What It’s Really Like to Be a Runway & Editorial Model in 2025 (ft. La Unica)
By Contagion Media
In this video, Phoenix-based runway and editorial model Alexis Maciel, a.k.a. La Unica, shares an inside look at her modeling journey…from careful shoot-day preparation to finding confidence through the industry. A mom of two and former cannabis professional, Alexis explains how modeling became something she chose for herself after COVID, ultimately transforming her self-image and career path. She opens up about the behind-the-scenes hustle of shoots, the value of agency representation, and why the creative chaos is her favorite part. Her story is a reminder that growth comes from showing up, staying professional, and believing in yourself.
Video Transcription
Hi. My name is Alexis Maciel, a.k.a. La Unica. I'm a model, a runway model.
Can you tell us about your typical day?
From, like, when I wake up to… okay, my typical day as a model, I do a lot of the prep day before, so, the date of it runs as smooth as possible. So the day before I'll prep my model bag, like my heels, my outfits for the shoot, my jewelry, everything that's for the shoot. I'll prep that, and then the day of, in the morning, I'll wake up really early. I'll do my hair and I'll do my makeup. I try to prep really well, and then the day of, I'm good to go once the once the time comes, I try to show up a little bit early so we can, you know, discuss the mood for the shoot and the scenes and everything.
How did your modeling journey begin?
I'm a mom of two cute little babies, and I'm married. I first started modeling back in 2021. So before modeling, I was in the cannabis industry, and I was doing that for a long time, and I didn't really have, like, a thing that I did for myself. So once everything, shut down, you know, the whole covid, everything, I was like, I need to do something that's for me. I stopped working in the cannabis industry, and was like, I need to do something different. And then I tried modeling, and it really taught me how to look in within myself, and then I see myself in a different light, and I feel like I gained a lot of confidence through that. So I signed up for an agency, and then I did my first runway show, and that's what got me into runway modeling. And from there, I just been doing a whole bunch of collabs and getting to know a lot of people through the industry.
Can you tell us more about the steps you took to become a professional model?
So my modeling journey started. I went to different agencies, did my own comp card, did my own measurements, like bought a measuring tape, the whole nine yards, bought some heels, got my own model bag, like, just everything to become a model. Like, I was trying to be prepared for it, and I went to an agency, signed up.
The benefits of being with an agency is they help you get your face out there a little bit further. I feel than just you doing it by yourself. I mean, I feel like you could get your face out there more, but since they have the marketing and the websites and they know more people, I feel like it's easier for you get more jobs that way.
Photo of La Unica, Brazyl Guerrido, & EJ Mañón by KBR | Contagion Media
I had to take pictures with them to get my modeling profile with them, and everything. They help out with your pictures. They help out with just basically everything that you need for your modeling needs. They give you tips and tricks, and they help you out a lot with, like, anything modeling, basically. And then once, like, I started doing gigs with them, that's when I started doing gigs with, like, a whole bunch of different photographers doing like, collabs and stuff. So I was just trying to gain experience and have fun doing it too. So, yeah, that's how I first started, and now I'm doing modeling like it's nothing. I'm not nervous anymore, and it's really fun.
Is there a specific moment where you first got inspired to start modeling?
The specific moment I got inspired to model was because my mom. She saw the beauty in me to model, but at that time, I was not I was not vibing with it. I didn't like to be in front of cameras. I was just like, No, I don't think this is for me. But then as I got older, I thought, okay, I'll try it out. And then it was just really easy. So I was just like, let me go ahead and start going full force into it. So that's when… I feel like I wasn't inspired, but I got introduced to it when I was really young. So I was like, maybe I can do it when I got older, because people would tell me, you should do modeling, why aren't you a model? And I thought, Nah, it's not for me. I don't really like it. But then I was like, You know what? I'll try it. I just gave it a try.
And then now I'm here. Now I'm modeling, published. Doing shows and everything, just getting out there and having fun with the photographer, the assistants, everybody who's around getting the shot.
What is your favorite part of being a model?
Like, having fun getting the shot, because sometimes you got to redo it and, it takes a couple takes to get the shot sometimes, but it's actually pretty fun. I like the hecticness of doing a photo shoot. So I think that's my favorite part of being a model, is meeting everybody, getting to know everybody, and doing so many takes of the shots to get the shot, and then finally seeing the final result. Like, that's my favorite part, knowing that we had to do so many different things just to get the shot, creating memories that you can remember when you're doing your shoots, because it's just more fun that way.
When did your perspective change on modeling?
I feel like my perspective changed about modeling when I became a model. You see the final product, and you're like, Oh, dang. That's like, super clean. Everything is super nice. And, like, you don't think there's that much work that goes into it. But then you're like…Wait, hold on, there's a whole behind the scenes of this whole modeling industry. But I like that part. That's where the memories come. That's where you make your friends, that's where you get the best shoots. I feel when you have those crazy stories. So my perspective changed when just being involved in that part of the industry, the hecticness of it.
What advice do you have for models that are trying to become models?
My advice for aspiring models is to just get out there. Don't be scared or like, don't listen to the negative thoughts that you have, because you never know what you're capable of until you actually get out there and try it out. Because if you don't try it out, you never know and have a positive mindset, like even if it is kind of not going your way, be professional at all times, but I feel like challenges are good for you. They make you grow.
Final Thoughts
La Unica’s journey is proof that modeling isn’t just about the final image but about the preparation, the people, and the confidence built behind the scenes. From balancing motherhood to stepping fully into her power on the runway, her story reflects what happens when you choose yourself and commit to growth.
The fashion industry may look effortless from the outside, but as Alexis shows, the real magic lives in the chaos, collaboration, and courage it takes to show up consistently. For anyone standing at the edge of a creative leap, her message is simple: try, stay professional, and trust what you’re capable of becoming.
Want to watch the full mini documentary series? Subscribe to Contagion Media on Youtube.
Edited by KBR on December 28, 2025
