We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Yanet Diaz Morales a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Yanet, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I recently had the blessing of being part of the official Houston Pride Fashion Show, where I walked for the incredible Mysterious by NPN, and that was definitely a beautiful experience and one of the biggest highlights of this year for me so far. It was a festival of colors, talent, smiles and good vibes from beginning to end. I was very happy to participate in such incredible event. I like supporting all of humanity, and spreading love and kindness as much as I can. I feel like the world needs that on a daily basis. This was a perfect chance to hug all of the LGBT community and tell them how much they are loved and appreciated. Not only in our city and state but all over the world. I believe it is very important to be a messenger of peace, equality, and support and respect one another for we are all only human. This project was extremely meaningful, and it will forever be in my heart.

Yanet, 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 moved to the United States from Cuba when I was a teenager, with my mother and little sister. That was back in 2008. I could not speak any English, I did not know how to drive, and I was extremely shy. The idea of modeling was not at all in my mind when I first came. My first years here were focused on building a foundation for me and our family. I went to school, graduated, and learned as much as I could about this culture and society.
Joining the fashion industry was very odd. One day I walked in this local modeling agency and signed up for a camp. I was terrified, to be honest, but I believed in myself and my strong determination, so I kept going. Modeling has been an incredible part of my life because I can say that thanks to it, my confidence levels grew from one to one thousand. The practice of being in front of people and photoshooting, and the constant communication have definitely been helpful to making the person I am today. A better, more confident person. Every time I walk the runway I feel free, and it makes me happy. I get to showcase that designer’s and whole team’s talent, and I get to do what I love. I feel powerful and strong.
I have been part of such fantastic events, and I have met large amounts of amazing people. NY, LA, Miami fashion weeks to name some. Beautiful experiences I will always cherish. I am also an influencer and brand ambassador. I have worked with very talented people and I continue to build my work ethic and portfolio as best as I can. I very proud of how far I have come, and how much I still believe in myself, no matter what and no matter who supports my dreams or not. We should always be our own encouragement and should always be our greatest motivator.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building a social media audience can be challenging for sure, but it is definitely not impossible. Being part of your community is very helpful, especially participating in events not only fashion related ( in my case) but all kinds. It can help you meet people, make connections, exchange knowledge and information, etc. You never know who might at that music festival or that yoga class or that fitness event. I am a very sociable person, and anywhere I go, I make friends and acquaintances. Here in Houston, or in Miami or Barcelona. Anywhere. I am aways interested in growing my social circle and sharing my talents with others, and also learning from them. My advice is to get out there. Step out the door and be a social butterfly! A lot of people I know ask me how to build their audience but they will not leave the house. You need to interact with society, and you need to let them know who you are, what you do, where to find you online, invite them to your next events, etc. And definitely remain kind and respectful towards everyone and everything.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Sometimes, just in like most industries, we get misunderstood in the fashion world, and also judged. Most of the times it might be for not understanding our journey, our dreams and mission. There are sacrifices being made, decisions being taken, and things that some people do not approve just because they think or say so without living in our shoes. The truth is that everyone in this industry knows it is hardwork , struggle, consistency, determination, and lots of patience what brings great success. Any step we take is something we strongly believe will make us the best. And everyone should respect that. I believe most human beings have desires, goals, or dreams they pursue, and they all should be supported as long as it is good for them and makes them happy. My first years as a freelance model I traveled to other cities paying my own trip, to be able to walk in great runways. At the time it was not approved by many people I knew, and there were unhappy comments and pessimism. I did it anyway, and because of it I opened many doors that have been extremely helpful in my modeling career. So, my advice is, if you feel in your heart that it is right go for it. Believe in yourself. Buy that plane ticket, say that yes, open that door and own it. You got this.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/yanetmorales
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamyanetmorales/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsYanetMorales
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/itsyanetmorales
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGkIrEeLV0K9puGxuEZBKcw
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@theyanetmorales https://www.modelmayhem.com/iamyanetmorales

Image Credits

Wardrobe: Dentelle Couture Boutique; Alexis Monsanto
TFTI Experience
Ayuma Photograhy; Saba DS Photography
Photo editing: Antonio Ricoveri