From Sabrina With Love

13-year-old Sabrina Maria Feliciano (@sabrinamariafeliciano) from Puerto Rico, like many of her peers, goes to school, loves her family and her pets. When she was only 6 years old, she became the youngest contestant in The Princesas de Puerto Rico, and won the main award. By the age of 13, she had already worked as a TV presenter – was invited to be a child TV host and participated as one of the hosts for Channel 4 WAPA America TV, became a famous model and designer of her own clothing brand "From Sabrina with Love". "I'm a young girl who strives for the best and wants to leave a mark in the world," says Sabrina.

You were a child TV host. Can you tell us about your first experience in this position?

It was definitely my first time having a job so big. It was fun, for sure. Having the opportunity to interact with others and travel to different places around the island helped me gain experience and knowledge in the industry. It also helped me with public speaking and gaining self confidence.

Were you scared of the cameras? How did you perform?

It was never about being scared of the cameras, I actually loved them. It was about doing the job right and making sure I was conveying the correct message to the people behind the screen. It wasn't the cameras that scared me, it was what other people would think of me. I eventually got better over time, and I wouldn’t swap my time as a TV Host for anything.

You are a fashion designer. Do you remember your first collection? Where did you show it?

I remember it like it was yesterday. My first ever fashion collection was presented at the New York Fashion week. It was inspired by my cat Jenny. Even though she’s an animal and can’t speak, she was there for me when I felt no one else was. I was only 6 years old, so I created a collection to prove to my cat just how much I loved her. It definitely did not work, but I was young and naive and creating a collection opened many doors for me.

How does one become a certified designer?

Passion, commitment and drive. You need to take courses, learn from others and find your own style and discover your talent along the way. Once you do, the only thing stopping you from being the best is yourself. You need to be patient, eager and devote yourself to what you love.

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You've been traveling at a young age to appear in shows of various brands. Which trip was your most favorite?

The trip I definitely most enjoyed was modeling in New York for Versace, which I’ve previously worked with in editorials and runways. However, all the trips I’ve gone on and all the brands I’ve worked with have given me amazing opportunities, and I’m beyond thankful to them for choosing me. For me, all the designers I’ve worked with are extremely talented and people I admire very much. But I’ll never forget the people who first gave me a chance, the people from Puerto Rico.

As a designer, how do you prepare for your show?

Before someone presents in a show, there has to be fittings, changes made to the clothes and rehearsals so models get to know the stage which they will be walking on, they have to know what to expect. Having a good support system also helps with nervousness, especially before a show.

Who participates in your show?

All kinds of people. One of the reasons my show was made was to give opportunities to other young girls who want the same thing as me. Throughout the show’s time, I believe it has consolidated and brought together hundreds of girls and boys and helped them achieve their dream goals. My show is a welcome to all people.

Are you moderating your own show?

In a way, yes. Of course there is a team of professionals who are giving orders and helping the team run the backstage, but I have helped with the design of the show, with the designers I would like to present and who I’d like to invite. But of course, nothing would be possible without the help of my crew, who help set up the stage, check the audio and songs and control the lights.

Who is your model icon and why? Do you consider yourself as an Icon for the future models and little girls?

I have several model icons. I adore models like Naomi Campbell, Anok Yai, Bella Hadid, Kate Moss, singers Jennifer Lopez and Olivia Rodrigo. I don’t consider myself an icon, but I do know I have inspired many other young girls like myself, and that always makes my day. Hopefully someday, I’ll be able to say I’ve inspired hundreds if not thousands of other girls like me.

How would you describe yourself? And how do you feel being an icon of fashion and rated as an international top model of a young age?

Despite my extracurriculars and projects, I still feel like I am like any other normal person. I think I am kind, smart and dedicated. It feels amazing to know that I’ve helped people and inspired others to accomplish their dreams. Being a Top Model is an honor, one which I understand not many others have. I am forever grateful to have all of these opportunities.

Tell us more about THE RUNWAY, Puerto Rican fashion show that you organized.

As I’ve said before, it’s about helping people like me accomplish their dreams. It was very frustrating going online and seeing other young girls dressed like adults, or not being included because they didn’t fit the criteria. I realized at a young age that beauty standards were a thing, and they were harmful. Creating THE RUNWAY was meant to fight back against beauty standards and give young powerful women a platform to live their dream.

Who participates in your show?

My show usually lasts two hours. Several designers participate in my show, some known and some just starting, but I am blessed to have been given the opportunity to give designers the platform to showcase their work. All kinds of people participate in my show, from girls to boys and teens.

Can you tell us your future dreams?

I have no idea what path lies ahead of me, but modeling, designing and acting are my passions. I hope to continue to inspire other girls and boys and eventually leave my mark in the world.