LEWIS X ANSELMO
In the dazzling world of fashion, where style reigns supreme and the spotlight never dims, there exists a captivating story of a model who found his path amidst the glitz and glamour. Anselmo Menendéz Arias, known for his striking presence on runways and in front of cameras, shares with us the tale of his remarkable journey from the nightlife of a nightclub to the international runways of Madrid.
Q: How did your modelling career begin? Can you share the story of how you took your first steps into the industry?
Anselmo: While working in a nightclub, a girl scouted me for a runway show. From that runway show, I went to Madrid to try my luck with agencies, and I started working with my first mother agency.
This chance encounter would set the stage for an extraordinary career, but as we delve deeper into our conversation with Anselmo, we uncover not only the glitzy side of the industry but also the challenges he has overcome.
Q: Can you share with us a pivotal moment in your modelling career that shaped your trajectory and aspirations?
Anselmo: Certainly, the time of the pandemic. I was working as a model in Spain, but I also had a job as a community manager and personal trainer. When the pandemic hit, I lost my two safe jobs, but in exchange, I had the opportunity to travel internationally and dedicate myself 100% to fashion.
The pandemic, an unprecedented global crisis, became a turning point that propelled Anselmo further into the world of fashion. Beyond the allure of the industry, he candidly shares the challenges he’s faced and how he’s conquered them.
Q: Beyond the glitz and glamour of the industry, what are some of the challenges you’ve encountered as a model, and how have you overcome them?
Anselmo: Of course, this industry could be really hard. Honestly, it’s a really solitary lifestyle, and you have to be really strong to hold this life. We’re always traveling, far away from your family and friends, sometimes we don’t understand the languages and culture of the countries where we are living, we don’t have a regular income so that could be stressful… I’m always recommending new models to have strong healthy habits, focus on the goal, and work hard for that. In the end, effort always pays off.
Aspiring models can find inspiration in Anselmo’s resilience and his advice to cultivate healthy habits and unwavering determination.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring models looking to break into the industry and make their mark?
Anselmo: Start as soon as possible. Don’t procrastinate trying to do it all perfectly; you will learn a lot on the way.
While modelling is at the forefront of Anselmo’s career, he has passions and hobbies that add depth and fulfillment to his life.
Q: Apart from modelling, what are some of your passions and hobbies that bring you joy and fulfillment?
Anselmo: Of course, I have to talk about sports. I love to surf; that’s my passion, and living far away from the sea is one of the more difficult things for me. I also love photography, filmmaking, social media, and marketing. That’s how I’ve created my digital marketing agency (@matchpointmarketing).
Balancing a professional modelling career with personal pursuits requires discipline, and Anselmo has some valuable insights to offer.
Q: How do you find a balance between your professional life as a model and your personal life? Any tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle amidst a demanding schedule?
Anselmo: I believe so much in the power of habits and organization. Things that I’m trying to do every day are: sports, reading, meditating, and learning something that approaches me one step more to the goals that I’ve set for myself. I think that if you don’t have a plan you can get lost.
Amidst the fast-paced fashion world, Anselmo’s dedication to maintaining balance through daily rituals is truly inspiring.
Q: Can you share an interesting behind-the-scenes story from a fashion shoot or runway show that stands out in your memory?
Anselmo: I made a runway show for Dolce&Gabbana in México, and some guys that were seeing the show were “dangerous,” let’s say that hahaha. So before going to walk, the team said to me to look only at the girls because if they fancied the suits we were wearing, it would encourage their husbands to want to wear the same suits. As you can imagine, those were the most nervous steps of my life hahahaha.
The world of fashion is not without its share of amusing anecdotes, and Anselmo’s recollection adds a touch of humor to the glamour.
Q: How do you approach maintaining a positive self-image and dealing with the pressures of body image standards within the industry?
Anselmo: I know who I am and I know my profile. There are a lot of brands who will want to work with me and others that will never want to work with me, and that’s ok, it’s part of the game. I can adapt a bit to each unique market that I’m working for and always being myself and being able for the brands who want to work with me. One advice that I can give to new models is never compare yourself with other models because you’re not the same person.
Anselmo’s self-assuredness and individuality stand as a testament to his resilience in the face of industry pressures.
Q: Can you share a piece of advice or a mantra that has been instrumental in your personal and professional growth as a model?
Anselmo: Keep going, no matter what, you could be only one step away from success. If you do the right things maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow but one day you will achieve the goals that you were looking for.
As our conversation comes to a close, we get a glimpse into Anselmo’s personal preferences.
Q: What is your star sign?
Anselmo: Virgo
Q: What is your favorite color?
Anselmo: Mmm, if we talk about dress color for sure it will be black. But as a normal color blue because it reminds me of the sea.
Q: What is the best film or series you’ve watched recently?
Anselmo: It’s not recent, but my favorite series is probably “Prison Break.”
In the world of fashion and modeling, Anselmo Menendéz Arias has carved his unique path, and his journey reminds us that success often comes to those who persevere. As he continues to make his mark in the industry, we eagerly await the chapters yet to be written in his remarkable story.
