Melanie Pauw @kleine_aapje_1999
In this special Perumira Global Talent interview, we’re thrilled to introduce Melanie Pauw, a dynamic and inspiring plus-size model from the Netherlands. With her striking confidence and natural charm, Melanie is redefining beauty standards in the fashion industry, becoming a powerful voice for body positivity and self-acceptance.
Born and raised in the Netherlands, Melanie brings authenticity and style to every campaign she’s part of, challenging conventional ideas about beauty with each photoshoot. Her journey as a plus-size model highlights her commitment to inspiring women of all sizes to embrace their bodies and feel empowered. Melanie’s work resonates deeply, not only due to her captivating presence but also because of her determination to promote diversity and inclusion in fashion.
In this exclusive interview, Melanie shares the highs and challenges of her career, her thoughts on the evolving landscape of plus-size fashion, and her advice for aspiring models seeking to make their mark. She discusses her mission to reshape industry standards and build a more inclusive platform where every body is celebrated.
Join us as Melanie Pauw offers an inside look at her inspiring journey, her commitment to empowerment, and her vision for a future where beauty embraces diversity. Discover the story behind this remarkable model as she continues to break barriers and redefine success on her own terms.
1.- Melanie, tell me about the city where you were born and raised. What do you like about your hometown:
I was born in Woerden, this is where I lived until I was 3 years old. Then I moved to Linschoten and mostly grew up there. I think Woerden is a very beautiful town because it has a lot of history. In several places you can find old monuments in Woerden and you are taken into the history of Woerden.
2.- What are your hobbies? What makes you laugh or gives you pleasure?
I really enjoy playing soccer, I played soccer for quite a few years. I also really enjoy playing darts, I played competition darts for several years. Singing is a great passion and I can always express my feelings in it. I also enjoy writing poems and stories. I also really enjoy doing fun things with my loved ones which gives me a lot of pleasure, relaxation and satisfaction. I also love to be a model!
3.- Plus-Size Model. When did you decide to take your first steps as a model? How do you feel about achieving your dreams, your passions and being a recognized influential woman today?
As a child I always loved taking selfies, posing for the camera but I never dared to look further into opportunities to become a model because I was very insecure. I was afraid that my insecurity would take over and therefore I would not get beautiful pictures. Last year I became well sick with Crohn’s disease and realized that it is important to do what makes me happy. I took the step to do a few photo shoots and found it very exciting and especially uncomfortable. By taking my time and working on my self-confidence, several photo shoots came up this year, all of which made me feel better. It gives me a great feeling to chase my dreams and do what my heart desires. I am very honored that there are people who look up to me.
4.- What do you think is Melanie’s distinctive, unique stamp in every activity you do as a model?
That I am always myself. It is very clear to me who I am, what I stand for and what I want to portray. Every now and then I try different styles to find out what suits me and what definitely doesn’t. By doing things you wouldn’t do at first, you develop your own identity, which is important for further growth in what you do and what you want to achieve.
5.- What is the most important virtue every woman must have to be an international model?
It is very important to have fun in being a model, everything you are you radiate and you see it back on the photo. If you feel scared, insecure or uncomfortable, please speak up and discuss it. In addition, it’s nice to be confident and if you are not, that’s okay too; everything is a learning process and everything can be learned. The stronger you are as a model the more you radiate this and the more optimally you can enjoy your own process and the road to your dreams.
6.- Are you aware that you are an influencer for thousands of girls who want to become models? How important is it for you to be an idol for many girls and teenagers?
Very frankly, I am not aware of being an influential woman. In my opinion, everyone is equal. Everyone has their talents, their pluses and minuses but most of all their own learning. For me it is not important to want to be above anyone, I think it is important that girls and teenagers know that where there is a will there is a way. That if you want something badly it doesn’t matter how you get there as long as you get there. And that you never have to do things you don’t like and can always express what feels right and what doesn’t. By sharing my story I only hope that there are many girls who know that they are good the way they are and that with the right attitude you can get anywhere. And if there is only one girl who can benefit from my story and dares to take a step forward, then I am already very proud.
7.- What was your feeling when you first modeled in front of a camera?
I found it incredibly exciting. I knew I was having super fun but also felt a lot of pressure to have to perform. This gave me insecurity and fear of wanting to continue as a model. Meanwhile, I am still very insecure and in my learning process but I know that it is okay and that I am good the way I am and that you are never too old to learn.
8.- What do you think about the power of social media today?
That you can encourage people from a distance and follow each other. Also, being able to invest intensively in your future and that with the push of a button you can spread your photos on different social media. However, I think that is also the biggest fear of social media that many young people but also certainly older people easily post things without seeing the consequence. A photo that is on social media never goes off and can be found anywhere. It is important to be aware of what you do want to share and what may be seen and what may not and that you absolutely do not post these things.
9.- How do you like to interact with your followers on social media? What is your favorite social media?
My favorite social media is Instagram, Facebook. I find these enjoyable platforms to share my journey with my followers. I also find it important to keep attention to my followers, always willing to answer questions or just simply express a token of appreciation.
10.- What would you advise young people who have talent but are afraid to take the next step? What would you advise parents who do not support their children’s talents?
I would advise young people to make a plan of action, where are you now and where do you eventually want to be. For this, a step-by-step plan can be very helpful to move towards your dream step by step. This makes it clear and you always have in black and white what you want to achieve. In addition, my advice is to give yourself the chance to do what you like. Everyone is good the way they are and everyone can achieve what they want with the right mindset. Believe in yourself, radiate joy and then the rest will come naturally. To all parents who do not support the talents of their children, I advise you to talk to your child and listen to what he or she really wants and how you can achieve this together in a way that is pleasant for both parties. In doing so, you can express certain fears or expectations in order to reach a solution together. Example:
Child wants to post pictures on social media to be seen to grow. Parent does not support this because she is afraid of the consequences of social media. Middle ground could be you create a private account and post the photos there then both parties have what they wanted.
Ultimately, of course, the important thing is that your child is happy and can pursue his or her dreams. Left or right it does not matter, there are more roads leading to Rome.
11.- What important lessons have you learned from the fashion world?
That sometimes the fashion world can be very hard. That sometimes you can be rejected and that that can feel very bad. However, it is important to turn your disappointment into willpower. You put your shoulders to the wheel and show what you have in you. And that it is very important to believe in yourself, you are beautiful the way you are.
12.- Melanie, was it easy for you to be a model? Were there any obstacles? How did you overcome those obstacles?
No, it was definitely not easy there were many obstacles which I found very difficult to overcome. But in the end it’s about believing in yourself, being open to feedback and growing with the right tools. Willpower and perseverance has brought me to where I am today.
13.- Have you thought about becoming an actress? Do you like the entertainment industry?
I never thought about becoming an actress although I really enjoy entertaining people. Besides, acting classes can also be very helpful in your modeling career. For now I’ll stick to modeling but who knows what the future holds for me.
14.- Worldwide, women have gained a greater role even though there are societies where they are still abused. What is your opinion on the role of women in the future in these societies?
That every woman is beautiful and does not deserve to be treated that way. I think women are equal to men and should be allowed to stand up for their rights. Diversity is very important to create a good society. I would very much wish these women to get out of this situation and one day be able to do what makes them happy. Believe in yourself and never give up!
15.- Melanie, what is your motivation and what are you grateful for every day?
Mindset is everything is my motto!
I am thankful every day for the opportunities I get and the people who love me.
16.- Melanie, do you like to travel? What countries do you know? What other countries would you like to learn about and what places do you recommend visiting from your home country?
I definitely love to travel, however, it costs so much money that it is not always feasible to be able to go everywhere I would like to go. I used to vacation very often in Scotland I think this is a beautiful country with very nice scenery, I have taken a cruise down the Nile in Egypt and have been to Turkey. I would like to go to Thailand, Bali, America, Ireland and New Zealand. In terms of places in the Netherlands, I would recommend going to Vlissingen, Middelburg, Zoutelande, Veere. I am a great lover of Zeeland and always say: the waves of the sea helps me get back to me.
17.- You and I (Jaime William) will play ping pong, I tell you a word and you answer with another word that comes to mind.
– Marriage Commitment
– Children Great
– Love Affection
– Travel Freedom
– Abortion Forbidden
– Dancing Fun
– Singing Exhaust valve
– Europe Ireland
– America Hollywood
– Sport Healthy
– Money Handy
– Parents Example
– Living the Dreams
– Exude Passion
– Character Strong
18.- Melanie, your last words or final tips
I want to thank everyone for reading my story, I hope there are people who have been inspired and remember that you are always good the way you are and you can become anything if you believe in it yourself.
Interview conducted by Jaime William Mostacero Baca with Melanie Pauw – Netherlands
Dutch language
Melanie Pauw Contact: WhatsApp
Interview authorized in writing by WhatsApp : Melanie Pauw – Perumira – Jaime William
All Rights Reserved in the name of Melanie Pauw – Perumira – Jaime William
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