From the inside looking in, the fashion world often seems like a shiny beacon of glamor and excitement. However, breaking into this industry hasn’t always been easy, regardless of one’s looks or picture-perfect poses. Unless you’re one of the “nepo babies”, competition has always been tough, eliminating the majority of aspiring models before they even get started. There are also age, background, and market demands to contend with. Thankfully, the rise of the digital age has knocked down some of the biggest barriers, creating new opportunities for determined and imaginative people. One such go-getter is Jacob Hazelkorn, a young talent making waves in fashion modeling thanks to the power of the internet.

Just a few years ago, Jacob was another fashion enthusiast scrolling through his Instagram feed, admiring the beautiful people on his timeline. However, over time, he realized his wardrobe was filled with the same branded clothing his favorite influencers always wore. That sparked his interest and made him realize that he could also make money from social media. Jacob aimed not just to wear the brands but to be the face behind them, attract thousands of likes, and turn social media admiration into a promising career.

In late 2017, he took the leap and began his journey in the fashion world. For him, fashion modeling was more than just posing for pictures in front of cameras and posting them for likes. It was about grinding 24/7, perfecting his skill set, and quickly rising to the top. Determined to make his dream a reality as fast as possible, maintaining his relentless work ethic was never a struggle for him. “I don’t mind working hard,” Jacob shares. “I actually love it!” This attitude not only set him apart but also enabled him to gracefully navigate the treacherous fashion.

With rapid tech innovations debuting daily, social media platforms must constantly improve and update their algorithms. This makes it difficult for influencers who use these platforms, so they must always be on their toes to ensure they remain relevant. For Jacob, learning how to appease the algorithm gods and recover banned accounts is a small price. Even dealing with unsavory characters intent on bringing him down no longer fazes him. “I’ve learned to read people better,” he says with wisdom belying his age.

At only 23, Jacob has become a master at his craft without bringing anyone down or compromising his personal convictions to get ahead. “I just don’t let anyone hold power over me,” he shares. He adds that learning from the environment around him and studying people’s behaviors made him a better, more empathetic person able to maintain kindness in an industry dominated by cold competitiveness. His warm persona and flexibility have earned Jacob a lot of recognition, both from fashion fans and industry insiders.

Over the years, he earned multiple accolades, from appearances at the NYFW and LAFW to his features on Getty Images and reputable fashion publications like Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and Cosmopolitan. With verification on Spur and a following of over 80k on TikTok, he’s also becoming recognized beyond his hometown. “Everyone that comes up to me makes me feel good,” Jacob says. “It shows me that my hard work is paying off and reminds me what I’m capable of.”

In the future, Jacob hopes to achieve even more in his personal and professional life. As his career on the runway takes off, his success is a good reminder of how determination, resilience, and kindness can turn dreams into a vibrant, living reality.