Meet this month’s cover star Vanessa Guimoye / @vanessaguimoye / @guimoyevanessa
Photographer: Gerson Dario Lopez / @glpxstudio
We’re delighted to have you on FHM. To start, can you take us back to the beginning? What first sparked your journey into influencing, and how has it evolved into the career it is today? My journey began with modeling, which eventually opened the door to pageantry, entertainment, and so many other experiences. I was born in Peru and grew up in the United States, so I feel very connected to both places. I’m incredibly proud of my Peruvian roots, and I’ve had the privilege of traveling internationally as a model and representing Peru in different competitions and pageants. Over time, social media became a natural extension of everything I was already doing. I started sharing more of my work, travels, lifestyle, and personality, and it gradually developed into a career of its own. Today, I see influencing as another creative way to connect with people and continue growing within the entertainment and fashion industries.
Was there a defining moment when you realized this could become more than just a passion? It was when brands started approaching me for collaborations and campaigns. That was when I realized social media could become a real career and not just a place to share photos. I had already spent years working in modeling, pageants, and entertainment, but having my own platform gave me the opportunity to communicate directly with an audience and create something that was truly mine. It also showed me that my career could continue evolving beyond traditional modeling.
You’ve built a strong personal brand over the years. What key decisions helped shape your path and bring you to where you are today? I think one of the biggest decisions was being open to different opportunities instead of limiting myself to one area of the industry. Modeling led me to pageantry, pageantry led to international experiences, and those experiences opened doors into entertainment and eventually social media. I also learned that your reputation matters. Being professional, treating people well, staying reliable, and continuing to learn can be just as important as talent. I’ve always tried to build relationships and leave every opportunity with a positive impression.
Are there any mentors, books, or life experiences that have played a significant role in your personal and professional growth? My mother has been a very important influence in my life. She has experience in modeling and influencing herself, so she understood the industry and could give me advice from personal experience. More than anything, she taught me to work hard, stay humble, and always give my best. My experiences have also been some of my greatest teachers. Traveling, competing internationally, meeting people from different cultures, and experiencing both success and rejection taught me how to adapt, communicate, and become more confident in myself.
In such a fast-moving and ever-changing industry, how do you stay authentic while continuing to grow and remain relevant? I try not to lose myself while keeping up with the industry. Trends change constantly, but I believe people can tell when you are doing something simply because everyone else is doing it. I’m always open to learning and trying new things, but I want my personality to remain at the center of what I create. Whether I’m sharing fashion, beauty, travel, family, or everyday moments, I want people to feel like they are getting to know the person behind the photos.
What motivates you to keep pushing toward bigger goals, especially when the journey becomes challenging? My family is a huge motivation, especially my son. Becoming a mother changed the way I look at my goals. I want to continue building a career that I’m proud of while also showing him what it means to work toward something you believe in. I’m also motivated by the fact that there is always another chapter to explore. I’ve already experienced modeling, pageantry, entertainment, and international travel, and I still feel like there is so much more I want to accomplish.
When you look at where you are today, what part of your journey are you most proud of? I’m proud of how much my journey has evolved. I started with modeling, and over the years it took me into pageantry, international competitions, entertainment, and now influencing and content creation. I’m particularly grateful that my career has allowed me to represent my Peruvian heritage internationally while also building my professional life in the United States, a country I’m very grateful to call home as well. Being able to carry my roots with me while creating my own path has been very meaningful.
Do you use your platform to support any charitable causes or initiatives that are particularly meaningful to you? Yes. Giving back has always been something I’ve enjoyed, and throughout my career I’ve had the opportunity to participate in charitable events and initiatives. I believe that having a platform gives you an opportunity to do more than promote yourself. Even small acts of kindness, encouraging someone, or helping bring attention to a good cause can have an impact. I would also love to become involved in even more charitable work as my platform continues to grow.
What advice would you give to someone hoping to follow a similar path and build a successful career in this space? Take your career seriously from the beginning. Build your portfolio, surround yourself with professional and trustworthy people, network, and learn as much as you can about the industry. And don’t let rejection define you. In modeling and entertainment, you will hear “no” sometimes, and that’s part of the process. One opportunity not working out doesn’t mean you aren’t talented it may simply mean there is something better ahead. Stay professional, keep improving, and be patient with your journey.
What kind of legacy do you hope to leave, both online and beyond it? I want my legacy to be about the person I was, not just the things I accomplished. I want to be remembered as someone who valued family, kindness, hard work, and positivity. Of course, I’m proud of my career and the titles and opportunities I’ve earned, but those things are only part of my story. Ultimately, I want my son, my family, and the people I’ve crossed paths with to remember me as someone who made them feel loved, respected, and encouraged.
What do you hope readers take away from your story and this feature? I hope they take away the idea that your path doesn’t have to look a certain way. My career has evolved many times, and some of my best opportunities came from simply being willing to try something new. You can be proud of where you come from while still creating a new path for yourself. I hope readers feel encouraged to embrace their own story, trust their abilities, and not be afraid of change.
Looking ahead, what’s next for you, and what should your fans be most excited about in the near future? I’m excited to show more of my personality and life beyond traditional modeling. I want to continue creating lifestyle content, sharing more of my travels and interests, and putting more focus into YouTube, where I can connect with my audience in a more personal way. I’m also open to exploring more opportunities in television, acting, and entertainment because those are areas I’ve always enjoyed. I’m excited for this next chapter and for everything that is still ahead.
