Meet Irina Navarrete | Fashion model, modeling coach, state director of the beauty pageant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Irina Navarrete and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Irina, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Me being in a Fashion and beauty industry for 20 years made me a strong and confident person who wants to help other ladies all over the world to find themselves and believe in themselves.

I have a makeup and hair company and work with brides all over the world. I love to see how happy and confident every bride feels after me doing her makeup and hair. I help them to see how beautiful they are. I don’t do a magic. Even if they say it 🙂 Looking to every person I can see the best version of themselves and I can draw this picture and open their natural beauty.

Another part of my business is connecting with Fashion. I have been modeling since I was 15 years old. And I remember that day. When my life changed.
From shy and closed off girl I transformed to a confident lady. I saw myself from a different angle and saw a beautiful young girl who can do anything she wants and who can become a successful model.

After years of modeling for designers, magazines, agencies, events I had a dream to help other young girls and women of all ages to have the same transformation.
At the age of 26 I become a coach in a modeling school. And now I have many students here in Texas for catwalk and posing workshops. Those workshops are not only about walking and posing in front of a camera. It’s more about feeling beautiful and confident. About posture and face expressions. About changing life for the best.

What gave me even more confidence and allowed me to become who I am right now? It’s a participation in beauty pageants around the world. My first time trying myself in a pageant was at my 19 years old. I made a first cut but never made it further. I didn’t have anyone to explain me this but now I know it’s ok. It was for better.
Next pageant was successful and changed my life again.
For the last 7 years since I moved to USA I won several titles: local, national and I hope to win an international this year.
I’ve been competing in states and Europe.
It made me even stronger and more motivated, compassionate and passionate about my work and my legacy.
It helped me to learn English, to improve my speaking skills and conquer my insecurities.

Let me tell you the story…why was I insecure being a child and a teenager?
I had an open heart surgery when I was 5 years old. And I had a different life than all other kids. I didn’t play any sports and was feeling different and weak. But pageantry and modeling made me to overcome this. And now I’m thankful for this experience because I am a real example of a person who writes my own story.
I embrace it and I want to share my story and help others overcome their insecurities and pain.

Now I am a state director of one of the greatest and kindest beauty pageant organizations, Miss Global Universal.
I invite and help women from all over the state to compete and get more confident and successful.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
More unique and unusual you are – more recognizable you can be. Don’t try to copy anyone. Just take your time to find your way and show your story.

I love painting and my art education helps me in a beauty and fashion industry for sure.
Going to every show or Photoshoot I do my own makeup and hair and express myself.
Competing in every pageant I do my own hair and makeup that also shows how much I invest to everything I do.

I always see a clear picture in my mind. And I paint it on myself or my client’s faces 🙂

I miss real painting. And I don’t do it for a while because I don’t have enough time in a day…but I made a promise to myself and set a goal for the future to start painting again.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a founder of a nonprofit charity organization, Houston Volleyball Group. I shared my story with this amazing group of people before 🙂

If I would have someone visiting a city I would definitely invite them to play with us because it’s not only about having fun playing but about meeting great people, making new friends and enjoying fresh air in a park and making unforgettable memories.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mom is my best friend and support who motivated me all my life. She went through a lot with me and I want to thank her for being so strong and being there for me.

My husband, Robert, for always listening and being my mental and emotional support.

I want to thank Miss Global organization and a national director Suzi. For giving me the opportunity to represent the pageant in Texas.

Website: stylist-houston.com

Instagram: @irina_borodina_model

Image Credits
Photogrephers: Erica Bonorden Amalya Shandelman Pixart Images / Raj Nitro Icon3Studios