I think its nice to know that people in the industry are paying attention to all of the hard work youve done throughout the years and rewarding you for it. It reminds you to keep doing it, to keep pushing yourself, and to always remain that way.
Joan SmallsWhen you look at the world, the world isn't just one palette. It's a beautiful rainbow, and why not have someone to represent that rainbow?
Joan SmallsPeople hide behind the word aesthetic. They say, โWell, itโs just that designerโs aesthetic.โ But when you see 18 seasons in a row and not one single model outside a certain skin colorโฆ? There are people in the industry who are advocates, who support diversity. And there are people who do not. I donโt get it. Beauty is universal. These doors have to open.
Joan SmallsBack home I had always been comfortable around people. I was the troublemaker, always being funny - that's just who I am. I'm Latina; I've always had that extra little flavor. But when I got to New York, it became about being comfortable with myself in a place where I didn't know many people, and that was the big challenge. Ultimately my personality helped me build relationships with the people I was working with, and I was able to stand out.
Joan Smalls