The Model Of The Moment: Joan Smalls

“Hardships make me stronger”

- Georgie Bradley

“I started the bucket hat trend,” Joan Smalls laughingly declares as we compliment her Prada headwear. It's a rather magical Tuesday afternoon when we meet the Puerto Rican beauty in her Rosewood hotel suite in Abu Dhabi – not just because of the freak hailstorm thrashing at the windows (it's October) but because we are about to shoot the world's 8th highest paid supermodel. We are feeling kind of lucky. Joan has been at the top of our proverbial bucket list for as long as we can remember.

Besides the glaringly obvious talent (she swallowed up the camera like we've never seen before), she has a soft and gentle aura. Something about Joan is familiar and knowing. Throughout the shoot the Latina model touches on the hot topic of how models are treated in the industry and the lengths the National Assembley in France has gone to, to protect women working in the industry. Joan can relate. She started modelling at the tender age of 15.

After the shoot, and countless selfies later, we had an intimate chat with Joan as she weighed in on how to start the year off right, how her roots keep her grounded, and why transparency is essential to conveying the right message.

Joan, welcome to January! Are you a big or small goal setter?

I am a big goal setter. It takes more time and patience but the outcome pays off. The reward is worth the wait. And it teaches you determination. It’s extremely rewarding when you accomplish your long-term goal. It’s almost like a wish come true.