Conversations with Alyshia Barragan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyshia Barragan.

Hi Alyshia, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey started in 2015 when I became a beer model while raising my son as a single mom and working two jobs. I had recently left a difficult relationship, and I was determined to create a better life for myself and my son. I didn’t have everything figured out, but I knew I wanted more for us, and I was willing to work hard to make it happen.

As I started getting more opportunities in modeling, music videos, and brand campaigns, I realized I wanted to build something bigger for myself. In 2017, I founded Maxx Models, a modeling group I created to help models connect, collaborate, and create opportunities together. Eventually, I decided to take a step back from managing the group to prioritize my own modeling career and continue growing professionally. I still have Maxx Models, and although I’ve paused its operations, I hope to expand on that vision in the future.

Over the years, my career has taken me into different areas of the entertainment industry. I’ve appeared in more than 50 music videos, worked with well-known artists and celebrities, and had the opportunity to appear in a film. I’ve also worked with major brands across different markets, including international campaigns, and have been involved in projects that have allowed me to grow my network and build relationships throughout the industry. One of my memorable experiences was becoming a ring girl for Combate Americas, which opened more doors and helped me establish myself in the entertainment world.

Entrepreneurship has always been a big part of who I am. Beyond modeling, I’ve worked as a manager for ring girls and models, helping coordinate opportunities and navigate the business side of the industry. I also work as a creative director for brands, helping develop concepts, plan campaigns, and bring creative visions to life. I love being able to work both in front of the camera and behind the scenes, because it gives me a broader understanding of the industry and allows me to contribute in different ways.

Today, I’m a mom of two, a model, an influencer, an entrepreneur, and a reality TV cast member on *Buchonas Takeover*. I’m also developing my own reality show with some of my closest friends, where we want to give people an authentic look at what really happens behind the scenes of modeling, entrepreneurship, friendships, and life in the entertainment industry. I want to show people more than the glamorous photos and social media highlights — I want them to see the business, the challenges, the personalities, and the work that goes into building a career.

I’m continuing to pursue exciting modeling opportunities and upcoming collaborations with major brands while expanding into new creative and business ventures. I’ve learned that you don’t have to limit yourself to one title. You can be the talent, the manager, the creative mind behind a campaign, and the entrepreneur building something of your own.

I’m proud of how far I’ve come because I know what it took to get here. My journey hasn’t always been easy, but every chapter has taught me something valuable. I want other women, especially moms, to know that becoming a mother doesn’t mean giving up on your ambitions. You can build a career, create businesses, support other women, and continue reinventing yourself. For me, success is about continuing to grow, creating opportunities, and building a future that reflects the woman I’ve worked so hard to become.

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 started my journey as a single mom, working two jobs while trying to build a modeling career and give my son a better life. I had to learn how to balance motherhood, work, and pursuing my dreams, often without knowing what the next step would look like. There were times when I had to take risks, step outside my comfort zone, and figure things out on my own.

The entertainment industry can also be challenging because people often see the glamorous side but don’t see the rejection, competition, business decisions, or hard work that happens behind the scenes. You have to learn how to protect your name, recognize your worth, set boundaries, and be careful about who you trust. I’ve experienced situations that taught me valuable lessons about business, partnerships, and the importance of having confidence in my own decisions.

Another challenge has been learning when to put myself first. I founded Maxx Models because I wanted to help other models connect and grow, but at one point, I had to take a step back and focus on building my own career. That taught me that it’s okay to change direction and prioritize your own growth without giving up on your bigger vision.

Being a mom has always been one of my biggest motivations. I want my children to see that even when life gets difficult, you can keep going and create something for yourself. I’ve had to grow through different seasons of my life, and I’m still learning as I go.

Looking back, I wouldn’t say the struggles were easy, but they helped shape the woman and entrepreneur I am today. They taught me resilience, independence, and the importance of believing in myself even when things don’t go as planned. I’ve learned that success isn’t about having a perfect journey; it’s about how you handle the obstacles, what you learn from them, and whether you keep moving forward.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work spans several areas of the entertainment and creative industries. I’m a model, influencer, creative director, talent manager, and entrepreneur. I specialize in modeling, music videos, brand campaigns, creative content, and helping bring creative visions to life.

Over the years, I’ve appeared in more than 50 music videos and had the opportunity to work on projects connected to major artists, including Daddy Yankee, Bad Bunny, Ty Dolla $ign, Kid Ink, G-Eazy, YG, Young Thug, CNCO, Baby Bash, Fuerza Regida, Natanael Cano, Jeremih, Rae Sremmurd, and Shoreline Mafia. Some of my memorable music video credits include *Chambea*, Máximo Grado, and Herencia de Patrones. I’ve also appeared in a film and continued to expand my experience across different areas of entertainment.

My brand and modeling work has included companies such as HUSTLER, Fashion Nova, Fenty, SHEIN, Forever 21, Juicy Couture, PrettyLittleThing, Dolls Kill, Polaris, Toyo Tires, BH Cosmetics, and Full Send, Playboy & Fantasy Lingerie

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to never lose yourself while trying to build something for yourself and the people around you. I’ve learned that you can be talented, work hard, support others, and have the right intentions, but you still have to know your worth, set boundaries, and protect your peace.

I had to learn everything through experience, including how to navigate the business side of entertainment, build relationships, and recognize which opportunities were worth pursuing. Not every door that opens is meant for you, and not every person you meet will have the same intentions you do. Those experiences taught me to trust myself, pay attention to actions rather than words, and understand that sometimes walking away is just as important as moving forward.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: HTTPS://www.instagram.com/alyshiabarragan
• Youtube: Https://www.YouTube.com/alyshiabarragan
• Other: Https://www.TikTok.com/alyshiabarragan