Model Taylor Hill’s new fitness program has transformed her mental health

Taylor Hill’s lifestyle goes beyond modeling. In addition to being a familiar face on the Victoria’s Secret runways, the model has also gained quite a presence on Instagram (she has 24 million followers!) thanks to her now-famous videos, which include travel content, style tips, and discussions around self-care. Over the past year, the latter has been a particular focus for Hill, who has been extremely open with her social media community about the grief and mental health struggles she went through after losing her beloved Labradoodle, Tate.

In a vulnerable video on Instagram in In July 2023, Hill said candidly: “Last year I decided to start running. My mental health took a huge hit with Tate’s death, and grief is an interesting and complex feeling. How we deal with it is different for everyone. It’s important to keep my mind strong, and running is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done mentally.”

Hill has also channeled her grief into her latest business venture, the digital pet care platform Tate & Taylor, which provides resources and information around animal welfare at scale. “This platform is named after (Tate) and is a dedication to doing the best we can do as pet owners,” Hill tells TZR. “I love modeling, it’s the best job in the world – but there’s nothing better than starting your own business, especially when it’s about something you care so much about.”

Despite it being a $43 billion industry, Hill still sees a need in the market. “There’s a lot of stuff out there; a lot of brands, people and products, but there’s still no trusted resource in this space,” she explains. “Working in fashion already gives me a wonderful creative outlet, but starting a business is also creative and challenging in its own way. It’s super exciting.”

Below, TZR reveals how Taylor Hill navigates difficult times through focused wellness: from her favorite workouts that keep her body and mind in shape to the beauty secret she stole from the Victoria’s Secret show era—and won’t share.

What is the first thing you do when you wake up?

The first thing I do is check my phone. I know you’re not supposed to, but I can’t help it. My alarm goes off and it’s just there. I set it to do not disturb, but some days I wake up to 26 texts and I’m like, “What’s going on?” I live in New York, but people text me from all over the world. Honestly, I love it. I find it exciting. It wakes my mind and gets me started on the day. Then I get up, brush my teeth, and make myself a coffee. I like the cold brew you can buy at the grocery store, either from Starbucks or La Colombe. I take my dog ​​for a little walk and start my day.

What is your favorite workout?

I like to run in the morning, but when I’m not running, I like to do Pilates. I go to a studio in SoHo.

What is your favorite meal that you always prepare/order?

Personally, I love comfort food and things that remind me of my childhood. One of my favorite dishes to cook at home is a roasted red pepper soup, which is similar to tomato soup but creamier and more flavorful. I add tomato paste to keep the sweetness, but now as an adult, I like the red pepper version better. I make grilled cheese with it. I get these slices of goat cheese from Trader Joe’s (and put them) on sourdough bread and it feels like a real treat.

What is your favorite self-care ritual?

Walking (my German Shepherd) Salem! He’s only a year and a half old, so he has energy. Sometimes we go for runs together, maybe two or three miles. To be honest, I’m pretty slow. He walks and I run.

What are you listening to at the moment?

I love listening to podcasts on my walks. My favorite podcast is Giggly Squad with Paige DeSorbo and Hannah Berner. They make me laugh because they’re just girls living their lives in New York, and it’s so relatable. I’m like, “Right, that’s what it feels like.” I also listen to Call Her Daddy. Alex (Cooper) is incredible and such a great interviewer, and I love the guests she has on the show.

What do you do when you have the opportunity to treat yourself?

I do a spa day when I can. I love getting a massage. Because of my travels, I don’t do it often, and when I do, it’s a really nice way to unwind and slow down and be with myself for a minute.

What is your secret weapon if you want to look and feel good?

Reformer Pilates or any other type of physical exercise. It releases endorphins and stimulates the brain in a positive way, so you automatically feel better. I also think it creates this weird placebo effect in the way you think about yourself. You feel better knowing you’ve exercised and treated your body well. When I’m not feeling well, I try to get out of that mood with some form of exercise.

What beauty secret/trick did you learn from the Victoria’s Secret Runway Show?

I learned so much at Victoria’s Secret. Body makeup, for example, was such a big part of the show. Charlotte Tilbury herself was such a big part of that experience too. She did the makeup for the show for so long and then to create her own products and her own brand was incredible. Charlotte’s style, that ‘supermodel glow’ you recognize on the runway, was her whole vision. Her methods were always about natural beauty, healthy skin and that signature glow. My favorite product from the VS show era was this formula that is now her Super Model Body product – that’s what we used on set and continued to use after she made it a consumer product. On a daily basis, I apply it as a highlighter to the middle of my legs.

What is the best relationship advice you have ever received?

My parents have been married for 35 years, so I turn to them when I need relationship advice. They are best friends and when I got married my mother said the most important thing is to be friends with your partner. Not necessarily friends Firstbut true friends.