Who knew, A Coffee and A Wine would lead to a deep and meaningful conversation with a stunningly beautiful soul. What started as casual greetings turned out to be orchestrated by fate. As a firm believer in meaningful connections, I hold the conviction that every individual we encounter has a deeper significance. This belief is consistently reinforced by my faith in a higher power, which has significantly influenced my life by the people I meet and the decisions I make. That’s why meeting Lornalitz was not at all a coincidence.

Allow me to introduce LORNALITZ BAEZ’s inspiring journey as a supermodel. Despite facing self-doubt and struggles, she overcame many challenges in the demanding world of modeling. I’m so excited to present an inspiring and heartfelt conversation with her.

I am interested in learning about you and your journey into the modeling industry.

Lornalitz- I am originally from Brooklyn, New York City, and my ethnic background is Puerto Rican. I remember always being the tallest around my siblings and cousins. Even at the young age of 12, I was 5’8″. I am currently 5’10”. During family gatherings, if there was a camera around, I was not shy to strike a pose. 

My mother provided me with unwavering support and introduced me to pageantry. It was not until I reached the age of 17 that I decided to seriously pursue a career in modeling.

Lornalitz– Are you familiar with Jennifer Lopez?

“Yes, I know her. Who doesn’t?”

Lornalitz- One day, while returning home from school, over the radio, I learned about Jennifer Lopez’s clothing line, J Lo, conducting a nationwide model search. The auditions were held in several cities, including New York City. I heard about this opportunity and decided to participate. Over 1,500 girls attended the casting call in New York City alone. 

I arrived very early and was second in line. During the audition, although Jennifer Lopez was not present, her team was there. They loved me and subsequently called me back.

Have you ever had the opportunity to meet Jennifer Lopez?

Lornalitz– Oh yes, I had the opportunity to meet Jennifer Lopez in person. She, along with Andy Hilfiger (Tommy Hilfiger’s brother), interviewed me. Andy Hilfiger was overseeing her clothing line and collaborating with her. I successfully progressed to the top three in New York City out of over 1500 girls who auditioned. This experience allowed me to work with Jennifer Lopez and marked the beginning of my career.

WOW… It was your courage that let you start working without any fear.

Lornalitz– You must have bravery and confidence in yourself because you will often be told no. Let me tell you that this was just one story where I was told “Yes”, but there are many auditions, even now, where rejection occurs. In this industry, rejection happens approximately 90% of the time. You must have thick skin. Be your own support, be your own fan, and be your own encouragement.

This is so interesting. So, have you ever had concerns about fitting into the industry given its numerous challenges, potential obstacles, and its standards regarding body types?

Lornalitz– There was a time in my career when I realized that working within the industry, it was easy to get influenced, both positive and negative. Starting at a young age, I entered this field without the full maturity of an adult. Despite having the support of my family, I was quite naive during those early years.

As a result, I found myself being manipulated, and consequently, I was led to believe that I needed to change. When I began to start booking work, I was between a size 10-12, with my weight sometimes fluctuating to a size 14. I experienced designers who suggested that I should consider losing weight. So, in my late teens, I decided to lose weight. At that time, being young, you just want to lose weight fast. My focus was on achieving fast results to promptly start working and securing opportunities.

Did you lose weight to get more work?

Lornalitz– I developed a condition similar to an eating disorder, which led to a significant weight loss from a size 12 to a size 2 within a year. This was the lowest weight I had ever reached, and it was so unhealthy. I would never, ever recommend this to anyone, but I did it.

What was your state of mind during your weight loss journey?

Lornalitz– What I learned from that experience was that I wasn’t happy at all. I didn’t discuss it with anyone, I just decided to do it. I basically ate very little while exercising excessively. I was 19 years old when I began losing weight, which is still quite young. I started working a lot, but mentally, I was not fully happy.

When did this phase change? Because now you are beautiful, curvy, and yet super confident.

Lornalitz– Like I said, I started getting a lot of work, but I was not mentally happy. Then one day, I said to myself, “I want to work in an industry that loves, values, accepts me, and acknowledges that I am enough”.

A person can lose weight, but when your body frame is meant to be curvy, it is very difficult to maintain an unhealthy, unrealistic, tiny size. It was very difficult for me to maintain it; I was falling into depression.

And then I decided, I am going to love me, all of me!

Can you recall any experience where you felt there was no end to striving for perfection or being slimmer?

Lornalitz– You won’t believe it, but an opportunity presented itself where I was asked to walk in fashion week. There was one designer, I still remember (won’t say designer’s name), I fit all the pieces perfectly, but they wanted me to be a little slimmer.

It’s like you work so hard to become a smaller size, and still there is no end to it. That experience was my Aha…. moment when I knew ‘I am done trying to fit into unrealistic expectations’.   

“This is who I am, a tall, beautiful curvy woman”.

I decided to gain weight back and embrace my curves. I took that time out for myself, to rediscover myself and to fall in love with myself.

You are still a supermodel with a curvy body. That means you found the right people with whom you feel happy, right?

Lornalitz– Certainly. I was introduced to an industry that I had not known existed – the plus-size industry. One person suggested that I consider becoming a plus-size model. So, I discovered a reality show on the NuVoTV network called Model Latina. I was offered the opportunity to be on the show and was considered to be the first curvy model to compete.

And then you also did a show on Amazon Prime. How did that happen?

Lornalitz– So, just after my last episode with Model Latina, the next day, I received a phone call from the producers. They offered me my reality show. It would be you and three other girls, based on your life. It’s a reality TV show called Curvy Girls on Amazon Prime. I agreed and did two seasons.

That was my introduction to plus-size modeling.

How many additional brands and designers have approached you with offers of work?

Lornalitz– After finishing the second season of Curvy Girls, I started casting for plus-size brands. That show introduced me as a professional plus-size model, and since then, I’ve worked with top brands like Nordstrom, Target, Macy’s, Savage Fenty, Fabletics, Walmart, Kmart, JC Penney, Frankie Bikinis, Torrid, and the list goes on and on.

I was so impressed when I saw your modeling pictures when you were pregnant.

Lornalitz– Yes, I worked while I was pregnant. I had the chance to collaborate with various brands. I even did a Target campaign during my first pregnancy. You won’t believe it, but I worked until the last day of my pregnancy. If I hadn’t gone to the hospital for delivery, I would have been shooting for a brand. Hahaha… I also did a lot of maternity shoots for Pink Blush Maternity based in Orange County.

You also mentioned that you will also be going to New York for Fashion Week.

Lornalitz– I have a Campaign shoot this Tuesday with a company called Rainbow West in Los Angeles. The images will be out in stores all over the Midwest. I am excited about that. Regarding New York Fashion Week, yes, I am going next week. I will be attending the shows and participating in a few go-sees while I am there.

What’s your say on self-care, as you are a big influencer for everyone?

Lornalitz– Self-care goes beyond the superficial acts of pampering; it delves into the essence of self-love and self-respect. Whether it’s indulging in a favorite hobby or taking a long walk in nature, self-care helps rejuvenate the soul.

Surround yourself with positive people. Distance yourself from toxic relationships and environments that drain your energy. Seek out supportive friends and family members who encourage and uplift you.

My last and very important question. What makes Lorna happy? Truly.

Lornalitz– Oh, that’s a really good question. First, spending time with my children brings me immense joy. Second, I also cherish my moments of solitude. When I have a break, and someone can watch the children, I enjoy spending time alone. Aside from these day-to-day activities, other sources of happiness for me include traveling and experiencing new cultures.

“What if I’m a BIG GIRL? I have a BIG HEART and even BIGGER PERSONALITY & BIG DREAMS“.

Amazzzingggg…..Wowwwww…..God Bless You with lots and lots of success, my friend.

That was my simple, strong, confident friend Lornalitz Baez, who enhances the beauty of the world with her presence.

Love and Blessing!

Meenu.