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Joan Smalls: Breaking Barriers, Redefining Beauty

How Joan Smalls rose from humble beginnings to supermodel stardom, shaping beauty standards and championing diversity along the way.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 30, 2025

How Joan Smalls rose from humble beginnings to supermodel stardom, shaping beauty standards and championing diversity along the way.

Joan Smalls stands as one of the most distinguished and influential supermodels of the 21st century. Her ascent from her small hometown in Puerto Rico to the runways of Paris, Milan, and New York is a testament not only to her striking beauty but also her unwavering perseverance, self-belief, and commitment to diversity in fashion. Smalls is celebrated for reshaping standards in an industry historically slow to embrace women of color, all while maintaining quick wit, candid honesty, and effortless charisma.

Growing Up: Roots, Family, and Early Challenges

Joan was raised in rural Puerto Rico, the daughter of a social worker and an accountant. Her family, rooted in values of hard work and authenticity, served as her first line of motivation. Smalls often credits her upbringing with shaping her work ethic and perspective, revealing that her mixed heritage—Puerto Rican and Afro-Caribbean—was initially a source of feeling “othered” in her community. She’s openly shared:

She didn’t always fit traditional beauty ideals of her peers: “I was too tall, too thin, and too dark. I just didn’t fit in.”
Despite doubts, her family instilled confidence and emphasized the beauty of embracing her difference.
Joan’s academic drive was as fierce as her ambition; she graduated with honors and initially pursued psychology.

Her early years weren’t without struggle. Smalls has recounted moments where classmates didn’t recognize her as a budding beauty icon: she laughed off the notion, understanding that one’s uniqueness can become their biggest asset .

Discovering Modeling and Breaking In

Joan’s foray into modeling was marked by the typical mix of skepticism and serendipity—she was discovered at a local talent search. Early on, she was told she wasn’t “commercial” enough and encountered agencies resistant to her look. Undaunted, Smalls took a leap and signed with major agencies, opting to move to New York after finishing college, a move that would define her trajectory. She reflects:

Her early portfolio was built from local gigs and small campaigns.
She faced rejection repeatedly, hearing “no” more than “yes.”
Instead of caving to pressure, she made the conscious choice to never compromise her authentic self.

Fashion Industry Firsts and Breaking Glass Ceilings

Joan’s career is full of “firsts”—she is a pioneer as much as a supermodel. Among her milestones:

First Latina face of Estée Lauder (2011): Shattering beauty industry standards and paving the way for more diverse campaigns.
In 2012, she was named the #1 model in the world by Models.com .
Consistently listed among Forbes’ highest-paid models .
Runway work for Chanel, Calvin Klein, Givenchy, Fendi, and Victoria’s Secret.

Smalls is often vocal about the responsibility she feels representing multiple communities: “I’m not just one thing: I’m Black, I’m Latina… People can see that a person doesn’t fit into a box and isn’t just a category. That’s the message I always try to push out there” .

On Redefining Beauty

For years, fashion fixated on a singular standard of beauty—often Eurocentric and exclusionary. Joan’s success helped open the doors to more inclusive ideals. She credits much of her impact to:

Championing unconventional beauty: Smalls’ story resonates with women who’ve felt sidelined; she’s proof that “different” is beautiful.
Pushing for better representation in campaigns and editorials, not as a favor, but as a necessity for reflecting real-world diversity.
Refusing to be pigeonholed. She embraces both her Latina and Black identities and uses her platform to amplify the message of “visibility for all.”

Beauty Secrets and Everyday Confidence

When it comes to beauty regimes, Smalls leans on practicality and self-care, not excess. She frequently shares tips that have sustained her through grueling fashion weeks and tiring shoots:

Emphasize skin care over makeup: “Good skin is the best foundation for any look.” Purity and hydration are her musts.
She loves bold lips for instant glam—especially reds and plums.
Always takes off makeup before bed (“Even if it’s 3 a.m.!”).
Sleep and water are her holy grail beauty boosters.
Believes confidence is the ultimate beauty secret: She finds strength in her walk, her stance, and her willingness to be herself.

Signature Style: From Tomboy to Runway Royalty

Joan’s personal style reflects her multifaceted personality—blending masculine and feminine influences with modern edge:

As a self-described tomboy, she learned to embrace androgyny, often favoring jeans and graphic tees outside of work.
Her runway appeal is marked by confidence: powerful struts, athleticism, and poise.
On style icons, Smalls looks to both her mother’s practical elegance and international trendsetters, but always returns to authenticity.
Joan’s favorite style trick? Add one unexpected element, like a men’s jacket over a femme slip dress, for a personal twist.

Facing Adversity: Diversity, Representation, and Speaking Out

Though celebrated for her achievements, Joan has not been immune to scrutiny or debate about her stance on social issues. In the public eye, especially on topics of race and representation in fashion, she’s addressed both praise and critique:

Unapologetically pro-multicultural identity: “Do me a favor please don’t assume my beliefs or values. I am pro human. I’m a mixed child, embracing ALL of my background and cultures.”
Smalls acknowledges the expectation for models of color to advocate. She maintains that her success is, itself, an act of representation, while also commenting on broader social issues as she chooses.
Her message: Diverse backgrounds should not be seen as obstacles but as essential facets of modern beauty and culture.

Career Advice: Wisdom from the Top

With a career spanning over a decade at the highest levels, Joan routinely shares key advice for aspiring models and young women in any field:

Never underestimate the value of hard work: “There’s no substitute for effort and consistency.”
Be persistent: Rejection happens, but don’t internalize “no.”
Cultivate professionalism and punctuality.
Stay true to yourself, even if that means being “too different” for some voices in the room.
Build genuine connections and understand the importance of collaboration—in front of and behind the camera.

She also notes the evolving world of fashion with greater inclusivity, street casting, and a hunger for realness—encouraging newcomers to share their authentic stories instead of blending in.

Table: Joan Smalls’ Career Highlights

Year	Milestone
2011	First Latina face of Estée Lauder
2012	Named #1 model in the world (Models.com)
2013 & 2018	Forbes’ highest-paid models
2014	ELLE’s ‘Return of the Supermodel’ cover; appeared in “Yoncé” video
2016–2020	Continued presence on global runways, magazine covers (Vogue, W, GQ)

Beyond the Runway: Influence and Impact

Joan’s role transcends fashion. Her activism is subtle yet persistent: whether posing for boundary-pushing campaigns, advocating for racial equity in modeling, or simply excelling in spaces that once excluded her, she normalizes inclusivity. She candidly expresses the necessity for brands to reflect diverse audiences authentically—not as a token but as a standard practice.

FAQs: Get to Know Joan Smalls

Q: What inspired Joan Smalls to pursue modeling?

A: Growing up in Puerto Rico, Joan was inspired by her family’s encouragement and an early love for fashion magazines. Despite facing skepticism about her look, her confidence was rooted in her upbringing and belief in the power of difference.

Q: How has Joan Smalls changed industry perceptions?

A: By achieving success as both a Black and Latina model, Joan broadened beauty ideals and championed inclusivity, making it possible for more women of color to envision themselves in high-fashion roles.

Q: What advice does Joan have for young women?

A: She emphasizes self-confidence, integrity, and relentless hustle as keys to breaking through any industry barrier.

Q: How does Joan balance personal and professional life?

A: Through prioritizing self-care routines, maintaining close family connections, and setting clear personal boundaries—practices she considers vital to both happiness and longevity in her career.

Legacy: Joan Smalls’ Ongoing Impact

Joan Smalls’ legacy is still unfolding. She remains a trailblazer for multicultural representation, a voice for authenticity, and proof that beauty is vast, complicated, and enriched by difference. As fashion continues its slow transformation toward equity, Joan’s career will stand as a testament to the power of self-belief—and the lasting influence of leaders who open the doors for others.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete