Paula Weckerle started life with offerings from multiple cultures. She was born in Curitiba, Brazil, but her father is Argentinian and her mother is German. It seems only fitting that Weckerle was drawn to one of the largest international cities, known for its abundance of diversity: New York.
For a fledgling model, it is an obvious choice to head for such a fashion mecca. Weckerle walks her own journey though and apart from her fascinating history, she has found a way to obtain regular success in a city full of competition and an industry that requires nothing but excellence.
Weckerle started modelling in her early teens at the age of 14, and took part in modelling competitions. She still remembers placing second place at the John Casablanca’s Contest: Elite Model Look. It was after this that she began her modelling career in earnest, first in San Paulo but she soon moved on to start her international career. With a brief sabbatical from modelling to focus on her studies in Brazil, Weckerle made the decision to move to the USA to work as a model, ‘straight to New York City’, she explains.
Now celebrating her fourth year in New York, Weckerle shares some more about the modelling scene in the city that never sleeps:
“In the beginning, to be honest, because New York City is a very competitive market, I think everyone wants to be here and very few make it here. However, when you do, it’s the most incredible thing. New York City is a market that is often misunderstood because people think it’s focused only on fashion, but I think they are very open for commercial girls, like me. I have an excellent portfolio of clients in this field.”
Weckerle said she realized that despite her expectations that the market was “focused only on fashion and that I would never make it in the city,” she has since come to find success by finding the right clients for her profile.
It goes to show that knowing your personal brand, or indeed the value of what you bring to the table that is unique, truly is the way to reach your goals.
Weckerle confirms: “I love New York City! I think it’s the best market in the world.”
You can find Weckerle on Instagram: @paulaweckerle to see some of her current work.