Here's the Reason Why Gigi Hadid's Mom Wouldn't Let Her Model Until She Turned 18!

Gigi Hadid‘s mom, Yolanda Hadid, had a lot to say about keeping her daughters out of the modeling world until they were 18 years old.

“I never let them work [as models] before they were 18,” Yolanda told Elle. “I didn’t want anybody judging them on what they looked like. I wanted them to feel and be the authentic human beings that they are, and I think that created a lot of strength for them.”

“I always said to them, listen, there are thousands of girls that are much more beautiful than you girls, but you have an extraordinary character, and you’re going to have to set yourself apart by being a role model, by showing up on time and being kind to everybody�to the light people, the make-up, the cleaner in the back of the studio. Those are the people that you have to connect with, and that’s how you can make a difference in the world,” she added.

In 2013, Gigi signed with IMG Models and made her fashion week debut in February of 2014, just a few months shy of her 18th birthday.

Also pictured below: Gigi stepping out in New York City on Monday (April 3).