Diversity Not As an Accessory, but as a Necessity -Veronica Brown, Founder of Amparo Models

Veronica Brown (@veronicaaabrown) is the founder of @AmparoModels. A talent/modeling agency based in Massachusetts that represents more than 80% of diversity - with 100% inclusive individuals: from our backgrounds to our sizes, heights, shapes, etc. We had the amazing opportunity to ask her a few questions about her industry and identity!

What is your relationship with your mixed identity?

My relationship with my mixed identity was hard growing up. I felt like people always wanted me to pick a side that I related to more too at the time, and to be honest I always felt both. My parents were separated but my brothers and I were raised in both households equally. I’ve always felt I was Jamaican and Puerto Rican. I know my cultures and backgrounds. I know who I am. Everyone else just couldn’t accept that. But I’m glad I can proudly say I am both, with or without judgement.

What has been your journey with Amparo Models?

Developing Amparo Models has been hard. A hell of a journey... because I wanted to target so many groups. People who I could relate to, who lived a life just like mines. People who were seen differently no matter where they’d come from and were told “no, you can’t be this or that” because of who they were. I created this brand to not only uplift and bring others together but to create a safe space for people alike myself whether that’s race, hair, size or height; that they too can be accepted into an agency that proudly represents themselves through extreme diversification and inclusion. The challenge that we face while doing so, is a lot of brands tell us no. They aren’t interested in what we are doing - or not interested at the time. But I know it’s because of our representation and what we vouch for. The right brands and companies will come along and they will see all the magic we have. We just have to keep going! Anything is possible.

Can you speak a bit about the world of modeling and the relationship between that world and diversity?

I’d like to be honest. The world of modeling is harsh. Diversity is used for advantage. You can literally get paid for how you look; by nationality, background, skin color, size, etc. I hear it all the time. The industry is far from accepting and even with all of the agency’s who may represent and push forward their diversity - at this time in the industry, it is only remained as an accessory.

It should be a necessity. Amparo is the necessity. ALL BRANDS NEED DIVERSITY. It’s a harsh relationship because some brands just can’t include everyone because of who these brands personally target. It sucks. It does. The only reason why I want to do this, is because I can relate to those who are apart of Amparo. I personally have experienced the No’s and judgement, loss of opportunity, and more because of who I am. Being mixed you live all the sides judgement. It’s not fun, but I’m sure all of this will be worth the wild ride.

Any advice for mixed creators?

Dear Mixed Creators, no matter where you are, what you look like, what your story is, maybe you’re the only mixed person in your class or city... just keep going. Follow your dreams. Make it all happen!