[5] While she was a student at the Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago, she participated in Season 9 of America's Next Top Model.
[4] Early scenes from the show included some competitors loudly whispering about Kuzmich, criticizing her, and laughing at her.
[2][3] According to Marie-Agnès Parmentier and Eileen Fischer in the Journal of Consumer Research, she was an example of the "underdog character type.
[2][8] According to the New York Times, during the show, Tyra Banks, Twiggy and Nigel Barker "marvel" at Kuzmich's "ability to connect with the camera", and she was selected by Enrique Iglesias for a featured role in a music video.
[9] Kuzmich signed to the women's division of Elite Model Management in Chicago and Hong Kong.
A challenge win during Top Model allowed Kuzmich to participate in a special photoshoot art-directed by Mary J. Blige for Carol's Daughter.