We recently connected with Willina Rodriguez and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Willina , thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I knew what I wanted to be since I was a Toddler. I remember looking through the catalogs and magazines and just smiling imagining myself in those pages. It was also very easy for me to act and cry believably, so my mom always mentioned I was a good actress. And last but not least I used to play teacher, which plays a big role in my passion for sharing knowledge with others and why I decided to become a Model Coach.
Willina , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I got discovered by a pageant director who wanted me to join his pageant in 2016 and during the preparation, I networked with the Runway Coach who knew a photographer who liked my look, and told her he needed me for a photoshoot. I shot with the photographer and he said I had a natural talent and wanted to help me build a high fashion portfolio, so we began to shoot every week. I practiced a lot on front of a mirror and would put it to test in front of the camera. This helped me gain experience and start getting paid work. I offer professional Model, Posing Direction, Acting and Model Coaching services. I can do my own makeup, hair and styling for photoshoots and videoshoots, which can save my clients money when they have a lower budget. The package comes with professional work ethic, discipline, good energy, confidence, endurance, authenticity, flowy poses, fit body, great clear skin, thick curly hair and lots of laughter. I am very proud to be representing petite models. There has been so much said about height limits, but my 5’6″ height never stopped me from working hard to make it in the industry. Sure I’ve been told NO before because of my height, but that just lit a fire within me that made me want to prove to them that I will make it and if one client says NO to me, another one will say YES.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
I wish I had done my research about modeling before jumping into it. when I first gave it a try in 2014, I signed with an agency and paid up front fees and website maintenance for a few months in exchange for nothing. I wish I would have educated and trained myself before submitting to any agencies.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My biggest goals are: to become a big inspiration to a lot of people, to have a bigger voice to share knowledge with others and to be happy with what I do. All of these combined drive me to push for more, because deep down I know I am meant to be big.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://willinarodriguez.wixsite.com/willinamodel
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willina.rodriguez/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004774482450
Image Credits
Carl John, Amy Schneider, Michael Avery, Abri, Phil Halfmann, Eugene Manning, Bernita Nana