Mode around the Globe: Maria Legrada
Prince Waikiki, Hawaii
Photographed by NICK URTEAGA
Videography by NIKO VELASQUEZ & RYAN CHUA
www.princewaikiki.com
Maria Legrada
@misslegarda
Maria Legarda is taking on the industry by storm in a major way! This bilingual beauty packs a tumultuous punch as she wows us with her many talents. Maria, being of Colombian descent and raised in Atlanta, shows her vivacious personality and skills as an actress, content creator, businesswoman and philanthropist. Maria’s love for the entertainment industry began with her acting career. She has been a part of many different shows from Will Packer’s series on the OWN network, Ambitions, to Lifetime’s Devious Maids, Queen Sugar, Star, as well as movies such as Honey Rise Up and Dance alongside Teyana Taylor, and Night School with scenes opposite Kevin Hart. Her career as an actress led her to also find her passion for creating content on social media. From comedy skits, dance videos, cooking shows, beauty and lifestyle, Maria truly does it all. Her drive comes from being an example for other young Latinas to follow their dreams regardless of how big they may seem. Aside from creating content, Maria’s entrepreneurial side consists of her clothing line, Shop Legarda, her foundation The Legarda Foundation, which is based in Bogota, Colombia and helps children from vulnerable areas get involved in the arts. She has her own cooking show Cooking For Pendejas coming out this year, as well as her Podcast El Good Vibe and a television show which she will be executive producing and acting in.
Describe yourself in three words.
Genuine, kind, and wild.
What can people expect to see from your social media platforms?
Fun cooking videos, motivational messages inspiring women, and comedy.
What challenges did you overcome and which part seemed seamless?
Creating the platform I have today all started from me taking a leap of faith and just going out to LA for a month, at first in order to meet other creators and learn from them. I realized that the biggest challenge was not letting the voices in my head let me believe that I wasn’t capable of making this happen. Once I just trusted myself and stayed truthful to what is authentic to ME, the doors started to open and the process got easier.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
That I’ve never lost a game of musical chairs!
What’s a goal in your career you hope to accomplish?
Executive producing and starring in a show based on my family’s life and to really show women, specifically minorities, that we can have it all in this lifetime without having to give up our authentic selves.
What and who inspires you the most? Why?
My family inspires me most. Also, the thought of being able to inspire women all over the world is what really drives me. My family came to this country with no money and couldn’t even speak English, so for me it’s important to make them proud because they have sacrificed so much for me.
As an influencer, how do you hope to influence people through your platform?
I hope to inspire people to be their authentic self. If they wanna jump on top of a table and dance to do it. If they want to be introverted and not talk to anyone, then do that. I just want people to know that any version of you is acceptable as long as it’s true to yourself, because I live by that every day.
Who are your favorite content creators?
@tonioskits and @jayshetty
Are you working on any exciting projects you can share?
Yes, I will be dropping my line of candles this year, coming out with a podcast, a cooking show, and a scripted series.
What are three items in your closet you cannot live without?
My Nike Mochas, my workout shoes, and my neutral color crop tops.
Essential product in your beauty routine?
Rose oil, moisturizer, eyebrow pencil.
What was your favorite part of staying at Garza Blanca Cancun? What activities would you recommend for someone looking to visit?
Getting to know all of the girls and eating açaí bowls every morning. Definitely to go on a hike!
What are you looking forward to most in 2022?
To work harder than ever and travel more than I have!
What advice would you give to someone who aspires to have a career like yours?
Not to listen to anyone but do what your own heart and soul is telling you. Any dream is reachable. You just have to be bold and go for it, but always remember to be true to who you are and be a genuinely good person. It will take you further than anything.
What would you like to say to your fans?
I love you guys endlessly and your support and love for me no matter what I’m working on has no price to it. I can’t wait for you guys to see everything I’m working on.
