Tell us about yourself:

Hi my name is Nariah Martinez. I am a hispanic young women, age 16, living in Los Angeles, California. My dream as a young girl was to always become a model and reach the spot light with confidence and being my true authentic self during the process. I want to make a statement in the modeling industry that everyone, all shapes, sizes, genders, and races are beautiful in their own way and do not have to conform to societal normality. Everyone can achieve whatever they set their minds to by being themselves and putting in true dedication.  

What is your biggest dream?

My biggest dream would be to see myself on a billboard modeling for a popular brand. As a young child I would always see giant billboards in malls, on the side of buildings, and on the sides of streets with beautiful models and hoped that one day it could be me.

What does it mean to be your own kind of beautiful?

To me, being my own kind of beautiful is being able to express my thoughts and outer appearance freely without paying attention to any societal expectations or judgement. Being my own kind of beautiful, to me, would mean being always remaining positive and encouraging other people my age to embrace their unique personalities and characteristics. 

Tell us about your modeling experience. 

Throughout my modeling experience I have had professional model training from three of America's Next Top Model Contestants, Rio Summers and The Green Twins. I have participated in three runway shows including the The Model Experiences Fall and Summer Fashion Shows and Walk Fashion Show. I am a published model in CIE Fashion Magazine for the Fashion Knockouts and Fashion Renaissance editions. I have had multiple experiences working with diverse designers of all styles along with numerous photo shoots both indoor in studios and outdoors.

What is your dream brand to model for?

Because I have a very diverse style, I would love to model for many different brands. Although, my top three brands to model for would be DollsKill, Forever 21, and Golf by Tyler The Creator. Each brand is unique in it's own way and I feel like each would capture an element from my own outgoing personality. 

How would you describe your fashion style?

My fashion style is always alternating and I can never seem to categorize myself as one particular style. My style changes depending on my mood or vibe I get from the certain day and I'm always open to something new, but if I had to choose my favorite fashion style it would be street style with a unique blend of alternative or urban.

How important is self-awareness and confidence to you in your everyday life? 

Self awareness and confidence is a huge factor to my everyday life from the minute I wake up in the morning. Self confidence has pushed me to not only accept myself and strive to reach my goals, but it has also taught me how to empower others who might look up to me as a roll-model. I believe that before anything else you should always think positive about the way you view yourself in order to achieve true happiness. In my life, I try to remember that society will try and make you conform to the "norm", but with body positivity and self confidence it will lead you to a brighter future where you don't have to hide your true self from anyone. 

What makes you beautiful?

With the confidence I have as a young women, I believe that my outer appearance is only one factor that contributes to my beauty. Physical appearance only goes so deep, and I believe it's my positive, caring, unique, and outgoing personality on the inside that makes me truly beautiful. 

What would you say to another girl your age who is struggling with their confidence?

If a girl my age was struggling with their confidence I would let her know that everyone has doubts about themselves sometimes, but it's what we see while doubting ourselves is actually what makes us truly beautiful. I would tell her that our characteristics we might feel insecure about are only what makes us even more unique as individuals. I would tell the girl that if everyone were exactly alike there would be no room for creativity, so when we see ourselves as different that's what makes us even more special in our own ways. I would tell the girl that beauty comes from inside ourselves and we all have the power to change our thoughts around one step at a time, pointing out the positives rather than the negatives and seeing our faults as beauty.