Ana Braga is an internationally published glamour, swimsuit, fashion, fitness and lifestyle model originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She has been living in the USA for almost 19 years and is currently based in Las Vegas.
Over the last year, I have watched her career blossom into something absolutely amazing that most glamour models can only dream of. Ana has become an international sensation, having been featured in Playboy Brazil, Playboy Mexico, Playboy Romania, FHM Spain, FHM Philippines, Maxim.com, Fighters Only South Africa and multiple other magazines.
She has garnered the support of thousands of fans from all over the world with her beauty, intelligence and positive attitude towards the industry. Ana has always been very determined to make her dreams a reality and she is doing fantastic work.
I am thrilled to have been able to interview her for this feature.
AVIVA: What inspired you to become a model?
ANA BRAGA: My mom, my aunt and my grandma did extensive modeling in Brazil. I grew up in that environment so I had no choice lol. So I can say my mom inspired me with her beauty and class!
AVIVA: What do you feel is the most exciting part of your job?
AB: To be fortunate enough to be able to see the finish product, being published. Every time I get published is dear to me!
AVIVA: What are some tips that you have for aspiring models who would like to get published?
AB: I would say do your research and only work with respected and respectful photographers. Do not flirt or do anything else like that for your features! I never did and never will. Work hard and you’ll achieve anything you want. Be kind and cordial to all you meet. It’s a small industry and you want to have a good reputation. Be professional, be on time. I do all my submissions, you can do it too!
AVIVA: Which models inspire you?
AB: My mother, my grandma and Carmen Dell’Orifice. Carmen is 82 and still works. She’s beautiful, classy and here is one of my favorite of her quotes “I don’t do this thing in front of the camera to get love or for approval. I get my love privately.”
AVIVA: What is your most proudest moment in your career?
AB: When I came out in Playboy! It has been a dream for me for so long and I got Miss June 2013 in my home country, Brazil. I’m so proud of it because I did it all on my own. I contacted the editors and booked a great photographer and went from there! I’m proud of all I have accomplished! I hope I get to inspire people and they realize their dreams can be achieved too.
AVIVA: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
AB: Being a Chief editor of a great magazine or living in Hawaii!! Either one or both would be fantastic! Why not?
AVIVA: What do you feel is a critical factor in becoming a successful model?
AB: It is how you take rejection and how thick your skin is! You must never believe in negative voices. People will try and discourage you from following your dreams. Don’t listen to them, they are negative voices from insecure people. You must know who you are and only believe voices that come from love. If the dream is in your heart, no one can stop you! If a door closes, God has a bigger one for you. I’m living proof of that.
AVIVA: Do you have any additional comments?
AB: Would like to thank Gary Miller, Mike Prado, Dawn Grey and Anais Zanotti for believing in me and for all the love and support!! Also a special thanks to Aviva for always being so kind and sweet to me!!
You can check out Ana on FACEBOOK, follow her on Twitter @sambadiva, and Instagram @anabanana200
I wish her continued success! 🙂
Photographer credits for the images above: Kenny Roland, Mike Prado, Gary Miller, Tolga Katas, Kevin Genzel and Edward Aninaru.
