Meet Kelly Needham | Aspiring Model & Social media influencer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelly Needham and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelly, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
Okay, so the only way forward is to simply never give up. It should never even be a thought. I have a tattoo as a reminder because those words have gotten me through so much. We give up too easily on dreams and life, but there’s always a way. I was just telling another contestant not to quit when she felt discouraged. I remember starting with only 138 Facebook friends and almost giving up myself after setbacks like my account being hacked and not winning. But now, with 80,000 fans, I’m so glad I didn’t. As long as I’m happy with my progress, that’s what matters. Perseverance opens doors. Look at Miss America around 2018 – she kept competing for years before finally winning. Never give up. It’s not about if we keep going, but how. Quitting isn’t an option.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In 2021, a Facebook ad for Ink Magazine’s cover model search caught my eye with its $25,000 prize – money I desperately needed during a tough separation. Despite having no modeling experience, I thought, “Why not?” and surprisingly made it to the top 5 in my first year with just my close circle of friends voting online.
Excited, I returned in 2022, gained more support, and finished second. That year, a Michigan boutique offered me a short-lived modeling gig. 2023 brought immense personal hardship: COVID, job loss, homelessness with my kids. Leaning on my online community was a lifeline; their kindness kept me going. I still competed, finishing eighth while navigating unstable housing.
2024 was tough mentally, making me question everything. Battling lifelong depression and self-esteem issues, I lacked professional photos and sponsors. Losing my main Facebook account, my biggest support base, was a huge setback. Thankfully, Facebook’s page updates helped me consolidate my following.
Now in 2025, after a quiet start to the year, I entered Maxim’s Cover Girl search and Originals. My global following has grown to around 80,000, even with less posting. This still feels surreal. Initially driven by the prize money, sharing my story unexpectedly became a source of inspiration for others facing similar struggles, even prompting suggestions for a book I’m now working on.
Regarding the competition, I’m not giving up. Like the Miss America contestant who won after eight attempts, I’m determined. This feels like my path, even if traditional modeling wasn’t my initial vision. Ultimately, I want to prove to myself and my family – especially my four sons – that I can break negative cycles and achieve something significant. This journey has already opened doors to public speaking and writing, and I’m seizing this second chance to pursue my dreams.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For a first Houston trip, hit the Houston Zoo, a local game, and the Galleria. Galveston beach and downtown are musts. Cool shops, even an underground mall, and tons of museums – you can’t see it all in a week.
For food, I love Mexican-American, especially Chacho’s. There’s also an amazing taco truck on the northside between Greenspoint and Beltway 8 (can’t recall the exit) by a convenience store across from a car lot – best street tacos! And a great little Mexican place in Pasadena my grandparents took me to, now at Preston and Primrose near the old Ramble and Rose. Don’t miss the food there. That’s my short list.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely, this adventure wouldn’t have been possible without my kids, Kyle and my son Jacob. They have been my rock, my constant source of joy and motivation. Jacob’s my biggest supporter though, always encouraging me and even his time to help me pick out what to wear or to take pics. He’s also been amazing at promoting me on his own growing social media platforms. Beyond my kids, I’m deeply grateful for the unwavering support of the people I call family these days and friends I’ve made along the way like Tim, Nick P.,Colby,Donnie Ray and his girlfriend Angie, Michael, Frank, John, Lil Bebe, Kendal, Nicolas G, Jerry and so many others. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Most of all thank you to the fans! You guys are amazing and always come through when I need you guys too. I’ve gotten very close to so many of you. Continue to keep it real and so will I! We can win these competitions yall, together! It’s gonna happen! I love you all!

Website: https://vip.covergirl.maxim.com/model/mQ2E#Kelly%20Needham

Instagram: @Kellyfromtexas.2

Linkedin: https://linktr.ee/kellyfromtexas

Twitter: @kelly4rmtx

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1JbCSrAo6T/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Other: Kelly_frmtx- Snapchat
@kelly.from.Texas- Tik tok
Kellyfromtexas.2-threads

Image Credits
Jacob Phillips, Chasity Davis, Donnie Phillips