Valentina Sampaio on her journey of perseverence to become one of the world’s biggest models

“I actually grew up wanting to be a fashion designer. I love the process of creating clothes. Modelling was something that happened organically as a consequence of studying fashion design at university,” recalls the now supermodel Valentina Sampaio.

When it comes to beauty, modelling and today's fashion industry, no one can ignore Sampaio the immense impact that Sampaio has had within the industry. From becoming Victoria's Secret's first openly transgender model in August 2019, to being the first openly transgender cover model for Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue in 2020, Sampaio has been actively breaking barriers and advocating towards a more inclusive and open fashion and beauty scene.

“Once I tried modelling, I fell in love with it. It was that love for modelling that supported me through the painful challenges I faced when people were scared to work with me because I was trans, or even fired me for it,” she remembers, “I’m so happy that, despite some humiliating and traumatising experiences, I never gave up.”

Currently one of Armani Beauty’s global ambassadors, Sampaio has become the face of beauty for millions of people around the world, but for her, beauty is more than just what meets the eye. “Beauty is subjective,” she defines, “it means different things to different people, but I believe beauty is the transmission of essence. Is something that transcends our body. Beauty is everywhere and it is diverse.”

As for working within the industry – generally and as an openly transgender model – she says the challenges have been very present, with people still holding prejudice or even being scared of working with a trans woman. Nonetheless, there have been moments that have served as milestones, demonstrating her success to herself and others. “I would say acting in my first film, being on the cover of Vogue France, my partnership with Victoria’s Secret, and becoming a face for Armani Beauty are some of the best moments of my career,” she recounts. These achievements are countered by the not-so-positive moments throughout her career. “My first paid job as a model was extremely traumatic. The client fired me after learning about my gender identity. Being fired and humiliated on set that day was painful and traumatising. I very seriously considered quitting modelling altogether.”

Thankfully, she pushed through and has now become one of the industry's most recognisable faces: both for her work but also for her advocacy. “My main fuel to continue modelling and breaking stereotypes and stigmas within the fashion and beauty industry is to stay grounded, grateful and believe in my ability to always keep growing and creating without limit,” Sampaio says. And of course, to live by example and plant seeds of acceptance, equality and love with whomever I encounter personally and professionally. “I would love to see the society as a whole more open to fearlessly embracing the trans community with compassion and respect. For there to be more unity and kindness amongst us.”

It’s no secret that fashion is a very tough industry, “There have been many moments when people or brands made me feel bad about my physical appearance in castings. There have been times when people have looked at me and made comments like, ‘Nothing looks right on you’, ‘you need to be skinnier’, 'you need to be taller’, etc.” she remembers, “There have also been situations when people have said one thing to my face but transmit a much more negative sense of judgement with their tone and body language.” For Sampaio keep pushing through, the biggest thing for her is to be clear about who you are and why you want to pursue modelling. “It is a challenging job in a very competitive industry, and there will be moments of doubt and rejection. The only thing that will get you through the process is knowing with all your heart and soul that this is what you want- more than anything. Equally important, is having an amazing group of people/agents who support you personally and professionally.”

Finally, her message for anyone who wants to hear it, is to be the first to accept, love and respect yourself. “You have every right to exist as you truly are. ​And believe that you are capable of being and creating whatever you want. Be it a model, doctor, mother, artist, teacher – whatever.”