Joan Smalls is a Puerto Rican model and television personality. She was born on July 11, 1988, in Hatillo, Puerto Rico. She made history in 2011 as the first Latina model to represent Estée Lauder and was ranked the #1 model in the world by Models.com in 2012. She has walked for top fashion houses like Chanel, Prada, Gucci, and Versace, and appeared in Victoria’s Secret Fashion Shows from 2011 to 2016. In 2013, she entered Forbes’ list of the highest-paid models, earning over $3 million. Her career is a blend of high fashion, commercial success, and breaking barriers.

Before Joan Smalls became one of the world's top models, she was focused on academics. She graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico. While she was passionate about modeling, she initially faced challenges. She entered local modeling competitions as a teenager but was told she needed to fix her teeth before she could succeed. After completing her studies, she moved to New York City to pursue her modeling career, signing with Elite Model Management in 2007. Her persistence paid off when she switched to IMG Models in 2009 and landed a Givenchy exclusive in 2010, which launched her into high fashion. Her journey from psychology student to global supermodel is inspiring.

Joan Smalls built her fortune through modeling, brand collaborations, and high-fashion campaigns. Here’s how she did it: Luxury Brand Partnerships – She worked with Chanel, Prada, Gucci, and Versace, securing high-value contracts. Estée Lauder Campaigns – She made history as the first Latina model to represent Estée Lauder in 2011. Victoria’s Secret Fashion Shows – She walked in six consecutive Victoria’s Secret Fashion Shows from 2011 to 2016. Forbes’ Highest-Paid Models – She entered Forbes’ list in 2013, earning over $3 million. Editorial & Runway Work – She was ranked the #1 model in the world by Models.com in 2012. Her ability to dominate high fashion while breaking barriers is remarkable.