Today we’d like to introduce you to Alma Valdez.
Hi Alma, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a first-generation LA native, born and raised in Midcity. I got to experience both sides of where I’m from although some may say “No soy de aqui, ni de allá”. Coming from Mexican parents, I saw and experienced what they had to go through and the struggles to live in a place they are not from. Seeing that growing up made me want to achieve all of my dreams and theirs as well. As a teenager, I always knew I wanted to be a model but I wasn’t always as confident to put myself out there yet. I kept telling myself if I didn’t do this for me? Who would? So in late July of 2022 I decided to finally prove to myself that I can do what I’ve always dreamt of. I kept going and was consistent for a year and made so many connections and friends along the way. Looking back and seeing my progress makes me want to go harder and be able to lift a weight off my parent’s shoulders and not have them worry about anything financially in the future. If only I could go back in time and tell my shy 13-year-old self that we are slowly achieving her goals, she would be so proud.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Although I am finally doing what I’ve always wanted, it hasn’t always been as easy as how it looks on social media. It definitely requires a lot of energy, physically and mentally that there was a point I had to stop for a bit because it was getting very overwhelming. It did take a lot of me to do so because one time, I was told “I wasn’t going to make it”. Especially coming from a Mexican household, the older generations think this is not going to get me anywhere and that it is a waste of time. You would think that would make me second-guess myself but if anything, it makes me want to do more and prove them wrong. Besides all of that, my mom has always been my number 1 supporter and has helped me so much along the way.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a model, but through that I get to show a little bit of my background. I always like to shoot stuff that is related to where I grew up and represent my culture. I’m a proud Mexican American and I will never be ashamed of where I come from. What makes me stand out from others is being myself and not following along with the trends because nothing is more unique than you.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I am always excited to meet new people and open to collaborations. I am very active on my social media, especially on Instagram, where it is really easy to reach out to me. My Instagram handle is @almaavvaldez.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: almaavvaldez
Image Credits
(1st & 8th photo) axbshots (7th photo) juniortheoutsider (6th photo) itsslalib (2nd photo) wisechain_ (Personal photo) stevieecarrillo (3rd photo) nelal3nz (4th photo) frmthelandwlove (5th photo) ever_santamariaa (All on IG)
