Today we’d like to introduce you to Mona Garcia
Hi Mona, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started out as an independent/ curvy model 10 years ago, along with my brother. I honestly struggled with my weight, moving from Philadelphia to Los Angeles, so it really got me nowhere.
I wasn’t that “ typical model girl,” I took some time and started my fitness journey back in 2019, I took some time and started my fitness journey back in 2019, after losing over 50lbs, things started to turn for me. I began doing more shoots and feeling more confident and comfortable with myself. With the new look, I even took up some acting, after 2 years, this boosted my confidence even more.
Despite all the madness in the world, I had been an influencer for many years, then I became an Kinesiology, Exercise and Dance Major, Personal Trainer, Sports Nutritionist; and Fitness Instructor. I’m a proud LAVC Monarch “20 and CSUN Matador “22. My body was more in shape and I thought, “hey I should try modeling again.”
In early 2023, I started going to castings with my brother who has been doing modeling for some time. He’s an inspiration to me and I look up to him. He is very handsome and is still seeking representation. By the end of 2023 and beginning 2024, I got my first shows and runway debut with SAS Agency. I’m now proud to call myself a SAS Ambassador for LA Fashion Show for LA Fashion Week 2024.
It was a dream come true, I then signed with my first agency in June 2024, Westhaven Management. So far I’ve been working with an amazing photographer and I’m looking forward to working with others. The images have come out lovely. I’m developing and excited to continue this journey.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I got denied from tons of agencies, like most people. Which is normal, in the beginning, I honestly didn’t think that being a curvier girl mattered. For me it was mostly my weight and I changed my lifestyle, so a lot has changed, since I’d consider myself more of a Fitness and Lifestyle Fashion Model.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a Kinesiologist, I grew up in sports, I danced and ran track since 1997, was a varsity cheerleader 3x: other sports included: Basketball, Soccer, Softball, and more Bodybuilding as an adult. I got a sports injury over a decade ago, I still experienced pain, so I spent many years, not being that physically active. I regained my agility during Covid and here I am today.
I’ve been licensed and certified for almost 5 years, I specialize in Weight loss, Muscle Building, Keto; Dance/Zumba, Personal Training, Group Fitness; and Sports Nutrition. I love helping others change their lifestyles. I’ve been a Crunch Fitness Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor for over 2 years. It has completely changed me. I’m also known for my Fitness, Dance, and Beauty content.
I’m proud that I can be myself and I speak multiple languages, I come from a Latin Mediterranean/Multiracial background of Latin European, Latin American, and Middle Eastern cultures.
I’m really proud of my Spanish, Puerto Rican, Italian, Mexican, and Levantine roots. Growing up on the East Coast, I was always exposed to different cultures, languages, and this is where my love for History and the Arts came from. This is what led me up to being a Master Historian Major.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
To just push through, I wanted to stop going to school. I pushed through and earned my Associates and Bachelors. It wasn’t easy due to school and even work being online. I became better with time management and content creating.
Pricing:
- •Model $100-150/hr (negotiable)
- •Personal Trainer-$100/hr
- •Dance Instructor-$80/hr
- •Group Fitness-$50/hr
- •Makeup Muse-$60
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://Www.instagram.com/prettyfitdancer_
Image Credits
SAS Photographers:
@ali.shahbazyar (Image 1)
@dwatkinsphotography (Image 2 &3)
Agency:
@westhavenmgmt @dominamodels
Agency Photographer:
@billymontgomeryla (Images 4-8)
