Maria Jose Minguez is a talented and ambitious model who embarked on her modeling journey at a young age. From dreaming of appearing in billboards and catalogs as a child to achieving success in the competitive world of fashion, Maria's passion and dedication have propelled her career forward. With a diverse background in ballet and rhythmic gymnastics, she brings a unique blend of creativity, discipline, and adaptability to her work.
1.Maria, what inspired you to start your modeling career at a young age?
Actually, since I was a kid, I wanted to be in the spots, billboards, catalogs… I always used to say, “I wanna be there.” I still remember when I was about 4 years old, I loved a TVC for “Colacao”, and I had my mum call the company. My parents couldn’t take me to Valencia Capital by then for a casting, but later, when I was 15 years old, my mum heard on the radio about an open casting for a fashion show in a shopping mall. I decided to go, and I was chosen among many people who were joining (over 5,000 persons); only 12 women were chosen, counting me. That was a big motivation for me. Plus, at that time, I had an injury, so I couldn’t compete in rhythmic gymnastics. I felt like I needed something new to fill the void left by such a beautiful sport as rhythmic gymnastics.You travel a lot for your job.
2. Can you share a memorable experience or lesson learned from your international travels as a model?
Memorable experience: The first “on stay” I did was in China. I went with another model friend of mine all the way from Spain. When we arrived there, our beds were like “wooden table” beds, for real. They said it’s healthy for our bodies, hahaha. Honestly, I was very shy, and I always try to adapt to a situation, so I didn’t say anything, but my friend complained about it, and the model agency got us a hotel that night and a proper mattress for the day after. Haha, it was a funny history to remember! A lesson: In my opinion, always bring some cash with you for any travel you plan to do or inform your bank before traveling about the countries you will be visiting to avoid your card being blocked for security reasons. Also, you never know what can happen with your card.
3. Can you discuss your experiences working with different brands and how these collaborations influenced your career?
It always has a positive influence; you always get to learn new things (for example: from makeup techniques to how to move in front of the camera). For me, the energy on set is very important. If there is a cool vibe, a friendly, and polite team; we will get better work done.
4. What do you find most rewarding about discovering and incorporating elements from various cultures into your life and work?
You keep becoming a better person, and you don’t judge people; you become so empathic in general. Plus, I try to learn what I find beautiful, for example, in a specific religion or the habits they have to stay healthy, I really focus on that. I have learned a lot from Ramadan.
5. You practiced ballet and rhythmic gymnastics. How did those backgrounds contribute to your skills and mindset as a model?
I think it helps you to “move” more on set, to be more “chameleonic”, to swap faster from one mood to another one, it helps me to be creative with my body and for some jobs maybe to achieve better poses. Ballet and rhythmic gymnastics have contributed to my mindset as a model in a very positive way. It gives me the strength and discipline to keep fighting for my dreams and to never give up!
6. How do you maintain a work-life balance while juggling a demanding career in modeling and extensive travel?
To be honest, it’s hard when you want to make travel plans with your friends/family; you kinda need to wait till the last moment to see if you can join them. If you are in a relationship, you need him/her to understand this job. At first, everybody in general is okay, or cool with your work, but later in my experience, they start to complain; it’s not an easy job for a stable relationship unless they know how to be patient.And lastly,
7. Maria, what advice would you give to aspiring models who are looking to start their careers in the industry?
Try to find an agency that believes in you. I would say patience is a very important key in this job. Be kind to yourself and chill. The fashion industry and trends keep changing, so at any time, your looks can be a “boom.” Just keep working on yourself as a model. Keep updating your portfolio. Success doesn’t always happen in the first years of modeling; everything in life has a process. You need to be able to accept this process and enjoy it. Always believe in God’s timing. Each of us has a specific moment; don’t compare yourself with others, but with yourself.
Model: Maria Jose Minguez @mj.minguez
Photographer: Jordi Chemonte
@joychemontephoto
Hair stylist: Bárbara @crea_barby
Make up artist: Ruth Velasco @saudi_velasco
