I started modeling in 2012 simply because it was fun.
At first, I saw it as something surface-level, almost just an act of vanity.
Through working with incredibly talented photographers, stylists, makeup artists, creative directors, and production teams, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the artistry behind it. Modeling isn’t just about looking good in front of a camera; it’s about storytelling, expression, and bringing a vision to life.
It takes an entire creative team to turn a concept into something powerful. I’m grateful for every experience in this industry that has shaped my journey. Looking forward to more creative collaborations.
It’s me in Times Square!
@fratelliberetta_usa
#billboards2023 #timessquarebillboard #expressscreens #billboardcampaign #timessquarebillboard #timessquaremoment campaignshoot #nycmodels #fratelliberetta
The print!
Cover of New York Times Magazine.
@nytmag@malikesidibe@owendubeck@zach.lieberman@bigbabygenius@markphong_tram
#proudandawkward #nytimesmagazine #magazinecover #nycphotographer #artistagency #thegoodbrigade #malikesidibe #filmdirector #artificialintelligence #nycmakeupartist #nycmodels #modelsofcolor #cambodianmodel #portraitphotography #redefinebeauty #beyou
Looking out the window of my Uber, I tried to picture a life if my parents resettled in NYC instead of the south. Living in the tropical climate one day and suddenly acclimating to brutal wind chills the next. Identifying homes by province/village but now it’s boroughs written in a language they don’t understand. The lack of affordable housing. Buses and trains. Bodegas. Though I know they would have felt alienated regardless of where they landed, New York City was a beast I couldn’t even fathom.
Melissa is one of the few Khmer (and Latina) people that are originally from New York City. Her mother along with 13 siblings came to NYC in 1975 during the war. I thought that we would mostly talk about her unique mixed heritage and her modeling career. But within just a few minutes of meeting, I discovered her family story was much more layered and delicate than I had anticipated.
I openly talk about my transformative experience of healing generational trauma with my own mother with anyone willing to receive it. My generational wounds are almost a bit sacred to me. Because I took that pain and alchemized it into wisdom. And I’m able to share my perspective with others that may struggle with that same type of hurt. I truly feel called to do so.
“The greatest burden a child must bear is the unlived life of the parents.” Some of us inherited knowledge and cultural practices from our caretakers and some of us inherited generational wounds and loss of self, sometimes both. I believe that as their children, if we named those losses, acknowledged and accepted that the trajectory of their lives were out of their control—we could truly step in the direction of tremendous healing and reconciliation. But as Melissa and I agreed, often times that is easier said than done.
I got to hang out with my bestest auntie @mielthedon today. She is so talented with art, grooming, taking care of furbabies, and being an awesome person. #nycdogs #maltipoo #petportrait
