Angel Martha Hunt on Self-Esteem, Body Image & Why a Sexy Illusions Bra is All you Need

Considering she is one of the most beautiful and coveted models in the world, it is hard to ignore the fact that despite of her mega-babe, mega-model status, Angel Martha Hunt has remained true to her Southern roots —  she is genuine, super relatable (we bonded over our love for Bachelor in Paradise), and very, very easy to talk to. In every aspect, she is the girl next door, although wrapped in Victoria’s Secret angel wings.

Hunt was discovered (loosely put)  in 2004 after winning a model search in Charlotte, North Carolina. She quickly moved to New York and soon started walking for Givenchy, Prada and Chanel. But it wasn’t until 2012, when she was signed with Victoria’s Secret, that her modeling career — and visibility — took off. By 2015 she was an official Angel, who earned her wings after hard work and dedication. Fast-forward to today, and Hunt is one of the VS top models, she is a member of Taylor Swift’s squad, and, it’s safe to say, on top of the world.

Hunt swept through Chicago last week for a sexy soiree celebrating the all new Body by Victoria and Sexy Illusions Collection launch and we caught up with her for a lovely chat on self esteem, body image, casting anxiety and much more.

Let’s talk about modeling and how did a Southern Belle become a Victoria’s Secret model?

Well, I’m lucky because I’ve always had really big dreams for myself and I really set goals to want to travel, and to want to have a career in fashion or art. So, I went to a model search and a photographer from that model search brought me to New York City and I met with agencies. I was not an overnight success. But once I started working with Victoria’s Secret, I felt like my career started to really snowball, and it’s been an amazing ride ever since.

You’ve been an Angel for three years now. What has the experience been so far?

It’s been incredible. I started working with the brand a few years before that, so I really worked hard to earn the wings. It’s been everything that a girl could ever dream up, and more! It’s great because working with the brand feels like working with a family that’s so loyal. And it’s so hard to find that in the fashion industry.  We’re always comfortable with everyone that’s on set, and you really get to know everybody that you’re working with, so it’s fun. It’s truly like working with a family and I get to be a part of a legacy of women that I have always looked up to.

Speaking of women you look up to, do you have any mentors from the VS Angel squad?

I always looked up to all the Angels, and so I was really excited when I started working with them, but Candice [Swanepoel] always showed me the way in a way, and she always lead by example. And I feel like Lily [Aldridge] always gave me great advice and tips along the way as well. So those two have been very supportive and helped guide me.

The famous Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, is this crazy, amazing fantasy and it usually takes place at an amazing destination. Last year it was Shanghai — where would you like it to be next time?

Hmmmm. Where would I like for it to be? Have they done it in LA? I think it’s happened in LA, but I haven’t been a part of that. I think it would be fun to bring it to LA because it would be fun to bring the beach entertainment, Hollywood vibe to the show. It could be fun.

We all know about the brutal schedules models have, and how hard you work to do what you do. How do you prepare for your job and for the fashion shows?

Well, year round I have to stay pretty fit because working with Victoria’s Secret, you want to look and feel your best working in lingerie.  But before the show, I amp it up.  This year I even set up my own personal fitness goal of something I want to achieve so it’s for myself and not just to look amazing, but I also want to feel like my best self when I’m on the runway.

So what would you say to all these women who don’t necessarily feel good about themselves and about the way they look, especially after watching you gorgeous creatures on TV?

Well, I think that Victoria’s Secret has always been about projecting confidence. It’s about wearing the perfect bra that fits correctly and you feel better about yourself. The fashion show is this amazing fantasy production that’s meant to be aspirational and so much fun to watch with your friends, and your girlfriends, and eat pizza, and wear your pajamas or whatever. But it’s always been about promoting confidence and feeling like your best self. One thing that Victoria’s Secret has really set the bar high for is fitness. And we work out really hard to achieve that goal just like anyone would work to achieve their goal in any career.

Have you ever had any experiences feeling rejected, and how did you overcome that?

Absolutely. I worked really hard for a long time in this industry and there were definitely moments when I wanted to quit. And I have a lot of my own personal body insecurities — I’ve had scoliosis since I was 14, so that’s something that I’ve had to overcome. I used to really focus on that during casting, thinking ahh, everyone’s staring at that. But once I started focusing on my best qualities rather than worrying about things that made me insecure, things started to really happen for me. And if there’s one piece of advice I would give to women is, just focus on the best things about yourself — and that will help you propel even further in whatever it is that you’re looking to achieve.

That’s really great advice.

I believe that, I genuinely believe it because I used to be really in my head about things, and things started to happen for me more once I loosened up a bit. I was doing castings and lingerie for Victoria’s Secret and other brands, and I was thinking, oh, they’re just staring at how my hips are asymmetrical or they’re staring at how my back looks weird. I was always in my head about that, and I noticed it more than other people notice it. But, you know, there’s a reason we notice these things, but we are our own worst critics always.

Tell us about Body by Victoria and the new Sexy Illusions line. Why should we buy it?

I love Body by Victoria and I’m especially loving the new Sexy Illusions Collection because these bras are so perfect for every day. They’re so comfortable and they come in so many fun colors. I love the little Swarovski V that pokes out, that you can show off under clothing like I’m doing right now. The first time I wore one was in Hong Kong and I had to wear it all day, and it was the most comfortable bra I’ve ever worn. It’s so supportive and hides perfectly underneath clothing.

Besides the one you are wearing, do you have another favorite VS piece?

Right now I’m loving the Very Sexy Illusions and I love the Dream Angels Wicked Bra as well.

What is the first item from Victoria’s Secret that you ever bought?

The first item I ever bought from Victoria’s secret was a pink and white polka dot bra.

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Isn’t she so wonderful? Be sure to pop over our Instagram stories highlights and watch Martha talk about fashion, fantasy purchases and what’s the most unexpected thing about her.

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