Although social media has become a very lucrative space for those who successfully find their niche, it is also a highly competitive space. Serving as a popular platform and tool across a multitude of industries and professions, how was Andrea Kuoni able to rise to the top creating an empire despite all odds against her? Kuoni shared with us the journey of how her profound success as a model has led to her career as an entrepreneur and philanthropist.
Andrea Kuoni is no stranger to adversity. After developing lung cancer at the age of 17, and various complications including weeks spent hospitalized and multiple surgeries, Andrea miraculously recovered and has been in remission since. Instead of using this experience to make excuses, Andrea used it to launch herself into the success story she is today. After her recovery, she had never felt more motivated to pursue her dreams.
Many people discouraged Kuoni from becoming a model, pointing out that published models typically do not have scars or tattoos and that opportunities would be very limited. Andrea did not let self-doubt, or the criticism of others destroy her dreams. Instead, she used this criticism as ammunition to pave the way for herself and other models alike. Kuoni often thinks of a quote her Mother would often tell her when she was younger- “What’s meant to be always finds a way, so find the way.”
Andrea began her career as a promotional model and debuted in a Verizon commercial in college. In 2017, she had a gut-feeling to apply for Playboy Switzerland. Andrea would soon find out that she’d be introduced as Playmate in their November 2017 issue. Achieving a lifelong dream of hers only motivated her to see how far she could really go. Andrea went on to become Playmate of the month for Playboy Mexico, with her debut in their magazine as a new face in December 2018 and centerfold in February 2019.
Andrea recognized that without the help of the doctors and staff at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital she may never have had the opportunity to fulfill her dreams in the first place. This was the driving force behind Andrea’s passion for giving back and start of her career as a philanthropist. Kuoni’s commitment to be an active philanthropist has involved being a LIVESTRONG Spokeswoman, and contributing to various organizations including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and autism awareness efforts. Most recently during the COVID-19 pandemic, Andrea has made drastic efforts to give back by frequently dressing up as Disney Princess Elsa on Zoom calls with the children at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospitals. She mentioned that there is no greater feeling than seeing the smiles on all of the children’s faces.
Although Andrea has succeeded despite all of the odds against her, she knows she is just getting started. Kuoni’s most recent venture, AndyKandy LLC, manages and connects models and photographers with events and hosting opportunities to expand their social media presence and modeling portfolio. Andrea is also currently working on expanding her model management business and is looking towards investment opportunities with likeminded models. Just as she knew creating a strong network of support for herself was pivotal to her success, Andrea plans to create a charity which helps to connect small town models with real opportunities for success. Andrea has become a self-made entrepreneur, philanthropist, and role model for aspiring models across the globe. One thing remains certain- for Andrea, the sky is the limit.
We highly recommend keeping up with Andrea Kuoni on her website and Instagram.