Classic Beauty: An Interview With Janessa Stella Rosales
By Lea Byrnes
Janessa Stella Rosales is an elegant Phoenix-based model who has been featured in everything from runway fashion shows to magazine covers. Not only is Janessa a successful model, but she is also a professional coder and herbalist. With so much talent, dedication, and a positive mindset, Janessa has become an inspiration and a reminder of what is possible when you follow your dreams. Currently Janessa is working with MMG Models, Posh Models, and Hannah Noelle Models. Self-describes as an adventurous, genuine, and classic person. “I am an ambitious, energetic woman with many passions and interests,” she says. She lives with her husband, who has encouraged her throughout her modeling journey. “My husband is my biggest supporter and fan of everything I do. We are so lucky to have this relationship where we are so positive about each other’s aspirations and have so much trust. He’s actually a photographer too, so we’ve been able to work together in several fashion shows.” she shares.
Photography by John Fandialan | AEYEPHOTO.COM
Janessa’s first journey began when she was only fifteen years old with big dreams to become a runway model. She grew up in a conservative environment , so she chose to pursue a different career path at first. But one day, “I went into a bridal boutique looking for opera gloves and the owner asked me to model for her in an upcoming show. It sparked my desire to model again and I decided to pursue it more. Shortly after, I ended up getting casted for LAFW and that was my first big opportunity.” LA Fashion Week is an iconic biannual fashion event that has been occurring in Los Angeles since the 1970s. Since then, Janessa has walked in countless fashion shows, such as Las Vegas Swim Week, Phoenix Swim Week, the Garment League On Central, and more. During Phoenix Swim Week, Janessa worked with multiple brands including Laara Swim, Incluswim, and Oh Lala! Swim. She has also been featured in various fashion magazines and publications, including Wicked Vintage, STYLÉCRUZE, Artells, and 6X Magazine.
Photography by Christian Martinez Rosales @christian_rosales10
Photography by Christian Martinez Rosales @christian_rosales10
A favorite moment of Janessa in her modeling career was when she was awarded the title of Miss HIN Phoenix 2022 at the global automotive festival held by Hot Import Nights in Scottsdale. Janessa is a self-described auto enthusiast who loves taking long drives in her Mustang and attending races and car shows. She says, “One of my dreams in modeling was to be a car model because I love luxury cars and hot rods. When I won the title of MISS HIN PHOENIX with Hot Import Nights, it was my model dream come true.” Janessa has also modeled at various other car events, such as the Future Collector Car Show. About her interests and hobbies, Janessa tells us, “I work full time as a coder and botanical medicine provider, but modeling is my creative outlet and where I can express my love for fashion. I also am involved in church and outreach ministries to serve and support others in the community and other countries in need.” Janessa is more than just a pretty face– she is an inspiration for young girls everywhere to follow their dreams and passions with grace and elegance.
Photography by Christian Martinez Rosales @christian_rosales10
According to Janessa, the best part of modeling is “...getting to connect with other like-minded individuals and create amazing projects together. I have met the most incredible people in the fashion industry, and some have become my best friends.” Throughout her career, she has worked with many different fashion brands and met tons of other successful models. Janessa says that her biggest goal with modeling is “...to show that you can be a successful model in the fashion industry while still standing firm on your morals and standards. I want to project a wholesome, conservative look and encourage other women that you don’t need to project yourself in a sexual way to be a successful model.” One of her favorite quotes is Audrey Hepburn’s iconic statement, “Classy is when a woman has everything to flaunt, but chooses not to show it.” Janessa is undoubtedly a classic beauty, with a firm faith and morals to match. About her future plans, Janessa says, “Over the next year I want to continue in a more conservative direction with modeling and project more of a modest, elegant style.”
When it comes to who inspires her, Janessa shares, “Gal Gadot is definitely my biggest inspiration. She portrays such a beautiful balance between regal, conservative elegance but also strength and intelligence as a woman. I love her character as Wonder Woman and how she is motivated by love and fighting for those who don’t have the strength to on their own.” Like Gal, Janessa is also both intelligent and beautiful, and her multifaceted career is an example of how we can achieve anything we set our minds to. Her biggest piece of advice to aspiring models or talents, she says, “... is to never compare yourself to others. We live in a culture with unrealistic standards of beauty and we spend countless hours on social media being pressured to attain an impossible standard.” She goes on to describe, “The moment I decided to just focus on being the best version of myself and not compare myself to anyone, I immediately felt so free and limitless in the pursuit of my dreams.” There is no doubt that Janessa’s career will continue to grow and flourish because of her passion and dedication. Janessa is a fantastic role model and a prime example for other young women of what is possible when we focus on our dreams, remain consistent, and stay true to ourselves.
