About a Girl: Meet FP Surf Model Ivy Miller!

“Seeing love, feeling love, giving love.” 

I asked Free People swim model, Ivy Miller, what inspires her and her answer hit me like a ton of bricks. “Love!” she said. “Seeing love, feeling love, giving love.” It was so simple, yet so eloquent. And so strong. I pondered it for awhile, nodding my head up and down in agreement each time I reread it. Yes, Ivy, you’re so right! I totally agree! After learning her source of inspiration, I knew I was going to love this girl. Her personality shines and pops from the photos she takes. Just look at that big, beaming smile!

The California native leads quite the active lifestyle. When she’s not riding waves, she’s hiking or coasting down mountains on her snowboard. She loves exploring the beautiful state she calls home and journeying through the unknown. This sprightly soul is near indefatigable. Read on to get to know this sunny and bright beauty:

ivymiller

Where are you from originally? How do you think it’s shaped who you are today?

I grew up on the beach in Encinitas; living so close to so many good surf breaks made it very easy to pick up surfing! When the surf’s not good, Big Bear is only a 2 hour drive, making Encinitas the perfect surf/snow town! When I was younger, I would have surf P.E. in the morning for school, then my brother would drive me to the snow to practice riding park! We would do this three times a week, it was exhausting and epic all at the same time!

How did you get started in modeling?

About a year ago I went surfing at my favorite spot in Hawaii and while I was out there I got asked if I wanted to shoot a campaign for a surf company I’ve always looked up to! After that, opportunities just started presenting themselves to me. This November I signed with NewMark Models, which has been opening amazing doors for me, including getting to go to Sayulita, Mexico to surf and shoot for Free People!

So amazing! What was your favorite memory from the Sayulita shoot?

I really loved seeing the Free People crew go from the LA scene to being fully immersed in a surf town. I loved seeing how in awe they were of surfing! They would clap and cheer on the beach when I caught a wave — it was really sweet and special. My favorite memory though would have to be all of us walking through town after we got off the plane. We were starving and this lovely Mexican family yelled to us and said “Hey! You guys hungry? You like chicken? ” Naturally we said, “YES!” and enjoyed a home cooked meal with the local family, laughing and feasting!

ivymiller

How long have you been surfing?

I have been surfing for 12 years! Started when I was 7!

Where is your favorite place to chill in LA?

I really like Venice beach, I love the uniqueness and the vibes.

Favorite weekend getaway?

My heart will always want to wander up to Big Sur, but for a weekend getaway… all of California leaves me breathless, I love exploring and finding new places.

You are always so active! Put the following list in order according to what you would want to be doing on the weekend: Surfing, modeling, snowboarding, road trips, music festivals, hiking, shopping.

I would love to model first, then leave from the job for an epic road trip to Big Sur to surf. Then hike/snowboard Tahoe or Mammoth Mountain. On the way home, I’d hit up a music festival! Or ideally, the music festival would have surfing and snowboarding!

ivymiller

Ok, we have to know. What is the secret to your perfect beach hair?

I never wash it! I let the ocean do its magic and just leave it!

What inspires you?

Love! Seeing love, feeling love, giving love.

Do you have any advice for people just beginning to model?

Whatever you want to do… give it your 110% effort. Because if you really truly want to make something happen, you will do so.

What is a typical day like for you?

Wake up, practice my morning yoga/meditation, have a smoothie, go surf, go on a run with my dog, then go to a shoot/casting. And if I have time I usually swim laps at night (my favorite core workout). The evening ends by making dinner with my boyfriend and watching ‘The Office!’

ivymiller

What is the first thing you do when you wake up?

Check the surf from my balcony and start my morning yoga practice.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? From whom did you receive it?

“Whatever you do, give it your all” — my brother. And “Talking about our problems is our greatest addiction. Break the habit. Talk about our joys.” — Rita Schiano

What bands are you into?

Anything Led Zeppelin, Uriah Heep, Rolling Stones, Black Sabbath, Bad Finger, Witch Craft, The Black Angels, Bob Dylan, Lou Reed, Velvet Underground, Metallica…

Being free means…

Living your life for YOU, loving those around you, and emitting your own unique frequency. Be you because everyone else is taken!

ivymiller

Thank you Ivy! And check out new surf wear here and the swim collection here!

Follow Ivy’s adventures on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and find her on Snapchat @YUNGVUSS. You can also check out her stunning portfolio here!

Follow fp joanna on Instagram.

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8 years ago

Love that quote by Rita Schiano! Ivy is such a lovely human being. Now, the ocean does wonders to my curls but she must use some type of oil or something to keep it from getting ratty? xx

8 years ago

I loved the article! She would make a great sportswear model as well!

8 years ago

She really looks like ultimate surfer girl! :-) I love all those action shots. Great interview.

8 years ago

Love this- and her hair advice is amazing! She is gorgeous.

Warm Regards,
Alexandra
http://www.littlewildheart.com

Nicole
8 years ago

I can’t find the cropped rash guard she’s wearing with the kaleidoscope pattern and neon colors, is it for sale yet?

fp joanna
8 years ago

Hey Nicole – Soon! I’ll keep you updated! xx

amelia
8 years ago

I would love to see what beauty products she uses, she is so gorgeous inside and out xx

Joanna
7 years ago

amelia: Apparently you are falling for their marketing mind-control perfectly. Jesus.