Mariangely S.

Mariangely S.

Florida, USA

Age: 20 years old

Measurements:

Waist: 28 in

Hips: 33 in

Bust: 32 in

Height: 5 ft 5 in

Weight: 110 lbs

Hair/eye color: brown

Tell us about yourself

I was originally born in Caguas, Puerto Rico. I moved to Florida when I was younger but I kept my Spanish! I am currently a part time nursing student and work as a registered behavioral technician. My job consists of helping children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. 

Tell us about your modeling experience. 

I got involved for the first time in a modeling showcase called Miss Fashion Global in 2019. From there, I met the model Victoria Henley whom I participated in a couple of shows with. Thanks to her, I was able to walk down the runway in both Miami and NY fashion weeks! 

What is your biggest dream?

My biggest dream is ambitious, to combine both of my passions and do good things with them! I have always loved modeling and helping others too. When asked to choose a career, I couldn’t choose between the two. I want to travel around the world pursuing my dreams of walking down runways while using my knowledge in the medical field to help those in need.  

What does it mean to be your own kind of beautiful?

Being your own kind of beautiful is embracing who you are, not having to worry what others might say or think. It means being confident in your own skin because that is the only one you have. We are all different for a reason, we shouldn’t have to be someone else’s mirror image. The fact that we all are different colors, sizes, and heights just means that we have the opportunity to shine bright our own individual light within. We all stand out in our own ways, what is inside matters just as much as what is in the outside!

How would you describe your fashion style?

My style varies with my mood in a way! If I feel happy, I will most likely try brighter colors compared to when I am tired, I will choose something dark and comfortable. I can go from complete tomboy to a girly girl. 

Who or what inspires you?

I get inspired by hard work. I don’t necessarily choose one individual to inspire me because there isn’t just one hero out there. In other to earn things in life, I feel that we need to work hard for the them if not it’s not really worth much. 

What have been your greatest accomplishments?

I feel that I have had a couple just since I know my own life story. Learning English was a huge accomplishment because there was times where I just wanted to go back to my hometown. Being top 10% of my graduating class was an accomplishment looking back to when I was bullied for my accent. Becoming an RBT to help kids with Autism was also a fulfilling accomplishment. My biggest might be overcoming my anxiety every time I step on that runway! 

Describe some obstacles you have overcome in your life and how that has changed or shaped you.

My greatest one is probably managing to get assimilated with a new world. Coming from Puerto Rico was not easy for me, I had to leave all of my friends behind and the place I felt most comfortable. When I came here, I didn’t speak any English and I had an accent. I ended getting bullied and that brought my self esteem down. I was afraid to speak up in class or even read out loud because of the laughter. There were days I couldn’t take it but I kept pushing through until I graduated top 10% of my class high school year! I chose not to give up and it made me be a stronger person today. Now, I use my language barrier as an advantage because I am able to speak two languages. 

What makes you beautiful/handsome?

I think what makes me beautiful is understanding where others come from. If it was about appearance, I would say my long eyelashes due to people always asking if they are real! However, I think I rather use my beauty within, the one that allows me to connect to others and their feelings. Being troubled growing up can be a gift or a burden, I chose to use it in a positive way. Sometimes not everyone can see the brighter side and need a little push along the way! 

What would you say to another girl/guy your age who is struggling with their confidence?

I would say to breathe. Take it all in. Then, think. Confidence doesn’t just come by to everyone, as we know. I, for one, used to have confidence when I was younger, when I lived in Puerto Rico. After the move and how people made me feel, I lost that confidence I had. I was the type of person that no one could bring down because I was so sure of myself. One change and all that just disappeared. That is why I say to breathe, take it in, and think. Don’t let anyone take your confidence away because it is not theirs to take. Relax your mind and think to yourself that you are better than that. Remind yourself everyday that everyone has their own insecurities and flaws, and that’s okay!