Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Pousada.
Hi Victoria, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
When I was a child, I just wanted to be listened to because I often felt unheard. I also needed an outlet for all the emotions bubbling up inside me—emotions that were often silenced by external forces.
So, I started acting in school plays and participating in workshops my parents found for me locally.
When I got to college, I realized that acting was something I wanted to pursue professionally.
Modeling, like for many others, was something I just fell into. While I was at Rutgers University and living off-campus, I was having a really bad high one night. I was scrolling through Instagram, trying to calm my anxiety, when I saw an ad that said, “Do you want to be a model?” And my stoned self replied, “Yes, take the plunge, Vicki!”
It turned out to be a special promotion by a new photography studio in NYC—if you showed up on time for your shoot, you’d get free photos and a modeling evaluation from the team. So of course I showed up on time. And of course, I killed the shoot.
The director told me I should make a modeling Instagram, and it all spiraled from there.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In the beginning, it was a lot of navigating scams and schemers.
I was signed to scam modeling agencies that charged signing fees.
I had to deal with unprofessional and creepy photographers who couldn’t even take a decent photo. I also had to deal with other models who were incredibly problematic or just completely unprofessional. And on top of that, I faced constant fatphobia and heightism from every direction.
Photographers would say things like, “Your stretch marks aren’t too bad,” or, “If you just lost ten pounds, you’d be unstoppable,” or even, “Your breasts are small for the rest of your body.”
I had agents and modeling coaches tell me I was only suited for streetwear because I was short, or that I needed a 26-inch waist. Some even told me to lie about my height—something that ultimately damaged relationships with clients once they found out the truth.
Now, things are much better, but it is still a constant battle against heightism and fatphobia in modeling and acting.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Now, I do a whole lot more than streetwear. I model across various categories—including runway—and I book jobs because people are looking for a different look. I work with photographers who go against the grain, and I’ve found a community that wants to do the same.
My unique, intersectional perspective as a Hispanic, bi, petite-plus woman is what draws people to work with me.
And I’m so proud of the countless collaborations I’ve been a part of—like my features in Marie Claire, ELLE, London Fashion, and Harper’s Bazaar; my work with sustainable local brands and major brands; the films I’ve shot with indie filmmakers who tell original, meaningful stories; my support of The Model Alliance in helping pass the Fashion Workers Act; and the exciting collaborations I’m currently pursuing with Height Revolution and a social movement I can’t say too much about just yet—but it’s something that will shake up the entertainment industry.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I’m a jack of all trades!
I constantly build my own furniture and take on home improvement projects—I’m obsessed with HGTV and tiny houses.
I also speak multiple languages, including Spanish, conversational Japanese and French, and a little Vietnamese.
I used to work as a professional photographer and studied costume design for three years at Rutgers University.
I’m also a blue-ribbon-winning horseback rider, and I come from a family of equestrians.
And lastly, I’ve traveled to 24 countries—which is about 12% of the world! My goal is to see at least 25% before I die.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.victoria-pousada-kreindler.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoriapousada
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@victoriapousada
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@victoriapousada
Image Credits
Sarah McDonald
Kevin Alexander
Lindy Lin
Suburban Photography
Loredana Nicole
Raen Badua
