Gemma Lee Farrell

What inspired you to make the move from New Zealand all the way to the states?

When I first came to America, it was because I had won a competition. I was meant to be here 4 days but stayed 3 months until literally the day before I was due to be kicked out.

I signed with a management company in LA and Wilhelmina in Miami. It was the hardest time of my life with the process of moving to another country at such a young age...but I made it happen and it's been a roller coaster ride ever since.

What has surprised you most about LA living?

The opportunities—they are endless and it can change your life in a day. I've met the most amazing people in Los Angeles that are now life long friends. I feel very blessed.

You put yourself out there on social media in a super authentic way—what has surprised you the most?

Well thank you, I appreciate that! I try to post what I think people want to see. It's hard to be yourself and not be judged on your flaws. Social media can be good and bad, but I try to take it as it is, be as real as I can but not lose my sense of who I am. Myself and my life is a whole lot better than what I show on social media just so you know :)

What is the most common misconception people have about you?

I don't really care haha - someone else's misconception of me doesn't bother me. It's not something I pay too much attention too.

What do you hope to accomplish in the next 5 years?

I've been working on a business that will hopefully launch in February. It will be kept totally separate from my online brand—nobody will even know I own it. I also want a family in the next 5 years but for now I'm just having fun and taking each opportunity as it comes.

What beauty products can you not live without?

Coconut oil, caster oil, Vaseline and serums. I also love making my own sugar scrubs and hair masks.

What’s your favorite thing about your body?

I'm super happy with my whole body right now. I work out really hard everyday. But I do have my days where I'm like "What the hell is going on? Why do I look like such a sloth?

What is your favorite city you’ve been to?

Mykonos is my favorite place ever, but as far as cities go it would be Miami and NYC.

What in your career are you the most proud of thus far?

Getting to represent and work alongside some huge American companies that I had heard of growing up in New Zealand but never dreamed would become part of my journey. Good American and being part of the GOOD SQUAD makes me pretty damn proud as well.

Do you have any go-to workouts?

I have to do classes or workout with my trainer. I have the attention span of a monkey when it comes to working out by myself so I need someone to motivate me.

Who is your ultimate denim icon?

Aaliyah, Cindy Crawford, Kate Moss and Cher.

What do you miss the most about New Zealand?

The relaxed lifestyle, my beautiful niece and my family-I feel like I'm missing out on so much of their lives. It's probably the hardest thing about being so far away. I Facetime and speak to my mum most days and I try to go home every year so it's not so bad.

What song puts you in the mood to work out?

I have so many but I love the song "I'll Find You" by Lecrae ft Tori Kelly or "OTW" by DJ Luke Nasty.

What does the idea of a ‘good American girl’ mean to you?

I don't think it has anything to do with looks or necessarily being American-there are a million beautiful girls in the world. I think it has more to do with an attitude. To me 'A good American girl' means to be a positive role model. Be authentic. Be accepting of others and of difference. Embrace your body and empower other women to embrace theirs as well. Be good humans.

WATCH GEMMA AND GRACIE'S ON-SET INTERVIEW