Check out our interview with stunning Model, Influencer & Entrepreneur Cindy Prado who brought all the attention during the Miami Swim Week 2022 for brands such as Jessie James Decker’s brand, Kittenish + Beach Bunny, PrettyLittleThing, Lulifama & Berry Beach. With over 3 million followers across social media this Latina leader and pioneer in the influencer industry has taken the world by storm.
In 2021, Cindy developed her own 360-degree health, wellness and fitness program “Prado Program” for women who want to live a healthier lifestyle. The program currently has 4.9 stars and over 10,000 users.
Cindy’s life blends work, vacation, and social activities into one 24/7 jet-setting lifestyle. She travels over 150 days a year and takes off to some of the most beautiful and luxurious destinations in the world, making her one of the most influential jet setters in the digital age.
Follow Cindy @cindyprado
Hi Cindy, please tell us a little about you and your background?
Hi! My name is Cindy Prado, and I am Cuban-American from Miami, FL. My family is from Cuba and I grew up in a latino household where Spanish was my first language. My family gave me the opportunity to be exposed to American culture while also cherishing our own roots and traditions which I love. Growing up I was always very athletic and into the arts and anything where I could use my creativity. I graduated from Florida International University with a major in Marketing and a minor in Public Relations, although I never got a job in the field because I continued to pursue modeling after graduation. Initially I got a lot of rejections from agencies so I decided to do it myself through Instagram. I am so grateful for the community that I have built and the people who supported me from day one. It’s been a long road and I have worked very hard to get to where I am today but I am proud and happy I can say that I am now a successful businesswoman, influencer, model, and entrepreneur.
Who is your role model?
My role model has always been my mom. She immigrated to the United States so that we can have a better future and it was her example of hard work and positivity growing up that has shaped who I am today. She has overcome so many social challenges, discrimination, and acculturation as a hispanic woman and still continued to be the most graceful, happy, and hard working person I’ve known. Thank you mommy.
How and when did you start into modeling?
When I was 15 I dabbled in some modeling but it wasn’t until I graduated highschool that I started to try to take it seriously. As I mentioned earlier, it didn’t work out the way I planned so I took matters into my own hands and paved my own way into the industry by self shooting and self submitting myself to big brands around the world.
What is fun and rewarding about modeling? And what is not?
I think it’s a great creative outlet and a way to meet many interesting people in the industry. I love being able to travel around the world, make new friends, and work with brands you grew up loving. I also always liked to work with others and modeling is often all about teamwork and collaboration. You learn a lot through it, to be independent, to listen but also to stand your ground, to not be scared about taking up space, especially as a woman.
What’s not so fun? You’re basically putting yourself out there for the world to form opinions on you. Unfortunately the world isn’t always a very nice place. With the job comes mean negative comments, often on the internet. Aside from that, anything you do in public can be misconstrued and gossiped about. But at the end of the day it helps you grow thick skin and a strong mindset.
Now tell us about your Miami Swim Week experience and why do you think Miami’s Swim Week is so popular?
I really love Miami Swim Week, there is always a lot of preparation to be done but it’s worth it! It’s a very hectic week but I am lucky to be busy during it so I make the most of it. Aside from being able to work with amazing brands and the thrill of walking the runway, I love that it brings so many people together. After years of the industry, a lot of the people that come to Miami for it are now friends so it’s so much fun to spend the week bumping into familiar faces and then celebrating after the shows. You are also able to form so many new connections and bond with a lot for your followers as well.
You modeled for Jessie James Decker’s brand, Kittenish + Beach Bunny, PrettyLittleThing, Lulifama & Berry Beach. Tell us a little about it or if we can get a sneak peak of the outfits or colors for this season?
I was really looking forward to this year’s season and it was so much fun! With everyone moving around, the energy in Miami is electric. My agent Rohan Goswami of ZOOZ Group has been moving with force and getting me on as many runways as possible! He even flew into Miami from LA to personally escort me from show to show since they are so close together and I was rushing to each one. I am a personal fan of all the brands I walked for so I am extremely grateful for the opportunity.
Can you share some Summer healthy/fitness tips for our readers?
I would say it’s really important to have balance. Be kind to your body and listen to what it needs. I personally enjoy fitness and feeling healthy, so getting a workout comes easily for me. But for those who aren’t into exercising, my biggest advice is to MAKE IT FUN! There are so many ways to get a good sweat that don’t have to involve the gym. Go play volleyball, paddle-board, go for a swim, go running on the beach at sunset. There are so many fun activities to do in terms of health and fitness that you just need to get creative. Most of them can even be dates!
What’s your advice for the newer models and influencers?
Times we live in are constantly changing rules and conventions in the industry so don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t model if for example you are “too short” or “not the right size”, there will always be creatives who don’t follow these kind of standards which means there will be space for everyone, so just do what you love. This is personal to my story and I made it further than I ever even thought I would. Work hard, be resilient, but most importantly, be kind. Relationships are so important in any industry and kindness goes a long way.
As a popular model, entrepreneur and influencer you are followed by so many people. How do you feel about that pressure of always doing the right thing, and encouraging people to follow their dreams?
When I first started growing my platform I felt a lot of pressure, and didn’t know if people would relate or want to see parts of my journey, now I like to remind myself that my following is there for a reason! I always try to be encouraging and positive as well as offer advice when needed. I tell myself that if I am posting and creating content with good intentions I shouldn’t worry too much but I’m also always ready to apologize and take a step back if something offends people, respect and kindness are truly the most important thing.
Now let’s talk about the success of your 360-degree health, wellness and fitness program “Prado Program?”
I’ve been receiving a lot of positive feedback from my followers who are following the program and getting results which makes me very happy! I think physical and mental health go hand in hand and are super important for your wellbeing so being able to share my insight and resources is very rewarding.
What is different from your brand/program to other ones in the market and what do you think is the secret to have a successful business in a very competitive market like yours?
There are a lot of influencers out there that have their own fitness programs, but sometimes they aren’t really involved. I used to follow some myself and started noticing they weren’t structured in a way that allowed me to train easily. For the Prado program I collaborated with my friend and trainer Luis Buron, designing each section to be inclusive and mindful of different exercise levels, goals, and needs!
What’s next for the Prado Program?
We are currently working on something very exciting and different from what we currently have available. I CANNOT WAIT TO SHARE! We will be launching tentatively around the end of September. Stay tuned.
Where can we follow you?
On Instagram! My handle is @cindyprado, come join me on my journey!
