SI Swimsuit 2020 Model: Kelsey Merritt

SI: If you had three wishes, what would they be?

KM: I’d wish for my friends' and family’s good health; 2) I’d wish to have the power of teleportation. I travel so much for work, so that would cut out the travel time; and 3) I’d wish for happiness.

SI: If you could personally witness any event in history, what would it be?

KM: I’m fascinated by the reality that dinosaurs once walked this earth and that it took an asteroid to kill the entire ecosystem. To witness that would be out of this world.

Kelsey Merritt was photographed by Kate Powers in the Dominican Republic.  Swimsuit by TROPIC OF C.

SI: What is something that you have never done that you want to do?

KM: Skydiving.

SI:What’s your most embarrassing moment?

KM: I met President George Bush and didn’t realize it was him. I didn’t know what he looked like back then.

SI: What’s the most regrettable beauty trend you’ve ever tried?

KM: The emo-heavy eyeliner when I was in grade school. Everyone in school was doing it while My Chemical Romance was playing in the background.

SI: If you could hear one song performed live by any musician what would it be?

KM: “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen

SI: What’s something people wouldn’t know about you?

KM: I’m surprisingly a really good climber, be it rock climbing or climbing coconut trees!

SI: In a world full of influencers, who influences you most?

KM: I love Greta Thunberg. She is the true meaning of what an influencer is. She opened my eyes and made me more aware of the urgent changes needed to reduce carbon emissions in a carbon-addicted world.

SI: What motivates or inspires you?

KM: The fact that I am living my dream job and working with my dream clients continuously motivates me. I never take for granted the work I have always dreamed of doing.

Kelsey Merritt was photographed by Kate Powers in the Dominican Republic.  Swimsuit by Agent Provocateur.

SI: Do you have a self-care ritual or a creative pursuit?

KM: A bath usually does it for me. Whenever I have a long day, a bath usually brings me back.

SI: What’s the worst holiday gift you ever received?

KM: I can’t think of one. I will appreciate anything people give me.

SI: What’s your guilty pleasure snack?

KM: I love sweets. Any excuse I can get to eat chocolates or cookies, I would.

SI: Looking back, what advice would you give to your 14-year-old self?

KM: Dream hard, work hard. Dream anything you want but also put in the work. Be patient. Things will fall into place if they are meant to be. You have no idea what your life will be like in nine years.