Curvy Model of The Month: Jaana Santiago

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"Confidence in this field is everything, if I don't believe in myself -- who will?" says Wilhelmina model, Jaana Santiago.

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"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.

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

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Santiago's secret to beautiful skin: "Never fall asleep with my make-up on."

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"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.

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"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."

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Jaana Santiago gracing the pages of ESSENCE magazine.

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A close-up of Santiago in ESSENCE.

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

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

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"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."

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