Yanette Ponce, a model from San Marcos, Texas, shares her journey from a small town to the world of modeling. Starting at 12, she pursued her dreams, entering pageants and working in music videos. She loves the transformative aspect of modeling, emphasizing the joy in dressing up.Her family, partner, and fur babies are her priorities. Yanette’s sister is her biggest support, and she draws inspiration from life, nature, books, and movies. She advises aspiring models to persevere and emphasizes the importance of networking and practice.Here we are presenting her Exclusive Interview with cineleton :
Yanette Ponce Exclusive Interview
Where are you from, and how would you describe your life growing up?
I am from San Marcos tx a small town. Considering how small it used to be it was almost nearly impossible to not run into someone at the local grocery store .. everyone was related and what went around came around. So I think you have an idea of what it was like. However It was the number 1 fastest growing city for 3 consecutive years. And once the university became more popular local traffic then became college traffic.
How did you find your way in front of a camera, modeling?
I was 6 when I knew I wanted to be a model/actress. But it wasn’t until the age of 12 that I took my first initiative to pursue my dreams. I started at a modeling and acting school in San Antonio. Eventually picked up on a small gig by the age of 15, it was a photoshoot for a boutique. At the age of 16/17 I went into pageants just to place in top 5 for Miss Teen Austin in 2015. And thanks to that pageant I ended up meeting some very great local connections. I worked on screen with young entrapenuers doing music videos & continued music videos up until last year. But have continued with print modeling. My first publication was for a magazine at the age of 18. And now I do it as just a hobby. Like Marilyn Monroe said “it’s like a high I can’t get enough of.”
What do you like best about being a model?
I love the dressing up part of modeling, the make up, the hair, the style, the theme. I’ll pose for a cell phone camera anytime it’s out. I love being a piece of the photo to bring it together.
Besides modeling what is the most important thing in your life? Do you have any unusual talents?
Aside from modeling my family, partner and of course my fur babies are very important to me. I love them all. Life wouldn’t be the same without them.
We all need support in life. Where do you get your support? What or who inspires you?
My biggest support in my life would be my sister. From the very beginning she always rooted and believed in me. What inspires me the most to continue is sometimes the most simplest things; life alone, nature, books, or really anything. Sometimes even from movies. Being creative helps you create and sometimes from nothing.
What do you think is the most challenging thing about modeling and what advice would you give to new models?
The most challenging part in modeling would be to continue especially when you feel that you have ran out of luck or maybe been out of the game for some time. Never ever give up on your dreams! The best advice I would give would be to keep yourself healthy, network as much as you can and practice, practice, PRACTICE! And by that I mean in front of the mirror or even setting your phone on a timer to figure out your angles. Obviously for whatever it is in life that you’re trying to conquer start with your best foot forward, always!
What is your favorite way to relax? What do you do for fun?
My favorite way to relax is to nap. I will take any chance I can to rest. But as strange as it sounds my most funnest activities include swimming, hiking, biking or simply walking, I’d say I’m very active. Being outdoors releases endorphins for me as well as wearing me out! Which probably explains why I like to rest on my time to relax.
You look amazing. What do you recommend for those wanting to keep in shape?
I recommend turning working out into a habit. I promise it’ll be the best habit to have. I work out 3/4 times a week. I work out my legs and abs a lot. Occasionally my arms and back. Luckily for me I’ve always had an extremely fast working metabolism which I’d say helps out a lot! However with age this might not be the best way to go about it. So definitely start dieting! My little secret is as long as I’m working out and drinking water I can sneak in a few cookies or bad snacks.. but be aware your hunger will creep up on you.
What would you consider your strongest attribute? What do guys compliment you most on?
I normally get compliments on my smile. But I think the strongest thing you can do is eye contact. Not only does it show confidence and security within yourself but it also lets that person know you’re alert and paying attention to whatever conversation you’re having. And that to me is very beautiful in a grown way.
Anything about your heritage, ethnicity, or nationality that you feel people would like to know?
My parents are from Mexico and I’m from Texas which makes me Mexican American.
Please share something about yourself that may surprise others. What is the most adventurous thing you have ever done?
I’m actually so terrified of heights without a rail and to make matters worse Im not the best swimmer .. So one summer I went out with my brother and his friends, it was so hot and the original plan was to swim at the river but somehow we ended up finding a 15 foot cliff .. it felt like 20 feet but I think that’s exaggerating. It was 5 of us total. 2 had already jumped and at the top was my brother, his friend and I. I jumped in second to last but the anticipation of just looking down, standing there and hearing their screams as they fell was freaking me out even more! When it was my turn to jump I remember counting to 3, 3 times I kept chickening out. But when I finally jumped I remember feeling the air hitting my face to what felt like a never ending fall. Midway through I closed my eyes and remember hitting the water. Fortunately I didn’t belly flop which in my book is a plus! My brothers friend pulled me up from the water and it was all over in a matter of seconds.
What are your dreams and goals and ambitions?
I ambition having my own business someday. Wether it be a restaurant or online store. But for now my goal is to be able to work thru the online world being an entrepreneur.
If you were in a magical machine that could transport you to any place and time imaginable, where would you love to be? Why?
I’d want to go to a beautiful clear water beach, because I’ve never been sad at the beach. Maybe traveling back to the late 60’s early 70’s with a bathing suit style from that era. I loved the fashion, hair do, and the way women carried themselves. No social media or cell phones. A much simpler time.
Are you a naughty girl, or a nice girl 😉 ?
I’m a nice girl all the way!
What’s one thing about yourself that everyone should know?
I’m very divers in activities I don’t mind doing anything wether it be a dance class, shopping or just sitting around and enjoying company. I’m also friendly more than most people assume, I’m outgoing and will definitely make the best of what’s in front of me.
What does being published on cineleton.com mean to you?
Being published on cineleton is an extreme honor! It means as much to me as any other important accomplishments in my life because in my world I’m making history. My grandkids will think grandma was SUCH a hottie at some point. Haha or so I think! So this publication will only verify what I’ve lived. And that’s a big thank you to you guys!
- Lacey Sullivan’s Inspiring Rise from a Single Mother Household to Successful Modeling - 14 December 2023
- Quality Over Quantity: Tifne Lynn Urges New Models to Stay True to Their Aesthetic - 14 December 2023
- Louisiana Belle Turned Runway Star: Rachel Yee’s Journey from Country Living to Catwalk Glam! - 14 December 2023