Today we’d like to introduce you to Fatima Coello.
Hi Fatima, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Fátima Coello is the founder of Nuestra Belleza Nacional Cuba (NBNC), a prestigious platform created to celebrate and promote the beauty, talent, ethnicity, and rich cultural heritage of Cuban women. The organization aims to provide young Cuban women with opportunities to compete and shine on an international stage.
Born in Guantánamo, Cuba, Fátima currently resides in South Florida, where she lives with her husband, a United States veteran. Her journey into the world of fashion began at the young age of 15. A graduate of both John Casablancas Modeling and Barbizon Modeling, she quickly signed with various modeling and talent agencies. Her early work included runway shows, swimwear and lingerie modeling, print campaigns, commercials, and music videos.
Fátima’s career expanded into film and television, where she worked on notable North American productions such as Miami Rhapsody, The Birdcage, The Substitute, 2 Fast 2 Furious, and The Laundromat. She also appeared in popular TV series including Bloodline and Graceland. In the Latin American market, she gained recognition as a featured talent on Univision’s iconic shows Caliente and Sábado Gigante.
With her extensive experience in fashion and entertainment, Fátima Coello continues to empower and inspire the next generation of Cuban women through NBNC, combining her passion for the arts with a deep commitment to cultural representation and excellence.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it hasn’t been an easy road—because nothing in life truly is. I’ve faced many obstacles along the way. One of the biggest challenges was the lack of representation for women like me in the industry.
As an Afro-Latina, I often found myself caught in between. I was told that my look wasn’t “Latin enough” for the Latin market, and at the same time, not “Black enough” for the Black market. It was disheartening to hear that my heritage, my identity—something I take deep pride in—was considered difficult to market.
But those experiences only strengthened my resolve. They fueled my passion to create opportunities where there were none, and to be the representation I rarely saw growing up. That’s part of what inspired me to build Nuestra Belleza Nacional Cuba—to make sure young Cuban women, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, know they belong and have a platform where their beauty and culture are not only accepted, but celebrated.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in a wide range of skills within the beauty and pageant industry. As a former model and pageant titleholder—including Miss Cuban American 2001—I’ve experienced the industry from every angle: contestant, finalist, and queen. Transitioning into the role of a pageant director pushed me to expand my skill set even further.
Behind the scenes, I’ve taken on multiple roles, becoming proficient as a makeup artist, hairstylist, choreographer, photographer, graphic designer, and videographer. I’ve also coordinated fashion shows featuring international designers, managing every detail to bring powerful creative visions to life. My diverse experience allows me to guide and mentor aspiring contestants with a well-rounded, hands-on approach.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Ironically, although I don’t consider myself much of a risk-taker, everything I’ve accomplished has come from taking risks. I started as a shy girl who was afraid of being the center of attention—and yet, I found the courage to step on stage for the first time in front of a large audience. I invested in my education and training despite the uncertainty, trusting that it would lead me somewhere meaningful.
Every step, from building my personal brand to creating something entirely new with Nuestra Belleza Nacional Cuba, has involved risk. And with each risk, I’ve opened doors—not just for myself, but for others as well. Even after many years in the industry, I still surprise myself with what I’ve been able to achieve. The journey continues to challenge and inspire me, and I remain committed to pushing boundaries and creating opportunities for future generations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nuestrabellezanacionalcuba.com
- Instagram: @nuestrabellezanacionalcuba
- Facebook: nuestrabellezanacionalcuba
- Youtube: @nuestrabellezanacionalcuba
Image Credits
Photo Credits of George Anthony Wakefield Photography, Baron DeParré Photography, and Beauty Touches Group Productions
