COLOMBIAN MODEL AND ENTREPRENEUR MARIA CRISTINA VERGARA IS ON THE FAST TRACK TO SUCCESS

BY JENNIFER VIKSE PHOTO BY MADNESS MODELING

INDUSTRY: How did you get started modeling?
MARIA CRISTINA VERGARA: I started modeling when I was 14 years old. I never imagined that I could be a model until I signed with my first agency and jobs started coming in.

IM: Does your background influence your look?
MCV: I think that all experiences mold you into the person you are, and being Colombian adds spiciness to my look [laughs].

IM: Where are you currently living?
MCV: I live in NYC currently but travel to many countries for work.

IM: Tell us about your career.
MCV: My modeling career started in Colombia, where I was able to get numerous opportunities. I was in several reality shows, magazines, TV shows, newspapers, hosts, brand images, etc. Then I connected with Posh Models, which has opened more opportunities in the states for fashion, runway, promotional, and catalog work.

IM: Tell us about some gigs you’ve done.
MCV: I was the face of several brands in Colombia, like beers, supplements, nutrition, sportswear, etc. I was in a beauty contest in Europe representing Colombia and came in second out of more than 70 countries. I was also in a sports reality TV show.

IM: What is your favorite thing about the summer season?
MCV: My favorite thing in the summer is to tan and wear sexy clothes. I love to look beautiful and free, go to the beach to relax, head to the city parks, and watch people and see how they interact.

IM: What do you hope for your future?
MCV: I have my own entrepreneurial goals. I have a waist trainer brand that I would love to grow.

IM: What are a few of your favorite things?
MCV: My favorite thing is to work out. It’s my passion. It’s the first thing I do every morning. I feel bad when I don’t do it.

IM: How would you describe your look in three words?
MCV: Hippy-chic, sexy, exotic.

IM: How would you describe your personality in three words?
MCV: Relaxed, helpful, friendly.

IM: What did you always want to be when you were growing up?
MCV: I always wanted to be independent, a businesswoman, and always wanted to improve. I think you can always be better than yesterday.

IM: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
MCV: I have always considered myself an independent woman who sets personal and career goals and then crushes them. I feel I have an outstanding balance of toughness while being feminine, which helps me adapt to everything life challenges me with.