Today we’d like to introduce you to Paola Rincón.
Hi Paola, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
It all started one night in July this year. I remember pacing back and forth in my apartment, ranting to my cat, crying and talking about how I was tired of dreaming and not doing. My whole life, I’ve had these dreams and these goals that I never even tried to achieve. I felt insecure or incapable for so long. That summer night I said enough is enough and decided to just do it. I messaged creatives in Minneapolis who I had been friends with on Instagram. I DM’d photographers. I asked questions. I made it my goal to become a model and walk in Fashion Week MN. And this past September, after going through various casting calls, I sure did. I walked into two shows and it felt like a dream come true. Through modeling, I’ve met a variety of creatives. Designers, filmmakers, photographers, stylists. I’ve learned something new through each individual that I’ve met. And through these genuine connections, I’ve gained so many incredible opportunities. A local clothing brand owner who lives out of state reached out to me shortly after FWMN. They said they’d be a part of a fashion show happening in November and they wouldn’t be able to attend, so they needed someone to lead and creative direct. I said heck yes and got to it. The fashion show happened last week and it was an incredible experience. It’s amazing. I’m a true believer that when you put good energy into the world, you get good energy in return. And not in a transactional way, but in an organic way. What’s meant for you is meant for you.
Yes, my modeling and creative journey officially started in July, but I would say it goes way way back to when I moved to America in 2005. I was only 10 years old and didn’t know the language or the culture. As a young Mexican girl in Minnesota, I didn’t grow up seeing models who looked like me or even on the tv saw actresses who looked like me. My beauty was not reflected in society and I felt it. This is the main reason why I model, do social media and why I do what I do. To represent because that to me is very important and I understand the impact that it has firsthand on our society and our youth. My journey started when I came to America. And it’s still going because I’m continuously growing and actively exploring things that bring me closer to who I am.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think that my journey in modeling, social media, styling, creating art. It has all been a part of my self love journey. Self love is not a linear process, sometimes we feel like we don’t look the best or mentally don’t feel well or sometimes we feel low energy. I think while those are struggles that are part of what I do, what I do also helps me combat those struggles. Every time I create art, I feel at peace. When I model, I feel empowered. When I style others, I feel empowered. When I post on social media, I feel like myself.
I would say for modeling, I had to quickly learn that not everyone is going to want me as their model and that is more than okay. I learned that I have to accept what I can’t control and that what’s meant for me is for me. There have been times where I’ve felt insecure. I’m 5’ 6” and 165 lbs. and Mexican. In Minnesota, that can be tough in the modeling world. Although I’ve felt insecure in the past, I’ve also come to use that as fuel. Okay, so I’m 5’ 6” brown and have curves , let me take up space and show the world how beautiful and talented I am. Representing women who are not the stereotype in the modeling industry, that is my power. And I’m proud of that. It gives me energy to continue doing what I do.
There are other instances that I’ve gone through throughout this creative journey where I also had to say “it is what it is” and work with what I have. The fashion show that I recently assisted in, we didn’t have the designs in on time (they were delayed.) I had to accept it, improvise and keep on rolling. I’ve learned that in the end, everything works out the way it’s supposed to.
We grow from struggles, insecurities and challenges so I’m incredibly grateful for all of them.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Minneapolis creative. I do everything with purpose.
I model to represent and empower women of color.
I create content on social media to empower others and remind them to embrace their true self.
I create digital art to share the beauty in others.
I style to help others feel the best version of themselves. To feel confident.
I creative direct in fashion shows to give folks the opportunity to get closer to their goals.
I create genuine connections because learning about other humans around me makes me feel incredibly happy.
I am a creative human who loves humans and connecting with humans. And I have so much more to learn and experience and explore.
I do all of this because it brings me joy and it gets me closer to the person that I’m meant to be in this life. All these experiences, they’re puzzle pieces to this entire puzzle that is life.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I recently lost my corporate job. It has been the weirdest few weeks of my life. I’ve known corporate America for three years so this is a massive change for me. I understand once a door closes, another one opens though. So I am feeling hopeful and excited about that. I’m a true believer that everything happens for a reason!
I am currently looking to share my creative mind and work with others. Some ways in which I’ll be doing that is by:
-styling people for events
-selling my clothes so they go to a better home
-create meaningful content on IG and TikTok
-model
-cover social media for businesses or events
If you need a model, someone to style you, someone to do social media for your business or event and you think I’m a decent human or have enjoyed getting to know me. You can send me a DM on Instagram. @_paolarincon and I would love to work with you. : )
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_paolarincon/?hl=en
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@minneapolismodel?lang=en
Image Credits
Durga photography (@durga.photography.all)
Joshva Reid (@joshva.reid)
Trae (@ic.photos.mn)
Quietstorm Photography (@lenswork50)
