Mackenzie S.

Measurements- 

Waist: 25 in.

Hips: 35 in. 

Bust: 32 in. 

Height: 5'7 

Weight: 115 lbs. 

Hair color: Dark blonde 

Eye color: Dark brown

Tell us about yourself :

I am from Albuquerque, New Mexico and I am 21 years of age. I am a full-time student at the University of New Mexico, majoring in Speech Language Pathology, minoring in Psychology. I also work part-time as a bartender, and am the guardian of my younger brother, who has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and is non-verbal. I also take part in helping coach in Special Olympics, since my brother is an athlete, and I advocate strongly for Autism. Aside from working and caring for my brother, I also care for my grandfather, and participate in pageants. I love listening to music, reading, spending quality time with loved ones, and working out at the gym! 

Tell us about your modeling experience: 

I started modeling in 2020, and have been modeling ever since for almost four years. Throughout my experience, I have traveled to TX, AZ, NY, NV, and FL to shoot with outstanding photographers, and walk in fashion shows. I have met amazing creators, and have had the privilege to model for brands and other designers. I love meeting new people, and creating my very own concepts artistically, and in return, cherish photos of myself and memories made for a life-time. 

What is your biggest dream?

I have many dreams, and I am already starting to live them.. I wanted to become a signed model, and walk in fashion shows, and that is already happening, for which- I am tremendously grateful for. I want to win future Miss New Mexico, and I currently work to possibly make that happen someday. I want to publish a book, and I am currently in the works to make that happen as well. I want to make a difference within my community for the homeless as well as the Autism community, by simply helping others accomplish their goals and bettering their lifestyles, and I think those dreams will continue to grow and expand because everyone needs support and assistance, since it is always reoccurring and changing. My overall dream is to simply help and care for others, by using my platform in a positive, loving way. 

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

To be my "own kind of beautiful" is to be as beautiful on the inside, as on the outside. I believe beauty fluctuates, and deteriorates over-time, but personality, heart, soul and mind are forever remembered by others, and how you treat others is the most impactful. Someone can have a pretty face, or a fit physique, but having respect, being polite, and doing kind things to make a difference in the world is what matters overall. I believe being beautiful is being strong, courageous, graceful, and brave, especially in the most crucial situations, when you're needed most. 

How would you describe your fashion style?

I would describe my fashion style by being very unique, gender-neutral and diverse. Some days I favor large T-shirts, and boy-friend jeans with Nike Jordans, and other days, I like wearing dresses and high-heels. I tend to correspond my styles with the seasons, and my closet is somewhat colorful, (although I desire wearing more black clothing than anything). 

Who or what inspires you?

Many artists inspire me whether they're from the music industry, or fashion industry, but overall, I would have to say my brother inspires me. Being that my brother is non-verbal, and cannot communicate how he feels or his thoughts, and although he struggles with that, he still encounters everyone with a smile on his face, he makes others laugh, and after everything he has been through, he remains strong, curious, brave, and adventurous. My brother has taught me more than anyone else on this earth, traits such as perseverance, patience, kindness, and acceptance. My brother has helped mold me into the woman I am today. 

What is your advice to someone who is just getting started with modeling?

My advise to someone who is just starting out in modeling, is to be so confident, and not just physically, but emotionally and mentally, that they will not put themselves in certain situations that they might regret later, and to not be afraid in telling some people "no" if their offerings and doings will not benefit themselves in the long-run. I would advise them to always bring others to a photoshoot, especially starting out due to safety concerns. I would also advise, that they need to practice mental and emotional strength, because of the harms of social media. Other than that, I would tell them to have fun, express themselves, and use this outlet to make friends like-minded, who are creative, and to travel as often as possible to see the world! 

Describe some obstacles you have overcome in your life and how that has changed or shaped you.

Some obstacles I have overcome in my life, that have in return, changed or shaped me into the woman I am today, are losing both of my parents at a young age, while still in high school, due to addiction. Before their passings, my brother and I were in the foster care system for a couple of years, and dealt with many forms of abuse. Aside from enduring family deaths very close and personal to me, bullying, being cheated on by pervious boyfriends, and losing life-long friends that turned out to be not so good friends, taught me to always remain kind, humble, giving, forgiving, and graceful. I believe every negative situation, comes with a lesson to be learned, and although depression, anxiety, and other disorders and behaviors can be formed from pain, every struggle can be turned into something beautiful and inspirational through strength, resilience, and having faith. 

What makes you beautiful/handsome?

Aside from my physical features such as my smile, dimples, and physique that I work very hard for in the gym to maintain, that makes me beautiful on the outside, I believe my heart, and how I treat others and care for everyone, whether I know them or not, is what makes me beautiful. I really enjoy, and become full-filled when I help people, and whether they're friends, family members, or someone who is homeless, I always try to be kind, giving, thoughtful, and forgiving. I also believe my wisdom and knowledge gained from past experiences can be beautiful because I can often times give the best advise, even when I don't take it myself. 

Another thing that makes me beautiful is my faith, and my belief in Jesus, because He gives me the strength to persevere through anything, and it doesn't matter what the enemy throws at me, I don't like quitting, and I am strong enough, to overcome almost anything. 

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

To another girl my age, struggling with confidence, I would advise and tell them to find something they find passion and motivation in, that could then give them confidence. Whether it is designing, singing, playing an instrument, drawing, playing a sport... etc- whatever they find interest and joy in, this specific thing could give them the confidence they're desiring from all the practice, effort and energy they put into it. If you work hard for something, and are a good person, God, the universe, etc- will return the favor and give you the applause and praise you long for from others. Which, brings me to my next point- other's opinions of you shouldn't matter- to an extreme extent. Social media and comparing yourself to other's appearance or lifestyle is not healthy, and not realistic. Everyone brings something to the table that is unique, and based off of (not only looks), but talents, and personality, everyone can contribute to the world, to make it a better living space.