Two Miami-based models ending a career-high weekend has only made them more determined and excited for the future. For Haylie Turnquest (@haylie_turnquest) of Wilhelmina Models Miami and Nellie Lawson (@nl.brl) of Elite Models Miami, stepping on the runway this weekend during Miami Swim Week was a milestone. Both models, 5’8 and 5’7 respectively, never thought runway could be an option because of their height, but as the industry is becoming more inclusive the two booked a weekend full of shows from start to finish.

Following a week of both castings and direct bookings, both Lawson and Turnquest truly took Miami Swim Week 2021 by storm. With a smile on her face, Turnquest shared, “I'm super obsessed with runway, I watch runway show videos in my free time. There's just something about it that I really love. It's just the true definition of modeling for me.” And she did just that, booking a shocking six shows over the course of four days.

Haylie Turnquest Walking For Luli Fama Show “Revel in the Sun” at PARAISO Miami Swim Week.

Lawson’s first show was Oh Polly Swim and when recounting the moment she stepped on the runway she could not pinpoint the exact moment. “When you first step on and it's the actual show, the lights are so bright, you know, you hear people cheering and you hear the music and everything.” Lawson explained, “But at that point I kind of almost blacked out.” She laughed as she said that she could not even remember the music that was playing in the background, as she was fully ingrained in the moment and focussing on her walk. While Turnquest had a very similar experience, comparing the moment out on the runway to skydiving, noting that all she was thinking about was being in the moment.

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And a weekend highlight for Lawson was walking in online retailer, boohoo’s first-ever show at Miami Swim Week. The show was majority cast with high-profile influencers and social media sensations, which humbled Lawson for being one of the only models to book directly for this new, sought-after fashion show.

Nellie Lawson Walking For Boohoo Miami Swim

While modeling is such an individual career, Turnquest explained how this weekend reminded her that she is really a part of something special, she described it like being part of a cast in a play. She felt the support and love from all the other models backstage and designers alike.

When asking both women what was next, they both knew they had a busy week ahead. Summer is in full swing, and Turnquest is off to Germany at the end of the week to begin shooting for one of her regular catalog clients and Lawson has plans to head to Los Angeles for her next shoot. These two models are definitely on the right track and eager for more!