IN CONVERSATION WITH HAYLEY HASSELHOFF
interview by JANA LETONJA
Actress, model, host and mental health x body positivity advocate Hayley Hasselhoff is announcing her partnership with Project Healthy Minds in a shared mission to make mental health support more accessible. Hayley regularly travels the globe to speak to young people about the connectivity between body positivity and mental health. She also offered free mental health support to victims of the recent Los Angeles wildfires through a partnership with WhiteFlag App, and remains active in Project Zero and Free A Girl.
You’ve always been a strong voice for mental health. How has your advocacy evolved following the recent loss of your mother?
My advocacy is stronger than ever. With tragedy comes pain and through pain, comes purpose. I now hold a deeper perspective on death by suicide and the urgent need to expand the conversation beyond prevention. We cannot speak of suicide awareness without addressing the aftermath for those left behind. The experience of losing my mother has brought to light the weight of stigma that surrounds one’s chosen time and it’s ignited a personal mission within me to protect her legacy, honor her memory, and ensure her light continues to shine. That devotion has only deepened my commitment to breaking the silence.
You’ve partnered with Project Healthy Minds on a co-branded resource guide. Tell us more about this projects and what it means to you.
Before my mother’s passing, I had already created a resources page with Project Healthy Minds, providing an easy guide on tools to better assist and support our mental wellbeing. After my mother’s passing, I immediately reached out to Project Healthy Minds with my newfound knowledge on what is provided or lack thereof for families of the loved ones lost. Within the first moments, I wanted no family to feel they were alone in navigating an unexpected tragedy and the steps that must follow, as it was an incredibly confusing and challenging time for me and my sister. I now share, within the support guide, 10 things I wish I knew before losing my mother unexpectedly, along with the lessons I was gently guided to along the way. I am deeply grateful to PHM for holding my hand during this time, helping others to feel truly supported, whether through mental health resources or guidance on how to answer frequently asked questions about a loved one, to protect their legacy and grant the time needed to heal.
What kind of support do you hope this guide will offer, and why is accessibility such an important focus for you?
After an unexpected passing, you are left feeling hopeless and lost as to what steps need to be taken. In my experience, there was no clear guide on these necessary steps, which meant we were forced to focus on logistics rather than the celebration of the life our mother led. I felt that if there had been a place for families of the lost to turn to one that would virtually hold your hand through the process, outlining what to do, whom to reach out to for support, and offering tools to help you navigate the stages of grief, it would have been immensely beneficial to me and my family. The last thing you want to be preoccupied with is the stress of wondering if you’ve forgotten something, how to manage practicalities, or how to respond to people’s questions about the unexpected loss of a loved one, all while protecting their story and honoring the beauty of the life they led. Accessibility provides clarity, peace, and support. The guide includes a carefully curated list of mental health resources to help families grieve, reassuring them that they are not alone.
Your CHECKINWITHYOU initiative showed vulnerability from some very public figures. What inspired that project, and what were some of the most surprising responses?
During 2020, we were all experiencing a collective anxiety, and while there were so many incredible campaigns created through non-profits, I wanted to craft a message rooted in the reminder that you are never alone. That you can struggle and still succeed. I wanted to bring together a collection of voices to showcase the truth in that we all struggle at different periods in our lives, and that success can still exist within those moments. It felt important to include the voices of friends of mine within the industry to help break the stigma, reminding us that we all experience things behind closed doors. Each person was invited to ask themselves “If I were to check in with myself emotionally today, what would I find?” The importance of community and the power of checking in with ourselves, in turn, helps us build empathy and understanding to check in on those around us. It was a beautiful reminder that we are all working on our mental wellbeing, and that it is entirely okay not to be okay all of the time. The initiative has continued over the past few years, partnering with events, brands, and other non-profit organizations to further its reach and impact.
For people who may be struggling silently right now, what are a few tools from your personal “wellness toolbox” that you turn to in difficult moments?
First, I would say to take note that you can struggle and still succeed. This alleviates the pressure to feel good in every moment in order to feel accomplished. You have the power within you to succeed, even on a difficult day. Know that you must experience your bad days to find your way back to the good ones and to tap into self-discovery around what may be triggering an emotion you feel uncomfortable with. We must live through the uncomfortable in order to become comfortable. One thing I speak upon so often is building out your personalized toolbox, and how your toolbox can never be too big. What works for you today may not speak to your healing tomorrow. Remember that what may work for you, may not work for someone else, so become curious in your journey of learning how to regulate your nervous system. For myself, I live by the three Ms: Movement, Mental Engagement, and Mindfulness. Tools that are accessible to us every day regardless of where we are or what we have access to include breath work and tapping. If I’m having a day working from home, I’ll often take a cold shower to reignite my nervous system and use the water as a symbolic reset, washing away negative energy and allowing me to restart the day with intention. At home, I love using a whole-body vibration plate to help with circulation and to release built-up energy that has manifested as anxiety.
You’ve mentioned your mother Pamela as a huge influence. The gown you just wore in Cannes is a tribute to her. What made that red dress so significant to you and your shared story?
Last year, my mother was in Cannes during the festival. We had always planned for me to attend the Cannes Film Festival this year, and it wouldn’t have felt right not to pay homage to her. I chose the red gown she wore to the 1996 Golden Globes, where she radiated beauty, style, and light. Her smile captivated me in the image we found of her, and I wanted to bring that joy back to life through a single dress. It was an image I stumbled upon during the first month of her passing, while gathering photographs that had been sent to my sister and me of our parents on previous red carpets. I feel ever so grateful to have had this moment with her, for her, during such a meaningful time in my
healing. She will always be a part of my story and everything I do moving forward. If you look closely at my latest InStyle cover for Greece, I’m wearing her sapphire ring. I hope to always carry a piece of her with me, as my accomplishments have always been and will always be intertwined with her legacy.
You’ve often talked about finding the power of “you”. What does that phrase mean to you today?
It is so important to remember the power of you. You are special, right here, right now. There is only one you who can guide yourself through this life with grace, shaped by the unique perspective you’ve been given through both its beauty and its hardships. Being inspired by others is a blessing, however, use it as a mirror to reflect what within their journey moves you, so that you may recognize how you are already exactly where you’re meant to be. We all have a story to share, a light to lead with. At times, it may feel as though we are a step behind, but we are always on the path to where we are going. The power of you is something to cherish. Remember, you can always be the light you are seeking, the inspiration you value. And when you learn to pour love into yourself before others, that is where true empathy begins.
You’re known globally for championing curve fashion. How did your own experience in the industry shape your mission for representation?
I would say my career as a curve model shaped my mission for representation. At the age of 14, I began modeling at a time when curve was not widely recognized in the media, and there was no way for me to step into the industry without also standing up for my place within it. It quickly paved a path toward advocacy around body positivity, one I felt deeply compelled to follow, as I was eager to feel represented and to ensure others knew they held space in who they are, right here, right now. I am forever grateful that at such a pivotal age, I was able to see women on set who embodied strength and individualism, voluptuous, powerful women who proved that you can be loved beyond size. It helped shape my own perception of self and fortified my belief in standing up for what I knew to be beautiful. Your body doesn’t define you, you define you. No matter your shape or size, you deserve to feel heard, seen, valued, and loved. Throughout my early career, I was often challenged by society’s narrow standards of beauty. But rather than conform to the conversation, I chose to challenge it, not only for myself, but so that others would know they hold value in any industry they wish to pursue, beyond appearance and beyond size.
You once said you love turning high street into high-end. Can you walk us through how you approach styling and making a piece feel luxurious?
It’s all in the details when it comes to selecting high street pieces and making them feel high-end. I always start with fabric textiles like silk, satin, linen, and crepe, that instantly elevate a garment. A simple blouse can look completely transformed just through thoughtful elements like the buttons, stitching, or finish. I’m a big believer in monochromatic dressing and pairing similar fabrics together. It creates a seamless, refined silhouette.
These days, high street brands offer great options, but the key is in reading fabric descriptions and paying attention to texture and construction. That’s where the luxury feel begins. For example, I’ll seek out linen blouses with wooden or tonal buttons for a subtle, sophisticated finish. When it comes to gowns, I avoid polyester and lean towards crepe or silk blends. I’m also not a fan of high slits as they can cheapen the look. A good tailor can be a game-changer. I’ve taken a $50 gown from a high street label and had the slit closed to create a cleaner, more elegant line. Ultimately, I follow two styling rules. For evening wear, highlight just one part of your body, and for daywear, layering within the same fabric family is key to elevating the overall look. Luxe style is less about price and more about intention.
With such a multifaceted career, how do you stay creatively fulfilled while balancing advocacy and media?
I am very blessed to do what I love and to find inspiration with every step I take. I learned at a very young age that my story holds value in cultivating the career I desire, as sharing lived experiences unites us. With fashion being a universal language, we can foster change and acceptance in more ways than one.
There is always more to accomplish more dreams I hold close and keep in my back pocket to explore. For this, I feel fulfilled in the constant desire to learn, grow, and follow wherever creativity may lead me. I creatively cultivate inspiration from one area of my career to pour into another, feeling that everything is intertwined like a beautiful symphony composing the story of my life. I consciously balance my creative pursuits with my advocacy work, as they deeply inform and enrich my life with purpose. My work in the industry would not feel complete without the advocacy I’m able to speak on along the way.
You’ve worked with so many causes, from Project Zero, Teens Helping Teens, to Free A Girl. How do you choose the causes closest to your heart?
I have always been selective with the causes I choose to support, guided by where I am in my personal journey and the genuine impact I hope to contribute to the work already being done. Who I am is deeply shaped by the advocacy work I am passionate about, and I continue to learn where awareness is most needed, whether it be offering a listening ear or extending a helping hand. Each of these causes has not only shaped the work I do, but deeply enriched the woman I continue to become. It is paramount for me to align with organizations where I can wholeheartedly devote my time, energy, and passion to their mission, creating meaningful and lasting change. I was fortunate to be raised in a family where the ethos of giving back was deeply ingrained, and where sharing stories serves as a powerful reminder that no one is ever truly alone. Recently, I have been deeply involved with the LA Mission. My mother, who instilled in me the spirit of giving, often brought my sister and me to the Mission during our teenage years to help feed the homeless over the holidays. More recently, I had the honor of leading a women-led workshop there, focused on cultivating self-affirmations and providing the ladies at the Mission with the opportunity to expand their wellness toolboxes through breath work and sound bath sessions.
Working with this community has brought profound healing and purpose, continuing the legacy of compassion my mother and father so gracefully passed down to us. As a founder of Teens Helping Teens, alongside a couple of close girlfriends in the industry during my adolescence, we established a non-profit to support teenage patients at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, raising vital funds for their dedicated teens division. This was an early and formative lesson in the power of community and compassion and a testament to the truth that, no matter your age, you can make a meaningful difference when hearts unite. As an advanced scuba diver with a deep reverence for the ocean and our planet, I was naturally drawn to the extraordinary work of Project Zero. Their mission to protect and restore the ocean is both vital and inspiring.
In 2020, my advocacy path led me to Free A Girl, an organization committed to ending sex trafficking. What drew me specifically to Free A Girl is their dedication to empowering survivors through education, enabling them to become lawyers who can bring their perpetrators to justice and feel empowered to shape their futures. Supporting such transformative work, offering survivors the tools to reclaim their lives and inspire systemic change, is a cause I hold very close to my heart.
What is coming up next for you that you can share with us about?
There are so many exciting projects unfolding, and a few that have been especially dear to my heart that I can’t wait to share in the coming year. However right now, my focus is on my personal journey of healing and doing what I’ve always known to do. Share my story in the hope that it helps someone feel less alone. For me, purpose shapes creativity and in turn, delivers art.
Throughout my career, I’ve led with authenticity, meeting myself where I am and inviting others to do the same. Sharing has always been cathartic and reminds us how profoundly connected we are and how vulnerability, when embraced, becomes one of our greatest strengths. As I look ahead, I hope to continue leading with acceptance, truth, and trust, allowing each project to create space for others to feel seen, heard, and valued. I remain open, full of gratitude, and curious as to how my story will shape through creativity in the years to come.
CREDITS
photography ASULPRUSIA (ELI ECHEMENDIA & JOSE ARELLANO)
