Image: Screengrab via Instagram/@marieldeleonofficial
Mariel de Leon excitedly announced to her fans that she has been signed by modeling agency True Model Management in New York City.
De Leon took to social media last May 30 to announce the beginning of the new chapter in her life. As per De Leon’s post, modeling in the US has always been her dream, but being a “bigger” girl made her think it would never happen. De Leon represented the country as Miss International Philippines back in 2017, but has since expressed her dislike of being labeled as a “beauty queen.”
“I grew up being surrounded by + seeing + hearing what the public and media said was ‘model worthy,’ ‘beauty queen worthy’ or even just ‘beautiful’ thinking that I’m supposed to drastically change myself into something that I’m not just so I could ‘fit in’ or succeed,” De Leon said via Instagram. “Especially coming from an Asian country wherein the standards are even harder to measure up to…”
De Leon noted, however, that times have now changed and the modeling industry has become more diverse.
“The industry is now more diverse and accepting of different types of women and men! No matter the size, color, race, or background: YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL AND YOU ARE WORTHY!”
True Model Management, founded by model and entrepreneur Dale Noelle, is known for representing models of all sizes and categories. It can be gleaned through De Leon’s hashtags that she will be modeling as a plus-size or curvy model.
“Through the years I have learned to love myself even through rough times and even if nobody else did,” she said. “Now, I am the strong and confident woman I’ve always wanted to be. Or should I say ‘confidently beautiful’ and thicc!”
Congratulations, Mariel! /ra
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