Check Out Paola Cuevas’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Paola Cuevas.

Hi Paola, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As cliche as it is, I moved to LA in 2018 with a dream to make it in the film industry front and center or be lucky enough to work in the costume department and be a part of that world in my favorite way, fashion. I had 1 year left to finish my Bachelors degree in Acting and since I wasn’t able to finish I decided to go in the field and try my luck. My time in LA was cut very short thanks to the pandemic and I had to relocate. Ended up driving over 30 hours with everything in my car and without a clue as to what the next chapter looked like. while driving through Orlando, decided to meet up with a cousin and got convinced to stay. It was close to home (Puerto Rico), so I said why not. I figured I’d start right away and go to castings, classes, open calls, just anything to get my feet wet again, but got stuck with a messy divorce that didn’t allow me to cultivate my craft. Last year I finally was able to break free and finalize everything and even though I turned 30, I felt more alive and young than ever. So I started creating content on TikTok and Instagram, I needed to create and share my point of view. I am nowhere near my purpose, but things are finally starting to align. I enjoy the petite community I’ve created and I plan to use my platform to be able to share my vision through fashion. Life has had it’s fun way of taking me through the scenic route, but I feel more prepared than ever to show my style, taste and hopefully end up making a name for myself in this business.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As the older sibling, I am used to navigating through the bumpy road first and then leave it nice and smooth for the next one. This hasn’t been the exception. I have moved across country 3 times; 4 if you count the big move from Puerto Rico to the states. I was studying medicine so the moment I decided to pursue a carrer in acting and fashion, half of my family said I’d be back without any achievements. Since then I had a failed marriage, debt, broken dreams, and kept moving around because I can’t seem to find a city that gives me a sense of belonging. Having 3 jobs doesn’t really leave a lot of space to follow fashion or creative design as a career and with no connections in the industry sometimes you just wonder if you should just get a 9-5 and mentally quit your calling. But every time that feeling comes to mind I can’t help but remembering that I connect with people, that my vision inspires and that my process hasn’t been easy or linear, but there is a reason as to why.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a personal stylist and creative director I am responsible for the wardrobe and the overall feeling and intention of a project. I am know for my juxtaposition when it comes to creating a balance between opposites or mixing things that “shouldn’t” mix. I adore fashion, beauty, color theory, lighting, using your senses to see the world and pretty much just making a statement.

I am proud of my resilience, my adaptability and my ability to believe in my vision and taste even when people might disagree. Creating content full time while having three jobs makes me feel like I can do anything I want in life.

What sets me apart from others is my personality. The lens through which I see this loud little life I have and how I translate those emotions into art. Working one on one with someone and making an idea take form, bloom and be even more beautiful than at the begging is why I want to make this my full-time career.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
To keep going. To go all in and bet on yourself. To not listen to anyone who hasn’t done anything interesting with their lives, or fought for their dreams. To follow what makes you feel whole to the core. To discover your passion and always stay leaning about yourself and your craft. To not care to be liked by everyone. To have such a loud voice that someone eventually has to listen. To not be afraid to go against the norm and/or get a hate comments for it. Creatives need tough skin, so grow one.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tiktok.com/@iampaolacuevas
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iampaolacuevas/