Confidence, Connections, and Creativity: A Conversation with La Unica
By ALEXIA
Meet the captivating La Unica, a unique and beautiful model who embodies a blend of cool composure, infectious humor, and unwavering commitment to preparedness. In the world of modeling, La Unica stands out not only for her striking looks, but also for the refreshing personality she brings to every shoot. Self-described as “a chill and funny individual,” she effortlessly exudes a calm and collected demeanor, creating a relaxed atmosphere on set. Yet, her charm doesn’t stop there– La Unica injects a healthy dose of humor into her interactions, making each collaboration a delightful experience. She also has a reputation as an over-preparer, meticulously ensuring that every detail of a photoshoot is accounted for and leaving no room for surprises. This combination of laid-back vibes, a contagious sense of humor, and an unmatched dedication to readiness makes La Unica stand out in the competitive world of modeling.
Photo by KBR | Contagion Media
La Unica’s journey as a model began after she decided to sign with The Young Agency, a highly esteemed modeling agency based in Phoenix, Arizona. This pivotal decision marked the beginning of her transformative adventure, setting the stage for a career filled with growth and opportunities. Eager to expand her horizons, La Unica then began seeking additional casting calls and job prospects through Facebook groups dedicated to the modeling community. Her determination and consistent effort opened the door to a myriad of beneficial experiences and artistic collaborations. The agency served as a launchpad for her career, but La Unica’s enthusiasm and resourcefulness in finding even more opportunities allowed her to carve a unique path in the ever-evolving world of modeling.
In addition to modeling, La Unica is also a skilled visual artist, with a particular passion for three-dimensional art and acrylic painting. If she were not primarily pursuing modeling, she says, she would envision herself in the world of sculpting with clay; creating visually striking and minimalist pieces. Enthusiastically detailing her passion for the art form, she describes draping the clay to create a unique texture and form. Her artistic prowess also extends into the realm of three-dimensional canvas prints, where she brings her creativity to life with an added dimension. La Unica traces the roots of this artistic inclination back to her high school days, where she first began to explore the world of 3D art. Her various artistic pursuits not only showcase her versatility, but also underscore her innate creativity and desire to explore various mediums in the pursuit of self expression.
About her favorite aspect of the modeling profession, La Unica passionately describes the joy of connecting with other creatives and the invaluable learning experiences that each shoot brings. For La Unica, every new project is an opportunity for personal and professional growth. The dynamic nature of the industry ensures that with every venture, there’s a chance to glean fresh insights and refine one’s skills. La Unica also deeply cherishes making connections and forming friendships that extend beyond the confines of the set. The model’s enthusiasm for the artistic process shines through her work, as she emphasizes the importance of not only honing her skills, but also delighting in the sheer enjoyment found in the collaborative and creative atmosphere of each shoot.
Photo by KBR | Contagion Media
About her diverse artistic muses, La Unica says that she has gleaned inspiration from both people she has met throughout her modeling journey, as well as various icons of the modeling world. Two of her muses include the illustrious Phoenix-based fashion stylist, Angel Virtuoso, and the iconic model, Tyra Banks. For La Unica, these two stand as pillars of support and fountains of wisdom in the competitive realm of the modeling industry. She attributes much of her growth and success to the invaluable tips and tricks generously shared by these influential figures. She also cites other personal friends and people she has met in the industry, highlighting the camaraderie and uplifting spirit that defines her relationship with them. She considers them not merely inspirations, but cherished friends and mentors who played a pivotal role in her journey. These muses embody a supportive community that has empowered La Unica to navigate the complexities of the modeling world with grace and confidence.
For La Unica, one of the most profound lessons that has impacted her deeply throughout her career is the transformative power of self-perception. She describes the remarkable realization that one’s self-image is not static; but rather dynamic, subject to constant change and growth. Through the lens of modeling, La Unica has experienced a shift in confidence that has fundamentally altered the way she sees herself. This metamorphosis, though not devoid of challenges, has had an overwhelmingly positive impact on her mental well-being. La Unica tells us that modeling is an excellent way to nurture self-assurance and foster a confidence that transcends the physical aspects of ourselves. Prior to embracing modeling, she says, she hadn’t yet explored the realm of self-photography or felt a true sense of confidence. Her artistic journey has been a catalyst for personal growth and allowed her to cultivate a more empowered version of herself.
Despite this transformative growth, La Unica says that she still has moments of self-doubt that she has had to learn to overcome. She candidly acknowledges that one of the toughest aspects of modeling is grappling with self-criticism, particularly when it comes to her appearance. Scrutinizing pictures and noticing perceived imperfections can trigger negative thoughts, creating a mental hurdle. La Unica opens up about facing such moments, sharing a powerful strategy for overcoming these challenges. She says, “The way I overcome those thoughts is by trying to think of the fact that some people wish to be in the same position I am in now; and that helps to dial down those thoughts…It's a work in progress, but to overcome negative thoughts I write them down, think about them, and overall just try to keep it positive.”
Photo by KBR | Contagion Media
Instead of succumbing to self-doubt, she actively redirects her focus by reminding herself of the privilege and unique position she holds in the modeling world. She confronts these negative thoughts by writing them down and choosing instead to believe positive thoughts about herself. La Unica’s approach to self-doubt offers a valuable lesson in the importance of embracing gratitude and actively cultivating a positive mindset to counterbalance the inherent challenges of the modeling realm.
About her advice to aspiring models, La Unica shares wisdom inspired from her own journey. Her first piece of advice highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with a supportive and trustworthy network, emphasizing the positive impact it can have on one’s progress within the industry. She also cites consistent practice as a way to boost confidence, as proficiency is cultivated through continuous effort. La Unica also points out the necessity of constructive feedback from a reliable group of individuals who will not only provide solid guidance, but also hold you accountable for growth. Finally, La Unica shares the vital lesson of learning from negative experiences and using them as stepping stones for improvement rather than reasons for discouragement. According to La Unica, resilience, practice, and the power of a supportive community are the cornerstones of a successful modeling career. La Unica is an inspiration to aspiring models everywhere, serving as a shining example of what a positive mindset and sheer dedication can help us accomplish in our own artistic journeys.
Edited by Lea Byrnes Art on April 9, 2024
