Meet Trailblazer Mercedes Villa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mercedes Villa.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Mercedes. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Baby pageants introduced me to the “modeling world” when I was about five or six years old. I was strutting a curly high ponytail with jelly sandals and a cute red, one-piece swimsuit. But, I was extremely shy. My mom and grandmother used to have to step on stage with me because I was so terrified!

Soon after, my tomboy stage kicked in and I stepped away from the modeling and pageant life to pursue basketball. However, during this time, I experienced weight gain and a lack of self-confidence with my appearance due to being a bigger size than most girls. I had curves, I had hips, I had broad shoulders and most of all, I had a lot of junk in the trunk! I felt very uncomfortable and inferior to everyone else around me because of how I looked. I even used to wear my hair in a straight-back ponytail because I thought my curly hair was “too poofy” and I knew for sure everyone would make fun of it.

After college, I decided to get back into modeling just as a hobby. I started in January of 2018. I connected with different photographers and started doing different photo shoots. Many people think that models get paid right off the bat, but this definitely was not the case. I paid for EVERY photoshoot. I even had to pay to get my makeup done and get new clothes for certain shoots. Some months flew by and I started doing runway and fashion shows. I wanted to grab everyone’s attention and let them know I was here and that I was coming up!

I posted my pictures from every shoot on Instagram and everything took off from there! The reaction I got from everyone was heartwarming and shocking! I knew people loved the fact the I was modeling not just because of how I looked, but because they have seen the confidence I exuded and the effort I put into it. This was something I believed in. I knew I could change the game with it and I think everyone felt that energy.

Great, 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?
I’ve always believed that any journey you come across will always have bumps in the road. That’s what makes it so special when you succeed. Of course, I’ve had struggles but I don’t think they compare nearly to what I know other women have gone through emotionally, mentally and/or physically.

I was bullied and made fun of because of my appearance. I was the “fat” or “big” girl. My hair wasn’t flowy, long, wavy, or straight like everyone else’s I had seen. I was a pretty shy and quiet girl. That’s what I dealt with during my adolescent years.

But to this day, I still deal with those struggles, especially in this modeling industry. I am “regular size” from my waist up and “plus size” from my waist down, so there’s no category to really put me in. In fashion shows, they are preparing to already have slimmer models wear their designs so when I look at the clothes that we are supposed to be walking in, I think “well, what am I suppose to wear?” I feel as though my size is more of a burden when designers have to find something for me to wear or make something for my size. But, I always think about the fact that it’s 2019—it’s a new and evolving era that we are in and there are women that have so much talent but have different features than what people are used to for models. We are not all sizes 2-10. We come in different sizes, shapes, and ethnicities and that’s just the way it is!

Even though I have more confidence within myself about who I am and how I look, I still deal with the mental and emotional struggles of seeing other women that may have a slimmer body, a flatter stomach, lighter eyes, longer hair, less cellulite, etc. It’s hard to not get caught up in comparing yourself to others when they are seen as “the best looking” or when they receive more attention and recognition. But, our time is coming. Patience is key and finding your true inner self is the most rewarding experience from your journey. We have to remember that although our natural features may seem different to others, they are what make us unique. They are what make us stand out. And when you sprinkle a little belief, confidence, and acceptance with it, you become one bad mamma jamma!

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I mostly specialize in print modeling. I love doing photo shoots and trying different concepts that go with my look! I used to do streetwear/urbanwear shoots, but I am leaning more towards beauty shoots. Those have become more of my specialty. Runway and fashion shows have been more of a way to add to my confidence and experience in the modeling industry, but I think I am better at print modeling.

I am really proud of the fact that I chose to take a leap of faith and step out of my comfort zone. I wasn’t sure if others were going to appreciate my work or make fun of me. I didn’t know how I would look or feel. I didn’t know I would get into walking in fashion shows. I didn’t know that only after a year, I would be getting approached by agencies and meeting with them. But, I took that risk. And that’s what I want other women like me to do. It’s always scary when you step into things and don’t know what the outcome will be. But, if we want to truly show the world that we’re not afraid, we love this natural beauty that we were blessed with and we’re not going to stand in the background and let others try to tell us what we should do or where we should be, then we have to step out the box and take the world by storm!

I started modeling because I finally believed in myself. I was ready and I wanted to prove I could do this, not only to others but to myself. Now, I’m ready to give other women the confidence to do the same.

What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
First off, please DO NOT compare yourself to any other woman, model, Instagram model or celebrity! We are all different. We all look different and we all come up at different times.

Second, stay consistent, be patient and take your leap of faith when you’re ready! Stay on top of your craft. The more work you show, the more recognition and opportunities you’ll receive. Remember that you’ll only be motivated and dedicated when you fully believe in yourself and are ready to take that risk.

Also, remember that the journey is not perfect and neither is anyone else. You’ll make mistakes and hit bumps, but you’ll grow, learn and become an even bigger force! This time is ours to shine.

Contact Info:

• Email: mercedes-cv@hotmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justmcv_/

Image Credit:
Suede Williams, Lani Williams, Shakur Jones, Alexis Pantoja, David Araujo

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