Ahnnika Velasquez, the reigning Miss Jr. Teen Hollywood US Nation, reflects on her exhilarating experiences at New York Fashion Week, from walking the runway for top designers to seeing herself on a Times Square billboard. As a rising star in both modeling and acting, she balances her dual careers with grace and dedication. Inspired by Zendaya’s journey, Ahnnika aims to carve out her own path while staying humble and true to herself.
Photo Credit: IG – @wsikanderlife
What was your most memorable moment during this year’s New York Fashion Week, and how did it feel to represent your title as Miss Jr. Teen Hollywood US Nation on the runway?
Wow! So many memorable moments. I walked the runway at New York Fashion Week this year in February for Archie Brown Designs and this past September for Drisha Closet and four other boutique designers, but the most memorable moment during New York Fashion Week in February was seeing myself on one of the large Times Square billboards. It was very exciting to see myself up there in bright lights hanging over Times Square.
During September’s New York Fashion Week, I was so excited to be given the opportunity to open the show on the large runway at Sony Hall for the Drisha Closet. “Opening the runway show” means that the model selected is the first to walk out on the runway to present the Designer’s new collection. That was very exciting because it just validates that the Designer believes in you to set the mood on the runway while showcasing her collection.
As the Miss Jr. Teen Hollywood US Nation pageant titleholder, I am always happy and excited to wear my sash and crown every chance I get. Wearing it makes me feel special and reminds me of what I have accomplished and what I believe in, and that is to encourage and empower other young girls to be confident and to believe in themselves. We have the power to do anything we want — it just takes believing in yourself, being confident, being kind, and having an “I can do it!” attitude. Treat others as you would like to be treated.
Sometimes at a busy event, it can be difficult to handle the chaos backstage with grace. Can you share a time when things didn’t go as planned and how you managed to stay composed?
Chaos is an understatement. With so many models backstage trying to get their hair and makeup done, sometimes time runs out and it’s time to get dressed for the show. I do what I can and just go with the flow. Fortunately, with regards to hair and makeup, my mom has helped me tremendously and has had to do both my hair and makeup. One thing that I learned from my last experience backstage is that you always must stay kind no matter how chaotic it becomes. I’ve heard girls arguing backstage and others giving each other attitude. We are all in the same boat; the negativity isn’t needed and it just gets everyone worked up. On the other hand, I’ve met so many wonderful new friends backstage. My mom tells me to make sure that all that negativity doesn’t rub off on me. It doesn’t, I just keep to myself when those things happen.
Photo Credit: IG – Vera Velasquez
In addition to modeling, you’ve expressed a strong passion for acting, particularly in dramatic roles. How do you balance these two demanding careers, and where do you feel most at home—on set or on the runway?
These two careers are very demanding, but fashion weeks occur during certain times of the year usually in February/March for the Fall/Winter collections and September/October for the Spring/Summer collections. Whereas, acting occurs throughout the year. Fortunately, my modeling and acting careers have not yet conflicted with each other in terms of demand, but I do also mark myself as “Booked Out” when I already have plans and cannot be available for anything else. My mom-ager takes care of all my bookings and any preparations that are needed.
Where do I feel most at home? I can’t say that I’m more comfortable with one or the other because I am very comfortable with both. Being on set requires much more preparation mentally because there are lines to learn and emotions that come into play. I have moments with acting where some parts of the script just take more time to sink into my head or the lines feel like tongue twisters. But like with modeling, I go through hair and makeup and fittings to fit the scenes. With modeling, there are preparations that I do to make sure I look my best. Usually, about a week prior to any runway walk, I try to eat healthy and drink a lot of water so that I can get my “glow.” Staying on top of my skin regimen also becomes more important.
You’ve mentioned Zendaya as a role model. How has watching her career evolve influenced your own goals in the entertainment industry?
First, Zendaya comes from the Bay Area, which is where I was born and raised until Summer of 2023. She is also a Virgo like me and I can see that we have similar traits. I love how strong of a person Zendaya is and she has quite a bit of influence on me, but she remains to be humble and modest. My mom always tells me to stay humble no matter how big of a celebrity I become because people will respect that; they’ll respect me more. Watching Zendaya become a famous model and actor encourages me so much. I am barely 13 years old — I turned 13 in mid-September — and I am on the tall end standing at almost 5’7″ now. I’ve been told that being this tall is not on my side in terms of child acting, but I don’t let that discourage me. I know that when I become an adult, my height will be much better accepted in acting gigs. I’m projected to be as tall as Zendaya when I’m fully grown. Being almost 5’7″ is a big positive in terms of modeling though. I am usually categorized with the teens and adults when modeling because of my height. Add 3-4″ inches of heels and I’m quite tall. So, looking up to Zendaya keeps me encouraged. I sure hope to meet her someday.
What advice would you give to young aspiring models and actors who are just starting out, especially when it comes to handling rejection in the industry?
The advice I would give to young aspiring models and actors is that they should be their unique selves and work hard to get to where they want to be. Don’t be discouraged because there is always something for everyone. It may not be what you want, but it will end up being greater than you expected.
My journey is documented on social media if anyone would like to follow it. On Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, my handle is @theofficial.ahnnikamv
Photo Credit: IG – Jack Strini
