From a small town in Puerto Rico to the world’s most prestigious runways, one model reshaped the industry’s standards. Her journey began in Hatillo, where multicultural roots would later define her unique presence.
Born to a family with African, Irish, Spanish, Taíno, and Indian heritage, she carried a global identity. Before fashion called, she earned a psychology degree with high honors from Interamerican University. Education provided the foundation her father insisted would matter.
The breakthrough came in 2011 with a historic Estée Lauder contract. She became the first Latina to represent the cosmetics giant globally. Luxury beauty campaigns finally included women of color.
By 2012, Models.com ranked her the world’s top model. The title validated years of persistence through rejection. Forbes recognized her commercial power in 2013, placing her among fashion’s highest earners.
A girl from a Puerto Rican town became a supermodel through talent and refusal to accept limitations. Her story shows how barriers break when someone commands the room.
Introduction: A Candid Conversation with Joan Smalls
This series breaks from traditional celebrity interviews by pairing the subject with a beauty professional who knows her journey intimately. The conversation flows naturally between hairstylist Kayla MiChele and the model she’s worked with for years.
Overview of the Interview and Its Relevance
The discussion moves beyond typical press questions. It explores how Smalls built a career many said was impossible for someone with her background.
She speaks openly about rejection and self-doubt. The interview’s honesty makes it essential reading for anyone in the beauty industry.
| Interview Topic | Key Insight | Professional Context |
|---|---|---|
| Career Development | Strategic planning with father’s advice | Business approach to modeling |
| Beauty Philosophy | Practical tips from experience | Hairstylist collaboration |
| Industry Barriers | Overcoming narrow standards | Changing beauty norms |
| Personal Growth | From local competitions to global success | Professional evolution |
Setting the Stage for a Revealing Discussion
Chris Colls’ photography captures both the polished professional and the thoughtful woman. The setting allows for genuine moments between longtime collaborators.
Their relationship transcends typical work dynamics. They share laughs about social media while discussing identity and representation in fashion.
This part of the series reveals how beauty professionals build deep connections. The conversation shows the real person behind the public image.
Early Life and Inspirations
In the quiet countryside of Hatillo, a young girl’s world was shaped not by local trends, but by flickering satellite images of global runways. Large dishes on the roof pulled in signals, bringing stories of 90s supermodels into a home without cable. This was her first glimpse of a beauty standard that included her.
She grew up surrounded by animals—peacocks, pigs, dogs. She dreamed of being a vet but learned she was too emotional for that path. Her mother’s work as a social worker planted a different seed: the value of helping others, which led her to study psychology.
Humble Beginnings in Puerto Rico
Life on the island was simple. For many girls, beauty meant pageants like Miss Universe. But she stood apart—too tall, too thin, too dark. She didn’t fit the local aesthetic.
Those formative years taught her that beauty is cultural. Standards change based on who holds the power. Her difference felt like a disadvantage at the time, but it would become her greatest strength.
| Influence | Lesson Learned | Impact on Career |
|---|---|---|
| Satellite TV & Fashion Documentaries | Proof that her look had value elsewhere | Provided a vision of international success |
| Raising & Losing Animals | Deepened empathy and understanding of care | Informed a nurturing approach to her work |
| Mother’s Social Work | Value in seeing and uplifting others | Shaped her advocacy for diversity in fashion |
| Local Beauty Standards | Understanding that she needed a different path | Fueled her drive to find spaces that celebrated her |
Cultural Influences and Formative Experiences
The pageant culture of Puerto Rico represented a road she knew not to take. Winning would have meant changing her face and body into something unrecognizable.
Instead, she held onto the images from those grainy feeds. They were her proof. Somewhere in the world, there was space for someone built exactly like her. Joan Smalls found her inspiration by looking beyond the horizon.
Breaking Barriers in the Modeling Industry
Straightening her teeth became more than dental work. It was a strategic move in a calculated game. The fashion world’s barriers required specific solutions.
Agents delivered blunt assessments about her skin color and features. They said these elements limited her opportunities. Their honesty, while harsh, provided clear direction.
Overcoming Stereotypes and Challenges
The modeling industry held narrow standards for Latina models. They expected lighter skin and curvier figures. Her appearance challenged these expectations directly.
| Industry Barrier | Direct Feedback Received | Strategic Response |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Color Perception | “You’re already black” from Women agency | Embrace unique look while polishing other elements |
| Physical Features | Crooked teeth cited as booking obstacle | Two-year dental correction during college |
| Body Type Standards | Labeled “too thin” at age 14 | Focus on agencies valuing her specific proportions |
| Agency Rejections | Initial no from Elite, Ford, Marilyn, IMG | Persistent follow-up after making improvements |
She treated rejection as information rather than failure. Each “no” revealed what needed correction. This mindset turned obstacles into actionable steps.
Her psychology degree provided mental resilience. Education gave her tools to navigate industry politics. She approached modeling with business strategy.
The same agent who advised dental work later signed her. This proved barriers could be navigated with determination. Her journey showed how preparation meets opportunity.
Career Milestones of Joan Smalls
The year 2012 marked a turning point when industry recognition confirmed what runway success had already shown. Major platforms began acknowledging talent that had previously been overlooked.
Key Achievements on Global Runways
Runway dominance translated into editorial prestige. The model appeared in the prestigious Pirelli Calendar twice during this period.
American Vogue’s September 2014 cover represented one of fashion’s most coveted spots. These appearances signaled a shift in industry standards.
| Year | Achievement | Industry Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Ranked #1 on Models.com | First Latina to hold top spot for two years |
| 2012 | Model of the Year Award | Presented by pioneering supermodel Iman |
| 2014 | American Elle “Return of the Supermodel” cover | Featured in article celebrating new era |
| 2013 | Vanity Fair “The New Supers” feature | Recognized alongside Karlie Kloss |
Ranking Among the World’s Highest-Paid Models
Financial success followed critical acclaim. Forbes magazine included her among the world highest-paid models in 2013.
The $3.5 million earnings demonstrated commercial power. This ranking among highest-paid models showed barrier-breaking could mean financial breaking too.
Smalls ranked consistently during peak career years. The recognition validated both artistic and business success in the competitive fashion world.
The Modeling Journey: Behind the Scenes
Before the Givenchy exclusives and magazine covers, there were crowded apartments and calculated agency visits. The transition from local Puerto Rican competitions to international success followed a carefully mapped business plan.
Transition from Local Competitions to International Success
At thirteen, Smalls entered local modeling competitions with her father’s support. Elite and Ford models hosted events offering $250,000 contracts to winners. Losing one competition left a lasting impression—her mother’s heartbroken face became future motivation.
After college graduation, she moved to New York, settling in Queens with family. The two-bedroom apartment housed her aunt, cousin, and big dreams. She created a detailed spreadsheet for her father showing agency addresses and open call times.
| Phase | Agency | Work Type | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007-2008 | Elite Model Management | Commercial catalog work | Nordstrom, Liz Claiborne campaigns |
| 2009 | IMG Models Worldwide | Runway focus | Strategic career pivot |
| January 2010 | Givenchy Exclusive | Haute couture | Riccardo Tisci’s Spring/Summer show |
The early years meant commercial work, not high fashion. Elite Model Management signed her in 2007 for catalog shoots. Moving to IMG in 2009 shifted her modeling career toward runway work.
January 2010 brought the breakthrough: a Givenchy exclusive. Riccardo Tisci’s vision launched her high-fashion modeling career. Behind every runway walk was this journey from local competitions to international recognition.
Joan Smalls: The Beauty, Style, and Brand Ambassador
The 2011 Estée Lauder contract represented more than a career milestone—it signaled a fundamental shift in global beauty standards. As the first Latina face of the iconic cosmetics brand, her presence challenged long-held exclusivity. Richard Ferretti, the brand’s global creative director, called her the supermodel of her generation.
Iconic Magazine Covers and Editorial Work
Her editorial portfolio reads like a who’s who of fashion photography. Legends like Steven Meisel and Peter Lindbergh consistently chose her to define their visual eras. Covers for Vogue editions worldwide built a recognition that transcended borders.
This work established her as a muse for the industry’s most respected image-makers. Each photograph contributed to a legacy of elegance and power.
Collaborations with Top Brands and Cosmetics
Beyond modeling, her influence extended to product creation. In 2015, she developed 12 matte lipstick shades for Estée Lauder. This move from model to collaborator demonstrated a deep understanding of color and beauty products.
Her brand ambassador roles spanned the luxury spectrum. Campaigns for Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs, and Versace positioned her as the trusted face of high fashion.
| Brand | Collaboration Type | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Estée Lauder | Global Campaign Face & Product Collaborator | First Latina representative; expanded brand inclusivity |
| Victoria’s Secret | Runway Model (2011-2016, 2024-2025) | Demonstrated exceptional longevity in a fast-paced industry |
| Tom Ford | Brand Campaigns | Embodied modern luxury and sophisticated style |
| Givenchy | Haute Couture & Ready-to-Wear | Solidified high-fashion credibility from early career |
Her tenure with Victoria’s Secret showcased remarkable staying power. She walked the runway from 2011 through 2025, an rarity in fashion.
At a 2025 afterparty, makeup artist Pat McGrath created a sun-kissed look using her own products. This moment highlighted how professional techniques can inspire achievable, real-world beauty.
Personal Insights: Life, Love, and Legacy
The discipline required to complete a psychology degree in record time became the invisible backbone of a global modeling career. This foundation supported every strategic decision.
Balancing Education and a Modeling Career
Her father’s accounting background shaped his practical advice. He insisted she “get your sheepskin” first. Beauty fades, he warned, but education lasts.
She condensed her bachelor’s program into under three years. Graduating magna cum laude demanded intense focus. This time management skill would prove invaluable during busy fashion weeks.
Initially, her father saw modeling as questionable work. He changed his perspective when he saw her professional contracts. Her education gave her the tools to navigate business discussions confidently.
Lessons Learned from Personal and Professional Experiences
A stable relationship provided quiet support during explosive career growth. She dated entrepreneur Bernard Smith since 2011. Their private partnership offered consistency.
Philanthropy became an essential part of her life. She worked with organizations helping children and refugees. This nurtured the empathy she once directed toward animals.
Joan Smalls never chose between being the scholar or the model. She integrated both identities. Her career demonstrates that preparation and passion can coexist beautifully.
Joan Smalls: Resilience and Empowerment
Her career blueprint transformed every ‘no’ into a checklist of improvements she could control. This practical approach defined her resilience.
An agent’s blunt feedback became a strategic guide. She fixed her teeth and perfected her walk. These were problems with clear solutions.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Losing early competitions fueled her determination. She saw her mother’s disappointment and used it as motivation. Temporary defeat taught her that persistence matters most.
She expanded her influence beyond the runway. Designing a denim line for True Religion showed her understanding of fashion from creation to sale. A lingerie collection for Walmart made her style accessible.
Advocating Diversity and Shaping the Industry
Her advocacy happened through action, not speeches. By consistently booking major campaigns, she made diversity a commercial reality. The industry could no longer ignore the demand for representation.
Appearances in music videos for Beyoncé and Kanye West broadened her cultural impact. Her face became a symbol of aspiration across creative fields. This move beyond fashion solidified her status as a true modern icon.
The narrative of the “return supermodel” on an American Elle cover was about more than one person. It signaled that diversity is both ethically right and creatively essential for the fashion world.
Final Takeaways from the Interview
Behind every perfectly maintained Victoria’s Secret afterparty hairstyle lies a philosophy born in humid Puerto Rican weather. Joan Smalls’ approach to beauty blends island practicality with runway sophistication.
Her signature looks work because they’re built on understanding texture and environment. The blowout that lasted all week started with techniques learned fighting Caribbean humidity. Drugstore brands like Herbal Essences taught her what truly works before luxury collaborations.
The real lesson isn’t about specific products but strategic adaptation. Heatless curling rods and the right hair oil matter more than expensive tools. Joan Smalls proves that great style comes from working with your natural assets.
Her journey shows that authentic beauty emerges when you stop fighting your roots and start refining them. The girl who didn’t fit local standards now defines global ones.
