Style influencer and model Carolina Reyna is much more than just a pretty face with style.
Born in Miami, Florida, this Cuban American beauty is currently studying Mass Communications and is very passionate about women’s rights and equality. Learn more about Carolina in our exclusive interview with her this month…
[divider] . [/divider]#sponsored – Special Offer for PMM Readers – 10% off at fashiontofigure.com with code PLUSMODELMAG10 (Excludes shapewear)
[divider] . [/divider]PMM: Your instagram account is inspirational. You exude a wonderful sense of style and confidence. Have you always been a ‘fashionista’ and how would you describe your fashion aesthetic?
Carolina: I have to thank my ‘Abuela’ for my sense of style. She has always been very glamorous and I think that rubbed off on me. As a little girl, I always wanted to look different and it just kept going from there. My mom really encouraged me to be unique when I was younger and I think that’s why I am the way I am now. She would have most of my clothes made for me because it was hard to find exactly what I wanted in stores. My aesthetic is sexy streetwear. I’m always in track pants and sneakers but then I’ll wear a bra as a shirt to soften it up.
PMM: What are your favorite summer trends you are looking forward to rock?
Carolina: I am still obsessing over coordinate pieces, so you’ll be catching me in crop tops with matching skirts VERY often. I also plan to spend every minute that I can in a bikini – Fashion to Figure just dropped one that I’ve been eyeing.
PMM: Speaking of Fashion to Figure, they are known for going beyond the fashion limits for curvy girls and giving us sexy trends with every new collection. What do you love most about the brand?
Carolina: Fashion to Figure was one of the first brands to really give me a chance and let me be myself and I am so grateful to them for that. The team really cares about the women who wear their products and they are constantly trying to better themselves as a brand. FTF has amazing denim; the fit is unreal. I’m also really loving their new swim collection.
PMM: Social media has changed the game in the fashion/modeling/blogging industry. Can you tell us about how you got started?
Carolina: Social media has played a huge role in starting my career and has opened up so many doors for me. My first photoshoot was about three years ago. The brand found my Instagram and emailed me, asking if I would like to be in their summer campaign and then it just went up from there.
PMM: What do you love most about being a style influencer?
Carolina: I love connecting with other people. I get so many messages from women who say that I’ve helped them feel more comfortable in trying new things and actually wearing what they want and not what they think they have to wear. At the end of the day, that’s all that really matters to me. It’s not about likes or followers; it’s about how I can help by just being myself and showing them that it’s okay to be different.
PMM: What are your tips for women trying to build a brand on social media?
Carolina: Originality is key. Don’t try to look like someone else just because they’re doing well. You’ll start gaining an online following when people start seeing quality content and consistency. I have put off huge projects because of timing so do not be discouraged, it happens to all of us.
PMM: All women, regardless of size, can struggle with body image issues. Can you share your journey with us and how you maintain healthy self-esteem?
Carolina: I have always been very self-aware and secure with myself. When I was younger, I was shy, but my mom snapped me out of it. I realized that I’m more than okay with who I am and what I look like. Once you start accepting yourself everything gets better. I don’t listen to the opinions of others, especially when I didn’t ask for it.
[divider] . [/divider]Get To Know Carolina:
–Favorite type of music
Rap, R&B/Soul
–Heels or flip flops?
Sneakers and the occasional heel
–5 things I can’t leave the house without
Rose salve, my phone, gold hoop earrings, debit card, sunglasses
–Ideal vacation spot
Anywhere in the Caribbean
–5 year goals
In five years, I hope to launch a capsule collection focusing on lingerie or streetwear… two extreme opposites, I know. <laughs>
–Favorite inspirational quote
“Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it.” ? Mahatma Gandhi
[divider] . [/divider]Follow Carolina:
IG @carolinareyna_
FB facebook.com/carolina.reyna.397
[divider] . [/divider]All fashions available at fashiontofigure.com / Special Offer for PMM Readers – 10% off at fashiontofigure.com with code PLUSMODELMAG10 (Excludes shapewear)