Joan Smalls

Joan Smalls Biography

Joan Smalls Rodríguez is a Puerto Rican supermodel and television personality who gained fame as the first Latina model to represent Estée Lauder cosmetics in 2011. Recognized globally for her striking beauty and commanding presence on runways, she has worked with prestigious fashion houses like Givenchy and Victoria's Secret. In 2012, she was ranked as the number one model in the world by Models.com, and in 2013, Forbes listed her among the world's highest-paid models, with earnings surpassing $3 million. Smalls has also made appearances on magazine covers such as American Elle and has co-hosted the MTV fashion series House of Style.

Childhood

Joan Smalls was born on July 11, 1988, in Hatillo, Puerto Rico. She was raised alongside her two sisters in a supportive family environment. Her father, Eric Smalls, an accountant from Saint Thomas in the West Indies, has African and Irish heritage. Her mother, Betzaida Rodríguez, is a Puerto Rican social worker with Spanish and Taíno heritage, along with distant Indian and Irish ancestry. Joan grew up in a rural area, where she developed an interest in modeling during her teenage years through local competitions, despite not winning. The family played a strong role in encouraging her ambitions.

Education

Joan Smalls pursued higher education seriously and graduated magna cum laude from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico with a bachelor's degree in psychology. During her studies, she was advised by a New York modeling agency to correct her teeth to succeed in the industry. After completing her degree, she moved to New York City to begin her professional modeling career. Her academic background and discipline have contributed to her thoughtful approach both on and off the runway.

Career

Joan Smalls launched her career after signing with Elite Model Management in 2007 and later joining IMG Models worldwide in 2009. She shifted her focus to runway work and quickly rose to prominence. She has been the face of major campaigns for brands like Givenchy, Marc Jacobs, Chanel, Gucci, and Calvin Klein. As a Victoria's Secret model, she walked in their fashion shows from 2011 through 2015. Her notable work includes a groundbreaking role as the first Latina to represent Estée Lauder globally, a partnership that led to her co-creating a line of lipsticks for the brand. In addition to modeling, she has appeared in music videos and television roles, including co-hosting MTV's House of Style and guest judging on RuPaul's Drag Race.

Family Life

Joan Smalls keeps her personal life relatively private. She grew up in a close-knit family with two sisters and has often spoken about the support she received from her parents during her career path. There is limited public information about her past or present romantic relationships or children, as she tends to focus media attention on her professional achievements.

Achievements

Joan Smalls' career is marked by groundbreaking achievements, including being the first Latina to represent Estée Lauder on a global scale and ranking as the world's top model by Models.com in 2012. Forbes recognized her as one of the highest-paid models in 2013 and again in 2018. Her influence extends beyond modeling through her makeup collaborations and appearances in high-profile fashion magazines worldwide. Additionally, her role in diversifying the fashion industry as a successful woman of mixed heritage has been inspirational to many aspiring models.

Controversies

Joan Smalls has maintained a relatively controversy-free public image throughout her career. She is widely respected for her professionalism and advocacy for diversity in fashion. Any challenges or criticisms she has faced have not been widely publicized, allowing her to focus on her work and philanthropic efforts.

Joan Smalls Summary

Joan Smalls is a trailblazing Puerto Rican supermodel renowned for breaking barriers in the fashion industry as the first Latina face of Estée Lauder and one of the highest-paid models globally. With a solid educational background and a career marked by high-profile fashion campaigns and runway shows, she embodies beauty, intelligence, and professionalism. Her influence extends beyond modeling into television and makeup collaborations, establishing her as an iconic figure in contemporary fashion. Joan continues to inspire with her work ethic, cultural representation, and dedication to her craft.