Model Sofía Jirau On Loving Down Syndrome And Becoming A Trailblazing Victoria’s Secret Model

This Puerto Rican model just made all headlines!

At just 26 years old, model Sofía has already announced her beautiful presence in the fashion industry. She has made appearances in everything from the New York Fashion Week, to Vogue Mexico. She recently got our attention after it was announced that she is the first-ever model with Down Syndrome to become a Victoria’s Secret Model.

We had the amazing honor of talking with Sofía about inspiring others, biggest personal inspirations, and more!

Explain to us how important it is to inspire people to follow their dreams with no limitations. 

S: “For me it is really important to inspire people to follow their dreams. I think that reaching my dreams would not be the same if I wasn’t inspiring others along the way. I hope that when people see me accomplishing my goals, they feel inspired and empowered to follow their dreams, because if I can, they can absolutely do it.”

Having Down syndrome has shaped you into the person you are today, tell us ways that you overcame the negative and overlooked hate? 

S: “I love having Down syndrome. I always say that I have an extra chromosome of love. Thankfully, I have never felt hate or something negative for having Down syndrome. People have always loved and accepted me as I am.”

Being that you are the first Victoria’s Secret model with Down syndrome, explain the feeling you had when you got this news. 

S: “Oh my God! I was so excited. Victoria’s Secret contacted my manager and we flew from Puerto Rico to Los Angeles, but I didn’t know the exact reason, so when they told me I was going to model for Victoria’s Secret I was extremely happy and grateful for the opportunity. I know that being the first model with Down syndrome for Victoria’s Secret has broken barriers and inspired people to live without limits.”

What are some things you would tell little girls who are struggling to find their path?

S: “I will tell them to follow their heart and do what they are really passionate about. Also, it is very important to love ourselves very much. If we believe in ourselves, we are capable of anything.”

Can you describe a day in your life? 

S: “Yes! My days are very productive. I wake up, drink coffee, prepare breakfast, get my makeup and hair done, which my sister helps with. Then, I pick my outfit and I go to work at INprende as an Experience Ambassador. Also, most days I have interviews and content creation for my social media and brands, and I also go to the gym. Other days I assist to events, I model for different designers, have meetings for future projects, etc. All my days are different and I love it!”

What are 5 reasons that motivate you to keep pushing? 

S: “There are so many reasons why I keep pushing. I believe my top 5 are to (1) inspire people to live without limits, (2) demonstrate that the Down syndrome community can do anything they set themselves to and that we can have a job, have a business, etc., (3) break barriers around the world, (4) encourage people to love themselves as they are, and (5) seek a more independent life for people with Down syndrome.”

Who and what inspires you the most? 

S: “There are many people that inspire me. My mom Mimi González inspires me, but also my manager Alessandra Correa, Jenniffer López and Shakira. They are unstoppable, loving and courageous women.” 

Is there someone you always wanted to collaborate with? 

S: “One of my dreams is to dance on a stage with Jenniffer Lopez. I love her! She is so beautiful and talented. I would also love to model for designers in Europe.”

What do your off days look like? 

S: “When I am not working, I love to go to the beach, be with my family, dance and watch movies.”

Any new and exciting things you are working on?

S: “Yes! Right now I am focusing on my next goal, which is to become a fashion designer. Alavett!”

Bryana Medina– Celebrity/Entertainment Reporter- Bryana Medina recently graduated from California State University Dominguez Hills where she got her bachelor’s degree in Journalism.  As a journalist, she collected skills like public speaking, broadcasting, and mass media. She has planned on making a difference in the media industry by using her voice and expertise.

Edited By: Je’Kayla Crawford