Ethel, a Cuban model, posted a reel on Instagram where she openly discusses the rejections she has faced in the fashion industry, including a recent one from Victoria's Secret, and delivers a message of resilience aimed at those going through similar experiences.
"Victoria's Secret told me no. Honestly, a few months ago that would have affected me a lot," the model confesses in the video posted on Thursday.
The young model explains that she has learned to process rejection differently: "When we are starting out, we think that every 'no' is an evaluation of who you are. Every 'no' is information; it's learning, often in life in general."
In his video, he emphasizes that in the fashion industry, selection depends on factors that go far beyond talent or preparation: "In this industry, sometimes you simply are not what they're looking for. Someone fits that profile better for that moment, for that specific casting. But that doesn't mean you're not good enough."
Victoria's Secret's rejection might be related to the global casting that the brand opened for its Fashion Show 2026, whose registration deadline was May 28th, with in-person auditions in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami.
Although the call was described as more open and inclusive than in previous editions, the requirements to become a Victoria's Secret Angel remain quite demanding: representation by elite agencies such as IMG Models, Elite, or DNA Models, experience in international campaigns, and a strong social media presence.
In her post, Ethel also highlights something that few figures in the industry dare to say: that social media distorts the reality of the profession by only showcasing successes. "We usually present victories, contracts, campaigns, and achievements. But behind all that, there are also auditions that don't go well, missed opportunities, and closed doors," she asserts.
Its central message is aimed directly at those who might give up in the face of a series of rejections: "Don’t turn a no into your identity, keep trying, and continue preparing for when the moment arrives."
Afro-descendant and Latina models have historically faced additional barriers in international fashion, linked to stereotypes about traits considered "marketable," which adds a particular dimension to Ethel's narrative as an Afro-Cuban model.
The post generated a remarkable response within its community, with dozens of comments indicating that the message resonated with other professionals and aspiring individuals in the field.
"Dreams are not achieved by avoiding rejection but by surviving it," Ethel concludes, summarizing her experience and commitment to moving forward.
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