Boredom, as it turns out, is often its own kind of catalyst. For Bailey McGarrell, that looked like quitting her 9-to-5, booking a one-way flight, and ending up on international television.
The Canadian model, creator, and TV personality made history as the first Canadian cast on Love Island Australia Season 7. Since then, she's been quietly, and not so quietly, building a personal brand across borders.
In this exclusive interview, Bailey opens up about her experience in the Villa, her evolving modeling career, and why Australia is where she feels most aligned.
What does your morning actually look like?
Wake up, look out the window, and doomscroll with the sun on my face. It's a perfect routine, in my opinion.
What song is on repeat this week?
Live Your Life' by T.I. and Rihanna. It's so good.
What is something you’re unlearning this year?
Comparing my journey to others. We all move at our own pace, and I'm really trying to stop minimizing my own accomplishments internally.
What does "home" feel like right now?
Amazing question. I really don't know if I feel 'home.' Home isn't anywhere right now. I live in Toronto, in the same city as family and friends — but in Toronto, I never fully feel like the best version of myself. To me, home means where you live for the best version of yourself to bloom. And for me, that was Australia.
Do you have any 'unique' essentials you always bring on set?
Baby oil, 100%. Usually, someone on set has it anyway, but I always bring one. It just makes your skin go from dull to WOW on camera.
Where do you see your modeling career in five years?
I see myself smashing more goals I've added to my vision board.
What's something people misunderstand about modeling?
You need to be available all the time for opportunities that aren't promised. Most models I know have another form of income, as modelling can be inconsistent and hard to rely on. It can be challenging to manage two careers where one is super unpredictable. But practice makes perfect :)
What's been your most surreal moment as a model so far?
The Shoppers Beauty campaign that was just out in February! The largest brand I've worked with so far! It was so fun to see my face in the store and online.
Is there a city you're manifesting working in?
AUSTRALIAAAAAA & NYC would be perfect.
Who, or what, is inspiring you right now?
Social media gives me all the inspiration I could ever ask for. People are so cool and creative, it's refreshing to find new faces that produce new content that actually inspires me.
What originally brought you to Australia before Love Island?
The desire for change. I was just so bored with my life and the 9-5 I was working in before; it pushed me to make a bold decision to quit and move across the globe.
What's your fav Villa fit?
Night one, the catsuit was killer. I never felt so confident strutting around.
Would you ever do reality TV again? Maybe an All-Stars season?
100% — It was such a crazy experience, I'd be honoured to participate in it again.
Did you feel any pressure being the first Canadian on Love Island Australia?
Honestly, I felt no pressure at all about that. I just assumed nobody would care about the fact that I was Canadian, and I was right about that. But regardless, it was an honour to be the first Canadian OG!
Is anyone from the villa still part of your everyday life?
Right out of the Villa, and as the show aired, Zac & I were super close. Our friendship eventually faded out. I keep up with some of the girls over socials, but nothing insane. I'll definitely see a couple of them when I head back to Aus.
Tea, but is there a season 7 group chat?
There WAS... right out of the villa, we all were speaking every day in a GC on Snapchat since production took our Instagram access away. Everything was fun and silly until the show started airing, THEN omg there was some drama in those chats, and now it's crickets.
Did the experience change how you date?
Yes and no, I'm not really dating anymore, but I was just recently, while I was in Australia. I started to get sick of some snarky messages from men on dating apps about Love Island. It honestly just pissed me off and made me realize this is not worth my time.
What's one villa rule that lowkey drove you insane?
That we had to keep our mics on even in the toilet. So awkward. Like — what if I need to... fart...
Bailey's best days are still being written, likely somewhere with an Australian area code. She is proving that success in modeling and reality TV doesn’t follow a fixed path; it’s built through bold moves and authenticity.
⭐️Collaborate with Talent: Discover our talent roster.
🏝️More Stores: Explore more industry insights and creator features
🤍Apply: Ready to start your modeling career? Submit your application.
