Today we’d like to introduce you to Caralena Lehmann.
Hi Caralena, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey has been shaped by a dedication to both medicine and fashion, two passions that have evolved over time. I started modeling as a hobby, but it recently became a full-on career. I’ve had the privilege to walk in Miami Swim Week and New York Fashion Week, as well as work with various swimwear and jewelry companies. These experiences taught me the importance of confidence, poise, and self-expression—qualities that extend beyond the runway.
Simultaneously, I’ve pursued my medical education. I’m currently fulfilling rotations at Yale, Harvard, Cornell, and Stanford this year. I graduate in the spring and could not be more exited to finally be a physician. Balancing these two demanding worlds hasn’t always been easy, but lately, they have turned into equal commitments, teaching me the value of staying true to what you love.
In everything I do, whether it’s modeling or medicine, I aim to maintain that balance—embracing both my creative and intellectual sides. It’s this mix of passions that pushes me to keep going, working towards climbing the ladder in all areas of my life.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road at all. In fact, the first two years of medical school were incredibly tough for me. I became so consumed by medicine that I lost sight of who I was. It felt like medicine became my entire existence, and as a result, I struggled with depression. I didn’t have the balance I needed, and it took a real toll on me.
Modeling became my outlet during this difficult time. It allowed me to tap into my creative side, something I had almost forgotten in the intensity of medical school. Surprisingly, as I dove deeper into modeling, I found that my success in medicine also improved. By not focusing solely on one thing, I was able to excel in both. I realized that maintaining a balance between my creative and intellectual sides was crucial for my well-being and success.
But the modeling industry isn’t without its own challenges. It’s a world that requires incredibly thick skin. Rejection is a constant companion—you hear “no” far more often than “yes.” But I’ve learned that you have to get up every day and keep pushing through those rejections until you finally get a yes. Both medicine and modeling have their own unique struggles, but they’ve taught me resilience in different ways. Balancing these two worlds has been challenging, but it’s also been deeply rewarding.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I focus primarily on runway modeling, where I’ve had the opportunity to work with some incredible designers and walk in shows like Miami Swim Week and New York Fashion Week. On the medical side, I’m currently in between two specialties for residency but leaning towards neurology. It’s a field that fascinates me, and I’m excited about the possibility of making it my career.
I’m often known for my unconventional ideas and my tendency to never stay in one place for too long. I move around a lot, get bored, and then move again. This constant change has allowed me to meet new people, explore new cultures, and build an incredible network. Through both medicine and modeling, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with people from all over the globe, including some very high-profile individuals in Hollywood and finance.
What sets me apart from others is my constant desire to embrace failure. I like to think I’ve become pretty good at it. I’m at a point in my life where I’m confident enough in myself to be okay with being wrong or not being the prettiest or smartest person in the room. In fact, I prefer not to be. I love meeting people who challenge me, who are smarter or more experienced, because that’s where the real growth happens. This perspective on failure and competition has taken me to places I never imagined. Being okay with failure is, in my view, one of the best things you can do for your ability to succeed. Ego kills progress and achieving this healthy mindset on failure and taking risks is something I’m very proud of, and it’s what drives me to keep pushing forward, no matter the challenges.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is that no matter the job or the place, every person you meet knows something you don’t. Whether I’m on the runway, in a hospital, or anywhere in between, I’ve realized that everyone has unique experiences and knowledge to share. It’s crucial to treat every person with the same amount of love and respect, regardless of their role or status.
This perspective has opened doors I never imagined, both in medicine and modeling. It’s allowed me to build genuine connections with people from all walks of life and has taught me the value of humility and continuous learning. Embracing this mindset has not only enriched my professional journey but also shaped who I am as a person.
Pricing:
- My pricing ranges but I have different prices for photoshoots, runway, instagram posts, and instagram reels. Feel free to reach out via IG or email for the numbers!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://we.tl/jESD7BkqjU
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caralena_lehmann/
Image Credits
Lisa Kuznetsova (my all time favorite photographer and human)
Christopher Bull
Marliese Marie
