Tall, skinny, and morena, Queenie Salmon was often bullied for her appearance growing up. Being subject to teasing and name-calling, the Davaoeña was insecure about her looks—until a chance-viewing of a Victoria's Secret Fashion Show clip. "I was astonished to see those beautiful, skinny, and tall women," the now-25-year-old tells Preview, "I realized that there is actually a platform where my features are appreciated. From then on, I dreamt of being a model."
Her road to modeling might seem like a fairytale: getting scouted at a mall at just 13 years old, landing a freelance gig when she moved to Manila for university, and rising to the ranks of the prestigious Professional Model Association of the Philippines (PMAP). But, it took hard work and perseverance for the odds to align in her favor. She had to attend countless castings that didn't guarantee bookings, and more importantly, she had to overcome the same insecurities that plagued her growing up.
Queenie shares that as progressive as the industry is now, she didn't quite fit the model standard that was prevalent years back. Not only did she have a more athletic build as she played collegiate volleyball, but she was also told that her being morena was detrimental to her career. "I still even remember how my agent back then jokingly told me to drink Zonrox since skin whitening products aren’t working on me and I hardly get booked for jobs due to my dark skin," she confessed.
Luckily, Queenie has a solid support system of family and close industry friends. She pushed through with her chosen path, and after multiple rejections and redirections, she has found her footing and is now carving out her space under the sun.
Today, she proudly embraces the very characteristics that make her stand out: her skin and height. "The things that I was immensely insecure about while growing up, I now take it as my bullet in a massively competitive industry," Queenie says.
Preview Go-see: PMAP Model Queenie Salmon Model Bio
How did you get your start in the modeling industry? Tell us the story of how you got “discovered.”
"I was 13 years old and started as a runway model in my hometown, Davao City. I was just walking inside the mall and a local fashion designer approached me and asked if I wanted to be a model. He even went to our house and talked to my Mommylola. With that, I was convinced and decided to give it a shot by walking for him in a fashion show held at SM City Davao then introducing me to an agent. However, I wasn’t so active since I was moving back and forth between Japan and the Philippines, and had to focus on my studies."
"I started modeling in Manila in the year 2018 as a freelancer. My former teammate in UST walked for the Panasonic Manila Fashion Festival, so I asked her how she did it. She then introduced me to her agent and [I] landed my first job to walk in the Manila Fashion Festival. In the succeeding year, I attended the Professional Model Association of the Philippines’ open casting and was lucky to join their 2019 roster of new models and was promoted to Junior Model in the same year. Unfortunately, in 2020 a pandemic came so everything was halted. In September 2022, in celebration of PMAP’s 35th Anniversary, I was then appointed as one of their board members. Gratefully in that year, the fashion industry has been slowly recovering from the pandemic."
Would you say being a model is your dream job? Why or why not?
"Yes! Growing up, I was unusually skinny and tall for my age and was often bullied for my height and dark skin, causing me to feel immensely insecure about myself. One night, I saw a clip of Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show from a karaoke tv and I was astonished to see those beautiful, skinny, and tall women, and then I realized that there is actually a platform wherein my features are appreciated. From then on, I dreamt of being a model."
What was the biggest struggle you’ve faced in the modeling industry and how did you overcome it?
"As peculiar as it may sound, the biggest struggle that I faced was fitting into the industry’s physical standards. When I started modeling, morena skin wasn't appreciated. Clients and brands often go for white-skinned or caucasian models who are perceived as “beautiful” probably rooted in the fascination of Filipinos to western beauty. I still even remember how my agent back then jokingly told me to drink Zonrox since skin whitening products aren’t working on me and I hardly get booked for jobs due to my dark skin."
"Additionally, having an athletic figure, thick thighs, and big hips from playing volleyball, made me bigger than the standard model size. I am glad that the fashion industry is slowly progressing, seeing beyond the “beauty standard” that they used to perceive. Today, morena or dark skin is finally appreciated and I am proud to be one. In terms of my body measurements, that’s still something I’m working on by consistently going to the gym and doing my self-made circuit workout, and being cautious about what I eat. As a former athlete, I still have it in me to be active and healthy so it’s helping me keep in shape."
4. What would you say is the most memorable project you’ve done as a model so far?
"Every project that I did is memorable on its own; each of them was a learning experience and challenged me to not just do my best but exceed my own capability. Especially during fashion shows wherein you get to work with renowned directors such as Robby Carmona, Jackie Aquino, and Ariel Lozada—it is immensely important to perform, deliver, and give justice to the clothes and art pieces made by incredible designers."
"The most challenging project was opening the show for Lesley Mobo in Bench Fashion Week SS22. It was my first-ever bench show and my comeback to the fashion industry after retiring from volleyball. Historically, I’ve attended Bench casting thrice but got it my third time, I guess the third time’s the charm indeed! Most importantly, what makes a project memorable are the people you work with; all those amazing creatives—from models, directors, production teams, photographers, stylists, makeup artists, hair stylists, designers, photographers, writers, and editors."
How do you see your career progressing in the future? Do you have a dream modeling gig?
"Of course I am still dreaming big, possibly modeling abroad next year; dreaming of walking and working with famous brands. I seriously want to do more runways, I just love the feeling of walking down the catwalk. I am still a work in progress so am not closing my doors to any opportunities that come my way. I love and enjoy modeling but it is not a stable job so I am also preparing myself for the paths that I could possibly take when I am no longer young and eventually retire from modeling. I once dreamt of being a Diplomat but I’m putting that dream on hold now. But I’m planning to pursue a Master’s Degree in International Relations or Linguistic Studies soon too."
What’s something unique about you that sets you apart from all other models?
Definitely my height and skin, I stand 5 foot 11 and have naturally tanned skin. The things that I was immensely insecure about while growing up, I now take it as my bullet in a massively competitive industry. Through the years, I have learned to love and embrace my features and feel confident about it.
What’s your go-to model-off-duty look?
"My go-to model-off-duty look is a tube top, baggy pants, a baguette bag, and a pair of Onitsuka Tiger sneakers. And yes, I have an obsession with ASICS and Onitsuka Tiger shoes! It is an underrated, timeless, and classic Japanese shoe brand which is so durable, comfy, and stylish! From my gym shoes, indoor volleyball shoes, running shoes, to casual shoes, I have it all in ASICS."
"For makeup, I always opt for a light makeup or a no makeup look. I just wanna look as fresh and natural as possible."
In your own opinion, what are the characteristics of a great model?
"For me, a great model is adaptable and flexible. A model should be able to adapt and be flexible to any situation and be able to deliver the vision of the clients. I see models as a blank canvas wherein the creatives we work with are the artists; we should be able to successfully convey their art, minds, and emotions."
"Most importantly, a great model has a good attitude and work ethic. No matter how talented or skillful of a model you are, if you have a really bad attitude and poor work ethic, you won’t make it far. It is essential to respect and be kind to ALL the people you work with, in front and back of the camera and spotlight. Being a professional model goes beyond being a good catwalk, a pretty face, or incredible in front of the camera—you have to be an excellent communicator, respectful, and disciplined."
What’s your advice to aspiring models?
"My advice to aspiring models is to find an agency/agent who sees potential in you and could successfully present you. You should also be authentic and have your own persona and branding that differs from a pool of models, and know your strengths and weaknesses. You should be emotionally and mentally tough, the fashion industry is a very competitive field and can be really cruel; you will encounter tons of rejections and criticisms but take it as an inspiration for improvement. Invest time and effort to build yourself; train how to walk, pose, and learn [proper] work etiquette. And the most essential is to always be respectful and kind to create a healthy working environment. Moreover, surround yourself with good people who genuinely support and help you through ups and downs."
Hey, Preview readers! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Tiktok, and Twitter to stay up to speed on all things trendy and creative. We’ll curate the most stylish feed for you!
