Thalia Heffernan is making it big in the big apple.
The model relocated to New York in September 2022, after signing to IMG Models, the same agency as Gigi and Bella Hadid, Elsa Hosk, Emily DiDonato, Hailey Bieber, Joan Smalls, Jourdan Dunn, Miranda Kerr, and many more. Since then, the Dubliner has had a meteoric rise in the New York fashion scene, working with some of the most prominent photographers and walking for Louis Vuitton in the city’s Fashion Week.
But even in the whirlwind of success, bouts of homesickness still occur. The 28-year-old is living away from her parents, sisters, and beloved dogs, although phone calls and facetimes keep them connected.
She is also making her relationship with dancer Ryan McShane work long-distance. “He’s great, I’m very lucky that he’s so supportive of my move. It can be tough being apart, but it’s like anything, you just have to put your big girl pants on,” she told the Sunday Times.
The couple have been together for six years, after meeting on Dancing With The Stars.
While being away from her loved ones is tough, Thalia has found a strong group of girl friends in her new city, which has made the move much easier.
Explaining: “When I’ve travelled in the past, I never had a group of girls, but I fell on my feet over here, I have this group of 20 or 30 women who took me under their wing and they’re amazing.”
As for what’s next for the model, the future is looking bright as she has signed to IMG’s LA division as well, and is considering a move to the city of angels.
“I have that Irish way about me that when I find comfort, I stick to it like a sticky plaster. I’d like to keep that momentum going and do everything I want to do,” she confessed.
Ryan has since confirmed the couple’s split on social media.
