Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Garcia.
Nicole, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m 25 years old, a professional model from Los Angeles, born and raised in a well-known city called Pacoima, California, located in the San Fernando Valley. My story really starts with my mom she had me at just 14 years old and worked two jobs all the way up until the day I was born. Both of my parents were very young, and although they eventually split up, they never stopped supporting me and my dreams. Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be behind the camera. Everyone used to tell me I had “the look” and would call me the “Kardashian of the family.” I think that’s where my confidence and love for fashion really started. Even though things weren’t always easy going back and forth between my parents’ homes it taught me independence at a young age. My mom always reminded me that at the end of the day, you have to count on yourself and work for what you want.
I got my first job at 15 working at Six Flags Magic Mountain, and from there, I’ve always kept that same work ethic. Ever since I was little, I had a thing for fashion I used to wear my mom’s heels, clothes, and makeup, pretending I was walking a runway. In high school, I started out as a brand ambassador for small clothing brands. I would promote their products on social media and model whatever they sent me, even if it was just for free. I did that for about three to four years, just building my experience and getting my name out there. After high school, I landed my dream job working for FashionNova. At first, I was just buying their clothes out of my own pocket, taking pictures, and tagging them in hopes they’d notice me. Eventually, they did. I got offered a position as a Fashion Director, where I was responsible for creating store displays, styling mannequins, and coordinating color schemes. That job opened so many doors for me. While working at FashionNova, I built connections, created content, and eventually started modeling for them officially. That’s when my modeling career really took off I was 18 years old and finally seeing my hard work pay off. From there, I started working with bigger brands, meeting new people, and even appearing in music videos as a video vixen. One day, I realized I didn’t just want to be in front of the camera I wanted to be the one creating opportunities. I wanted to be the boss. That’s when I decided to start my own modeling agency, Trophy Models.
A big part of my inspiration for Trophy Models was wanting to represent the petite community. I’ve been small my entire life and i’m a prime example of that it doesn’t matter what size or shape you are you can be anything you want in this world if you put your mind to it. Trophy Models is all about empowerment, confidence, and creating opportunities for others to chase their dreams. It’s about proving that you can build your own lane even when the odds are against you.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I’ve faced a lot of challenges along the way both personally and professionally. Growing up with young parents, I learned early on that nothing in life comes easy. I had to work for everything I wanted. There were times I felt overlooked or doubted because I didn’t fit the “typical” model look or height, especially being part of the petite community. A lot of people told me I wouldn’t make it in modeling because of my size, but I used that as motivation to push harder. Starting my own business also came with its own set of challenges. When I first launched Trophy Models, I didn’t have a team or a blueprint to follow it was just me figuring things out step by step. There were times I doubted myself, wondering if people would take me seriously or support what I was building. Balancing being a model, a creative, and a business owner hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve learned so much through every obstacle.
There were moments when I wanted to give up, but I reminded myself why I started to create opportunities for other girls like me, and to prove that you can do anything you set your mind to, no matter your background or size. Every struggle has taught me something, and I honestly wouldn’t change any of it because it made me stronger, wiser, and more grounded in my purpose.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a professional model, entrepreneur, and the founder of Trophy Models, a modeling agency that focuses on giving real opportunities to women of all sizes, shapes, and backgrounds. We specialize in connecting models with brands, fashion events, photoshoots, and creative projects but more than that, we focus on empowerment and representation.
Outside of running my agency, I’m also known for appearing in major music videos with some of today’s biggest artists. Those experiences really opened doors for me and helped me build strong connections in the entertainment and fashion industries. Being on set with well known names taught me a lot about professionalism, creativity, and how powerful presence and confidence can be lessons I now share with my models. What I’m most proud of is how Trophy Models was built from the ground up. I didn’t come from a wealthy background or have a team of people showing me the way. I learned everything through experience from modeling myself, networking with brands, and understanding what both sides of the industry need. That’s what makes Trophy Models different I’ve been in the models’ shoes, so I know how it feels to want that first opportunity, to want to be seen and taken seriously. But more than anything, I’m proud that I made my parents and family proud. They’ve supported me since day one, and knowing they’ve watched me chase my dreams and turn them into reality means the world to me. Every step I take in this journey isn’t just for me it’s for them too.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something that might surprise people who know me is that my first love was cheerleading. I wanted to be a professional cheerleader and was a cheerleader my whole life. It taught me discipline, teamwork, and how to push myself physically and mentally lessons that still carry over into modeling and running my business. People also don’t always see how hands on I am with everything at Trophy Models. From scouting and mentoring models to planning shoots and connecting with brands I’m involved in every detail. I built this from the ground up, and I take pride in personally guiding my team and the models we work with.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/iamnicoleeg?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicole.garcia.861838?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/trophymodelss?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
Image Credits
1.) Jaycee Alcala
2.) Guap City Productions
