Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Saez.
Hi Amanda, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Modeling was something I’ve always wanted to do since I was very young, but my parents wanted me to decide to pursue it once I became an adult because they wanted me to grow up having a normal life and be more focused on my studies and that’s exactly what I did.
However, when I moved to Miami, modeling was something that I did not intentionally pursue. It’s something that just came to me. I honestly had zero idea what I was in for when moving down here. I had no plan, no direction, I just moved here and let my life flow and guide me.
I was an Assistant Professor before I moved, I had a retail job on the side, and I was looking for another job in my field of study. Unaware that this was about to happen, I moved about a week and a half before going into the COVID-19 shutdown and had nothing to do, no work, no family around, nothing.
With all of that free time, I decided to create my swimsuit line, VANNA SWIMWEAR. Within 6 months of me launching it, Miami Swim Fashion Week reached out to me asking me to be a part of the event which took place a year after I launched my swimsuit line. When I showed up to the event, many people did not think I was a designer. They thought I was there to model. I ended up doing a little bit of modeling that weekend and I had a blast!
I was surrounded by top-of-the-line brands, top agency models, and the most well-known people around the world. I felt like a fish out of water, but the people made me feel like I was no different from them and that this was where I belonged. That’s when I knew this was what I was meant to pursue. It was from then on that I decided to dedicate myself to growing my social media platforms and growing myself, not just my swimsuit line, but me, as a brand. And to pursue what I was dreaming of at a young age.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It wasn’t easy. I had just gone through an unexpected break-up from my 12-year relationship and was living on my own in one of the most expensive places to live in the United States. I was supporting myself financially, launching my brand, and trying to pursue a new career. I decided to quit my job to pursue my dream and financially, it has been very hard.
I had to sacrifice going out, partying, and doing a lot of things that the average 27-year-old wants to do. But I realized that missing out on temporary fun to build the life that I want so I can create more stability in my life will be more worth it in the long run. I can always go out even when I am in my 30s… branding myself is only going to get harder and harder as I get older. The time is now.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m known for moving across the country which made my life do a complete 180. I am an influencer and model, and I am known for creating a swimsuit line in the middle of COVID that ended up in Miami Swim Week a year after it launched.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I’ve learned to do what I want to do and not what others want me to do or expect of me. It’s so easy to hear what others have to say and want to please them but you only end up hurting yourself in the long run. Be who you truly want to be, you have to follow your heart and do what makes you happy. That’s the only way you’ll be your authentic self.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.vannaswimwear.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanda__saez/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AMANDASAEZOFFICIAL/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Amanda__Saez
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/amandasaez
- Other: www.amandasaez.com
