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Home · Curvy Women

Curvy Model of The Month: Jaana Santiago

The Puerto Rican and Black beauty fearlessly knocked on agency doors. After several contract offers, now she's gracing the pages of ESSENCE magazine.
By Celia L. Smith · Updated October 28, 2020
01
Phenomenal Woman

“Confidence in this field is everything, if I don’t believe in myself — who will?” says Wilhelmina model, Jaana Santiago.

Curvy Model of The Month: Jaana Santiago
02
Curves Ahead

“A combination of a sexy dress, the highest possible heels (even though I’m 5’10 1/2″), and my MAC Ruby Woo red lipstick,” is what Santiago wears to feel sexy.

Curvy Model of The Month: Jaana Santiago
03
Mixed Beauty

Jaana Santiago is a native New Yorker of Puerto Rican and Black descent.

Curvy Model of The Month: Jaana Santiago
04
Natural Beauty

Santiago’s secret to beautiful skin: “Never fall asleep with my make-up on.”

Curvy Model of The Month: Jaana Santiago
05
Close Up

“Because I’m bottom heavy I think clothes that hug my waist flatter my shape better because they accent my curves instead of hiding them,” Santiago tells us.

Curvy Model of The Month: Jaana Santiago
06
Fashionista

“I enjoy shopping in boutiques. I also like BCBG, JC Penneys, Kohl’s, Christian Louboutin, and I love a good vintage store. I’m pretty simple when it comes to shopping.”

Curvy Model of The Month: Jaana Santiago
07
Cover Girl

Jaana Santiago gracing the pages of ESSENCE magazine.

Curvy Model of The Month: Jaana Santiago
08
Up Close and Personal

A close-up of Santiago in ESSENCE.

Curvy Model of The Month: Jaana Santiago
09
Model Material

How does the model get pumped during photo shoots? “Throwing on some Rihanna or Beyoncé never hurts and always gets me in my zone!”

Curvy Model of The Month: Jaana Santiago
10
The Beauty Within

“I am beautiful from the inside out and I take a lot of pride in that.”

Curvy Model of The Month: Jaana Santiago
11
Fit & Fab

“Some of the activities I like to do to keep me healthy are dancing: African dance classes and belly dancing, running in my neighborhood and flag football with good friends.”

Curvy Model of The Month: Jaana Santiago
12
Words of Wisdom

“Different clients, agencies and photographers are all going to have an opinion of you. Take everything as constructive criticism and don’t lose yourself.”

Curvy Model of The Month: Jaana Santiago
TOPICS:  Plus-Size
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