Maytee: How did you get your start in beauty pageants?
VG: I actually started back in 2008 when I auditioned for the hit reality T.V. show Nuestra Belleza Latina. I was selected as one of the 15 finalists from Miami and was part of the show for two weeks. It definitely was not what I expected it to be (too much drama), but it did teach me valuable lessons that I would later use in other beauty pageants. Later that same year, I had the great privilege of winning the title of Miss Cuban American which allowed me to travel to four different countries representing Cuba in various international pageants, including Reina Hispanoamericana, one of the largest, most well known Hispanic pageants in the world.
Maytee: What's one best beauty secret you can share with us?
VG: Confidence! It might sound a little cliché, but beauty definitely comes from the inside. No matter how beautiful you are on the outside if you are not confident, your beauty won’t shine through. I recently started an organization called Active Beauty, in which I help young girls become more confident individuals through modeling, community service, and by setting long term goals for the future. I am proud to say that I have helped many girls raise their self- esteem and I hope to inspire many more.
Maytee: What are some of your career highlights?
VG: I have been very fortunate in the sense that my career has allowed me to travel to different places, and meet new people. I have traveled to Ecuador, Germany, Bolivia, and to the Dominican Republic where I was able to expand my career and learn about new cultures. In 2009 I was given a fashion segment on the Latin news show Zayon 100%, which I absolutely loved! And most recently I had the honor of winning the coveted title of America’s Perfect Miss, which is relatively new to the pageant industry and is very innovative. This is not your typical pageant. It is a high-energy fashion runway show that allows its participants to display their sense of fashion. I have a full year ahead of me of appearances, and community service opportunities with this organization and I am definitely looking forward to it!
Maytee: What is any advice you would like to give young girls looking to follow in your footsteps?
VG: This industry can be cruel at times, but you cannot give up. You have to work hard to be where you want to be and you can’t let minor failures get in the way of HUGE success! Many girls ask me how I got started in this industry and all I can say is take small steps and work your way up! Take advantage of all the opportunities given to you.
Maytee: What can we expect to see from you next?
VG: I am working towards finishing my degree in Journalism. I definitely see myself working as a reporter for a Latin news station. I love being in front of the camera and being able to communicate important facts to the community!
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