From lockdown hustle to London Fashion Week glamour – model and influencer Maggie Smith on turning her bedroom studio into big-name brand collaborations

I wake up bright and early, edit content for my influencing work, then head into the office. I’m the social media manager for Too Gallus, and I’m currently working on the e.l.f. Cosmetics account, scheduling photoshoots most weeks. Modelling and influencing can be amazing, but it can also be isolating. I always like to have a consistent job on the go that fulfills my soul and I’m excited for every day. 

When we went into lockdown, I bought lighting equipment and a tripod and turned my bedroom into a studio. I got rid of my bed and just had a mattress on the floor, which I slid into the hallway if I was shooting content. One night, I sent over 100 DMs to different brands on Instagram. Around 15 replied and wanted to send out product – clothes, skincare, makeup. I started filling out my days with shooting, and it all built from there.

I feel like my whole life, I’ve never played it safe. Fashion-wise, I like to experiment with different patterns, styles and textures. I’m a different avatar every day: I can go from being very sophisticated to wearing baggy jeans and a vest top, being very reserved, then really sexy. I’m the most niche, rogue person you’ll meet. I think I get it from my dad – he was such a rogue human. I’m very family-orientated. I live in Airdrie, and my days off are spent with my partner, my mum, nieces and nephews. 

One week I’m in Glasgow, the next I could be in Val d’Isère for an influencer ski trip or attending London Fashion Week. One of my first pinch-me work moments was when I modelled for a Puma campaign in London, on a three-day shoot. I was also an extra for AVENGERS: ENDGAME when it was shot in St Abbs, standing five steps away from Chris Hemsworth and the rest of the cast. 

As I’ve got older, I’m more particular about the brands I work with. It’s about building good relationships and having that trust on both sides. When I first started, I would overthink everything. I would post something then delete it straight away, because I cared too much about what other people thought. Now I just think to myself, if they’re going to talk, they’re going to talk. You do you.