genuine individual. Look up her reaction to a barista creating her face in a coffee – I’m serious! Sounds wild & silly but look it up. Her reaction says everything about her character.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
A lot of people look at models and think of them as being expendable “oh she’s just a model” but we’re each so much more than that. Models are artists, creative directors, photographers, producers, spouses, athletes, designers – lots of layers to “a model”. We don’t wear one label. I think that’s something that’s often misunderstood about the profession as a whole. We’re not simply “a model”. We build relationships with the people we work with and we’re all multidisciplinary individuals. That’s likely something people will misunderstand if they don’t see the whole picture of my work.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Designer: Cole Durkee @destroyerofworlds.online
Lead Hair: Nathan Juergensen @nathanjuergensen
Lead Makeup: Nina Carelli @nina_carelli_
Makeup Assist: Haydyn Lazarus @perfect_buddytx

PR: And Such NYC @andsuch.nyc
Lookbook Photographer: Marco Ovando @marco_ovando
Lookbook Retoucher Dan Polyak @danpolyak

Producer: Monbon @monb0n
Production Company: Ojeras @ojeras.pm
Assistant Producer: Bradley Duley @b__dley
Set Designer: Katie Bloom @katiekatbloom
Talent Coordinator: Tamara Tarwoe @yagrltam

Designer Jiaxun Li @jiaxunlii

Designer 5000 @5000.lab
Photographer Dasha Semyonova @dersh.fotki

Designer Jane Wade @janewade_
Lead Stylist Joe Van O @joe.van.o
Photographer Joaquin Castillo @thejoaquincastillo

Photographer Sabrina DiGeorge @sabrinadigeorge
Set Designer Maria Margot @lamelip
Set assist Romina Felix rominaf
Hair Design/Stylist @yeyebynature
Lead stylist Oriana Aponte @oriana_aponte_
Styling assist Kinga @kersplatski

Melitta Baumeister @melittabaumeister
Michal Plata @mi.hau

Wearing Vickteerut @vickteerutofficial for Future Treasure NY @futuretreasureny
Publication Vogue Thailand @voguethailand
Shot by Bravvado @bravvado.co
Styled by Gavin @g1aesh

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?

Coffee? Workouts? Hitting the snooze button 14 times? Everyone has their morning ritual and we

Highlighter Series
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?

Our deepest wounds often shape us as much as our greatest joys. The pain we

Highlighter Series
Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?

Culture, economic circumstances, family traditions, local customs and more can often influence us more than