Nebraska native Samantha Gradoville made her runway debut opening and closing Prada’s Fall 2010 show in Milan, followed by an exclusive for Miu Miu in Paris. She quickly became one of the most talked-about new faces, walking for top designers including Chanel, Saint Laurent, Gucci, Versace, Burberry, and Tom Ford.

Her campaign work includes Calvin Klein fragrance and lingerie (shot by Steven Meisel and Mario Sorrenti), as well as ads for Lancôme, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, La Perla, and Topshop. She has appeared on the covers of Numéro, Harper’s Bazaar, and L’Officiel, and in editorials for Vogue Italia, W, i-D, and AnOther, among others.

Outside of modeling, Samantha is an accomplished jeweler and herbalist. Through her brand, Samvara Jewelry, she creates handcrafted, one-of-a-kind pieces infused with spiritual intention. “I believe we’re all connected,” she says. “Jewelry is my way of expressing that connection.”