Today we’d like to introduce you to Yanet Morales.
Yanet, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Growing up, in Cuba I had always been probably the most shy and introvert girl back in my teenage years. I was the nerdy student with good grades who wasn’t very popular in school. I was terrified of exposure and especially nervous about speaking in public. When I moved to the US twelve years ago, I literally felt like walking into a big dark room but I’ve always carried risk taking in my blood. That’s how grandma is, and mom. We aren’t afraid of change. Arriving here I barely knew English. Zero knowledge to be exact. I went to a community college and learned the language and started to slowly incorporate to this culture and society. My high levels of determination really helped me survive in a foreign country. I learned the language in two years and also to drive after that. I felt very accomplished when I had those two under control. Also, being surrounded by people from so many different backgrounds and hearing their stories opened a door for my extrovert side to be born. I suddenly wasn’t so shy to speak in front of the class or to speak to strangers.
Stepping into modeling was very random for me. A friend recommended I checked out this Local modeling agency and I honestly had no idea what I was doing but I walked in. I signed up for modeling camp, took those classes and had professional photos taken to start my portfolio. I suddenly had a contract with a modeling agency and my face was on a website. What?! Me? The shy girl?! I remember being extremely happy and shocked and so many things. I couldn’t believe it. I started doing modeling jobs with them and each one built my confidence a little bit more each time. Being in front of a camera was my happy place after a while. I loved it. It was so fun and I felt so free. I could be myself in either photo shoots or runways. Throughout my modeling career, I’ve had the opportunity to walk in many fashion shows, wear the most beautiful designs and meet beautiful talented people. I’m so thankful and blessed for all of that. It’s shaped me into the bubbly, confident, independent person I am today. I owe a lot to modeling. I can walk in front of hundreds of people and feel like a bird in the sky. It’s a very beautiful feeling.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It hasn’t been a smooth road but it’s definitely been worth it the drive. There is a lot of competition in this industry, and the more successful you become the more you attract. You turn into a magnet of good and unfortunately bad energies as well. Some people can hurt your feelings and bring you down in seconds and that’s when your confidence and determination gets to work. You have to pick yourself up and keep reminding yourself of who you really are. How you got here. How farther you can go. Sometimes doors won’t open for you, and sometimes they will say no. But what I’ve always thought about in these times is that quote “ if it didn’t open then it wasn’t your door” and I just keep my faith on top of it. You have to be a fighter and a goal seeker if you want to be your very best. There is no giving up or excuses if you really want to succeed at modeling. You work hard and you keep it up. It requires dedication, responsibility, blood, sweat and tears. But it’s very rewarding when you see the results.
Please tell us about your work.
I am a fashion model and I’ve recently thought about acting as well. I think it would be an amazing experience to get to do that. I’m already very confident in front of a camera and I know I would love it.
I am very proud of how far I’ve come and overcome the shyness I grew up with. When I was in high school, I would have never thought I’d be walking in New York fashion week in front of hundreds of people. How I’ve stuck to my dream even after the closed doors and the NOs and the attitudes. How strong I’ve become in each situation. All of that. I believe we all can change and achieve big things if they set our hearts on it and work hard.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I like to keep future plans a surprise. I’m a big fan of surprises. I’m currently working on something very special and can’t wait to share it with the world. All I can say for now is that I’m always striving to be the best in the industry. I am constantly working towards achieving the top and even when I’m not active on the media I’m working behind scenes.
Always optimist and always very focused. There’s a quote by Will Smith I truly love :
“ The road to success is through commitment.”
Decide what you want, make a plan and commit. That’s the key to greatness.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://m.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/4012744/viewall
- Instagram: instagram.com/iamyanetmorales
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsYanetMorales/
Image Credit:
Credits :
LlamaLlamita
Si Vo; Mon Nguyen ; Charlize Cao
Anastasia Vodagovskaya @visionarybody
Jerry Androy ; 361 Exotic Reptiles
Gerald Washington @vicariousphoto
B. Poshi by Beena Yusuf @b.poshi
Lindsay Finnen @fascinatedlinds
Tomas Benítez @tomasbenitezoficial
Edwin Kiddo Soriano
Jesse Greene @jessegreene_
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