Fernanda M.
Age: 25
Waist: 27
Hips: 38
Bust: 33
Height: 5’6
Weight: 115
Hair/Eye Color: black/black
Tell us about yourself:
I am a Mexican immigrant from Aguascalientes, Mexico. I grew up in Oklahoma City and married young. I was married at 18 and moved to North Carolina with my husband. Being a military spouse I eventually found my way to Oahu Hawaii. I lived there for about 3 years and had my first daughter. Hawaii was a game changer when it came to my freelance modeling career. I made some awesome connections that would help propel me into my career professionally. In 2020 we moved to Des Moines Iowa. I had my second daughter in 2022 and plan to stay here for a few years since we bought our home.
Tell us about your modeling experience:
I was asked by a photographer in my hometown (Oklahoma) to do a shoot and I like to try it all so I did the shoot and became so obsessed with the feeling of pride after receiving the photos. I grew up in a strict Catholic and traditional home and never got the support of my family. It was tough but I knew this was something I wanted and I was willing to work for it. I’ve been shooting professionally for the last 4 years and got signed to Wehmann in Minneapolis in Jan 2022. I’ve worked with several people since and now I’ve booked two shows at Omaha Fashion Week for 2024. This will be my first runway experience and I am beyond thrilled. I’m hoping to continue my travels and book more work for 2024.
What is your biggest dream?
My biggest dream is to give my girls the love and support that I never had. Give them the opportunities and the fearlessness to go and get what they want. I want them to see me as their number one supporter along with their father. To push my career and still be a good mom to them. I want to teach them that if I can be a successful model and a mom, they can be it all.
What does it mean to be your own kind of beautiful?
Your own kind of beautiful is first and foremost accepting that we ALL look different and are all perceived differently. The only thing that matters is how you perceive yourself. Growing up the way that I did, I never saw myself as beautiful or a model or even attractive. I learned it all through being behind a camera. “Accepting the things you cannot change” although it’s a cliche it’s a good lesson to learn about ourselves.
How would you describe your fashion style?
My fashion style is based off my mood usually. I like simple but I love color blocking. Love the color black but in the summer I love doing 70s retro vibes. Big fan of bell sleeves and bell bottoms. I also love halter neck and collars.
Who or what inspires you?
I’m inspired by other women who’ve had the odds stacked against them and they were able to make it to where they have dreamt of without having to put others down. I love self made women. So many of us out there and they deserve the world!!!
What advice would you give someone who is just getting started in modeling ?
My biggest advice would be trust your gut. Whether it’s a show, shoot, or people. If you feel a pit in your stomach it’s usually negative. But if you feel that feeling in your chest it’s a fear that’s ready for you to overcome! Go for it! Reach for every opportunity! There’s so much out there and you belong!!
Describe some obstacles you have overcome in your life and how that has changed or shaped you.
My biggest obstacles in life were probably the abuse I endured as a child. Physical and mental/emotional. Being rejected by my own mother and neglected by my father. We were very poor and almost were homeless. I was bullied in my younger years in school. Life is tough. I struggle with depression still but over time I’ve learned so much about how to change your point of view so that it isn’t a negative thing. It really is all about how you look at the world or your situation. These horrible things taught me how to be the mother I needed as a kid. It’s taught me to speak on my emotions without fear. And I’m currently learning to set better boundaries for myself. The things I do are for me but also for my girls to see their mom doing the damn thing!
What makes you beautiful?
I think physical attributes that make me beautiful are probably my smile, it’s something I get complimented a lot on. I think my skin complexion is a another. This was a tough one for me growing up in a predominantly white school. I learned to love it and I think other people do too.
What would you say to another girl/guy your age who is struggling with their confidence?
What I would tell them is to stop letting others plant negative ideas in their mind about who or what they need to look like. Confidence is always from within. You have to mentally focus on how good and happy you feel in your own skin. Be appreciative of yourself because you are the ONLY you there is. That’s something to be pretty damn proud of.
