Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Guzman.
Hi Melanie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Of course! I would first like to thank you for allowing me to share my journey with your audience. My name is Melanie Guzman and I am a model/influencer based in NYC! I have always had a love for photography ever since I was a little kid. I would always explore new places and capture those moments on my digital and disposable camera. When I was in college, I took an introductory photography class and had to create a portfolio for the course. I had a friend who had a professional camera at the time and we would go around and shoot for my class. My passion for modeling began to blossom and we started shooting separately for fun. After several shoots with my friend, I had a photographer contact me through Instagram wanting to collaborate and it snowballed from there. Modeling has given me the outlet to express myself in creative and unique ways I could not even fathom. It has taught me so many aspects about myself without any limitations or judgment and has truly formed me into the person I am today.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Breaking into the modeling industry is not a smooth sailing road. There are many endeavors that you will face, however, it is important to remember your initial goal and stay focused on the passion that you have. One challenge that I face is my height. Despite the fact that I look relatively tall in my photos, I am 5’0. For the industry (specifically runway), it is not considered an ideal height for a model. I have seen many casting calls that have an initial height requirement and this has discouraged me to even show up. Despite this, I was blessed to walk NYFW for several designers that stand behind inclusivity and saw me as more than just my height. I have also been featured in multiple publications worldwide! Another challenge that I face is finding a work/home balance. When I first started in the industry, I was taking every single opportunity that presented itself while working part-time and being a full-time student. It was very difficult to manage all three simultaneously and I still struggle to find a balance to this day. It is SUPER important to take time for yourself and your personal life or you will experience burnout. I felt like I reached that point recently and have made steps focusing on self-care. This industry can be very draining physically, mentally and emotionally if you do not surround yourself with the right people.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a model/influencer, I am very versatile and have experience in runway, editorial, streetwear/urban, Commercial/Promotional, etc. To see my full extensive resume please check out my Modeling Portfolio and Instagram! One of the greatest accomplishments in my modeling career was my feature in a Times Square Billboard. As a short, Hispanic, curvy female, I never saw any representation of myself in the fashion industry growing up. One of my goals was to change that. Seeing myself displayed among other women of color on one of the biggest platforms in the world was monumental. I am beyond grateful for that opportunity and blessed that I am a part of the generation that is breaking societal norms. I want to be the face that inspires the next genesis to accomplish anything they set their minds to. What I believe sets me apart from others is my drive and motivation to uplift others. I stay true to my values and support other creatives as we excel together. Collaboration will always be greater than Competition.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Networking is KEY. If you do not know where to start, contact 100 people within your location and pitch them your ideas/vision. You might get a lot of unanswered messages but there will be that 1 person that reaches back! Surround yourself with creatives and have a similar mindset as you. Good creators will always bounce off new opportunities they find and uplift one another. Build a team that supports each other’s vision and surround yourself with positivity. This will keep you going when you feel unmotivated and discouraged. The most important advice I could give: stay true to yourself and NEVER compromise your values/beliefs. It may seem tempting for a quick $ but in the long run, it isn’t worth it. The world has too many copycats. Trust the process and everything else will follow. Your light will shine brighter than you will ever know!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/Melvxb
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melvxb/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzA0GVFU32Wtx98V3gzdp6A
- Other: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZM85sjfAq/
Image Credits
@darkmatter.nef @
