Today we’d like to introduce you to Malu Toro

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?

I’m Malu Toro, and juggling three jobs might sound crazy, but for me, it’s about pursuing all my passions. I’m a business student, a part-time marketing project manager, and a model a combination that keeps life exciting!

Modeling wasn’t always on my radar. To be honest, I never thought I would end up becoming a model. At 14, I was the least girly girl you’d meet. Dressing up was a chore, and being the tallest girl in school didn’t help my confidence. My mom, a former model herself, saw my slumped posture and kept threatening to send me to modeling school to learn how to walk with a little more grace. For me, that sounded like a nightmare, but little did I know, that “threat” would spark a hidden passion. After a few weeks, I went from slouching to being one of the top students. Modeling wasn’t just about how I looked; it was about owning my confidence and expressing myself creatively. Suddenly, I was working twice a week, skipping a few classes at school (oops!), and feeling the thrill of financial independence while doing something I loved.
Time passed, and after a few years into my business studies, a dream opportunity landed in my lap, a chance to model internationally with a prestigious agency in Mexico and New York. It felt like a fairytale! Balancing my studies with part-time modeling had always worked, of course, with my teachers’ and classmates’ support. It was hard but not impossible. I felt like Hannah Montana sometimes, but I always made it work in the end. This international offer was a game changer, studying and modeling wouldn’t be possible. I had to make a choice that would change everything.

They always say this kind of chance doesn’t come knocking twice, and the decision gnawed at me. Of course, I needed my family’s support, which wasn’t very easy. Because I was 20, the idea of quitting my studies to model in another country wasn’t exactly my family’s ideal of success or a stable life. Convincing them, especially my mom, wasn’t easy. It’s tough in Colombia, where trust doesn’t always come readily. Despite the doubts, I decided to take the leap, modeling in Mexico for a major agency. While the experience had its dreamlike moments, it also had an unforeseen ending, a story for another time. What I learned, however, was invaluable. The modeling world isn’t always what it seems, but the experience taught me valuable lessons about resilience and following your passions, even when the path takes unexpected turns.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

And the day finally came, The excitement was contagious! Mexico represented a whole new city, a fresh start, and a huge leap forward in my career. My mom, understandably protective, even decided to accompany me to help with the initial settling-in process.
Together, we explored the city, visited museums, and met the agency team. It was a fantastic week, filled with the promise of an amazing experience, and of course my mom was much more serene with this new experience. The day my mom finally left to return to Colombia, I was preppeared to move into the model apartment – that’s when things took an unexpected turn.
Imagine my surprise when I arrived at the apartment! It wasn’t quite the glamorous picture I had in mind. The space was a small apartment with minimal natural light, shared with 14 other girls! Three bunk-bed filled rooms and a tiny kitchen with barely enough utensils for everyone painted a very different picture than my initial dreams. Thankfully, my mom hadn’t seen this, and I was grateful for that, you cant imagine how I felt at that moment, I didn’t know what to do.
Taking a deep breath, I decided to focus on the positive. Here I was, living my dream in Mexico! Nothing, not even a crowded and nasty apartment, would dampen my spirits. Sure, the living conditions were a far cry from what I envisioned, but I was determined to make the most of it. You cant imagine how was spending a day in that house, the drama, the experiences and everything was just like a reality show, I swear that if I had record it we would be the viral Casa Studio, just like on tv.
While modeling was a central part of the experience, it wasn’t the only takeaway. Living with 14 girls from diverse backgrounds was, in itself, an adventure. We shared stories, laughter, and even some tears, not everything is sunshine and roses. Mexico became a melting pot of experiences – fun, sad, and everything in between. Throughout it all, I maintained a positive outlook, determined not to let anything ruin this incredible opportunity.
Of course, I didn’t share the full picture with my mom. Knowing her concern, I focused on the positive aspects, reassuring her that everything was perfect and manageable. The last thing I wanted was for her to worry or try to whisk me back to Colombia.
Mexico wasn’t just about the living situation. I capitalized on the opportunity to travel, explore the vibrant culture, and meet fascinating people. This experience forced me to become more responsible and resourceful – a crash course in real-world independence.
While the living conditions in Mexico weren’t what I expected, the experience as a whole turned out to be invaluable. It taught me that sometimes, the reality behind the dream can be different, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be amazing. More importantly, I discovered a strength and adaptability I never knew I possessed. It pushed me to see the world from new perspectives and appreciate the value of every opportunity and every moment.
This experience wasn’t about portraying the modeling world as abusive, but rather a reminder that sometimes we chase after dreams without fully understanding the realities behind them. Sometimes, a little reality check can be a powerful lesson in growth.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

More than just a Model:

While modeling is a big part of my life, it’s just one facet of my multifaceted personality. My true passion lies in the world of business, particularly finance. I started investing at 17, and my dream is to build an entrepreneurial empire encompassing real estate, investment, and marketing.

To fuel this dream, I wear many hats. Beyond modeling, I balance two other demanding roles. For the past year, I’ve been working part-time at a marketing agency. It’s been an incredible learning experience, and I’ve even grown to become the project manager. This role, along with the support of my amazing boss, has been instrumental in allowing me to pursue all three of my passions simultaneously.

People often ask how I manage my time. Honestly, the answer is simple, I truly love everything I do. Yes, it can be hectic. But I can’t imagine a day without it. Think Hannah Montana, but instead of singing, I’m running around the city! From rushing to class to attending castings, to completing assignments and calling suppliers for the agency, each day is an energetic whirlwind. It’s a lot, but I squeeze the most out of every second, and wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s already part of my life and I enjoy every little task.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?

This journey has taught me many valuable lessons, but the most important one is the power of patience. I used to be incredibly ambitious, wanting everything to happen right away. While ambition is crucial, I’ve learned that success takes time, dedication, and consistent effort. Think of it like planting a seed. You wouldn’t expect apples the next day, would you? The seed needs water, sunlight, and time to grow. The same goes for everything in life. If you want to become a millionaire, it takes patience, wise investments, strategic buying and selling, and waiting for the right opportunities.

Similarly, becoming a top model or a successful businesswoman requires experience, which can only be gained through time and dedication. Don’t rush! You can achieve anything you set your mind to, but it requires consistent work and a healthy dose of patience. The results will come, but they take time to bloom.
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Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.instagram.com/malutoroo/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malutoroo/

Image Credits

Andys Photo @andysnphoto