Ever since she was little, Carmen Mina dreamed of being a model; she didn't know where to start. Throughout her childhood, Carmen jotted down her dreams, as if she were manifesting her brilliant future, one that's taken her from Guayaquil, Ecuador, to the most prestigious runways on an international level.
Born in a small town, Mina spent her childhood in a loving home, raised by her mother Nora, who taught her how to be a strong and independent woman. Her father died in 2000, when she was young, resulting in her developing a tight relationship with her mother, who managed her own sewing shop. Carmen and her spent hours together, in the kitchen and in the workplace, developing a bond and a set of skills that would remain with Carmen through the years.
Carmen is the youngest of four siblings: Antonio, Anselma, and Andres. In 2018, she took the first major step in her career, going to Roberto Pacurucu's photography studio. When he saw her, Pacurucu was impressed by her height and presence, labeling her as a promising talent in the world of modeling.
"Real success is taking credit for who you are and with that motivating someone else."
As she began her career as a model, her dreams began to multiply, with her wanting to provide for her mother financially and to show the women in her country that it is possible to achieve your dreams if you work hard enough. Mina traveled to Brazil, where she moved to in 2020, signing on to Ford Models, one of the most notorious modeling agencies in the world.
"They liked my story and my desire to grow," she said in an interview with HOLA!. Carmen decided to chop off all of her hair, not only creating her own style but hitting the reboot button on her vanity. Nowadays, the 27-year-old model opts for a very natural look, foregoing heavy makeup and preferring to take care of her skin with hydrating products that highlight her natural beauty.
Carmen Mina is her family's pride. Beyond the runway and being featured in magazine covers sold in Brazil, Italy, and Portugal, she's focused on bettering herself as a woman and as a professional. She studied Fashion Design and Business, something that helped her launch Carmen Mina Stylist, a consulting firm for personal and professional image.
"Fame fades. You have to learn how to value the people who have always stood by you."
She also has different businesses in digital marketing and artist management. Alongside her sister, she manages a foundation that provides kids, teenagers, and women with better life opportunities.
When it comes to her personal life, Carmen is waiting for love and hasn't found the right person to grow old with. She wants to get married and form a family. As she waits for this, she's enjoying the ride, taking on various challenges. Her new one: acting. Don't be surprised if, at some point in the future, you see Carmen Mina winning an Academy Award.