Born in Florida, Supermodel Josie Canseco is one of the most recognizable women in America. Her father is Cuban-American Major League Baseball legend Jose Canseco and mother is Jessica Canseco who was herself a successful actress and model.
Josie Canseco burst on to the modelling scene after being chosen by Katie Grand and David Sims to shoot for the iconic LOVE magazine, and she then went on to star in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in New York. Currently based in Los Angeles, Josie is very popular on social media and continues to pursue her career as a model, actress and role model to her millions of followers worldwide.
Dress, Bronx & Banco. Shoes, Rogers Pearson
HARPER’S BAZAAR: How long have you been working in the modelling industry? What are some of your favorite moments thus far?
JOSIE CANSECO: I’ve been working in the modelling industry since I was 15 years old, and it’s been a rollercoaster of a journey that I’m grateful for.
One of my favourite moments, or I guess you could say times of my life was when I first moved to New York at 17 years old. Back then, I was alone and in debt trying to carve a name for myself. I was terrified, and constantly scrutinized and rejected. But thanks to that time period, I experienced so much personal growth because of how much the experience took me outside of my comfort zone. I loved every second of it and needed it to gain a backbone and solid work ethic.
Dress, Bronx & Banco. Shoes, Rogers Pearson
HARPER’S BAZAAR: When it comes to deciding what jobs to take on in your career, how hands on are you when it comes making those decisions?
JOSIE CANSECO: I’m extremely hands on with everything I do, and I think that comes from being on my own a lot as a kid. It’s hard to let people dictate what’s best for me when I’ve always had to run my own ship, but I’m very lucky to have an amazing team of people that guide my decision making. I’ve learned to be more trusting and open minded to a group effort on work and life choices, but I ultimately will pull the chord on anything that doesn’t feel authentic to me.
Dress, Bronx & Banco. Shoes, Rogers Pearson
HARPER’S BAZAAR: You’re now a brand. How is it important for you to have a voice in this business as a young woman?
JOSIE CANSECO: I still tend to disassociate a lot, but the older I get and the more I go through, the more I understand the responsibility I have to speak up on important matters. I don’t consider myself famous or successful or a brand to be honest, I’m just a human being doing her best, but when I hear that people might look up to my perspective and way of life, it makes me feel guilty if I don’t stand up for what I believe in. I want to try my best to be a role model for anyone who understands and supports me.
Dress, Bronx & Banco
HARPER’S BAZAAR: What are some key moments you had in life where you knew modelling was the right career choice for you?
JOSIE CANSECO: I don’t think if I’ve ever really “known” modelling was for me. I just grew passionate about what it entailed. I fell in love with modelling as I love working with new people every day, traveling the world alone and experiencing different cultures.
Exercising constantly, keeping a structured sleep schedule with good nutrition, discipline and self-awareness are so important in helping me live my best life.
Dress, Bronx & Banco
Dress, Bronx & Banco
HARPER’S BAZAAR: Outside of modelling you enjoy charity work. Can you explain to us why that’s important to you?
JOSIE CANSECO: I’ve always had a soft spot for animals, and the way they feel and love humans, but without any voice. The way they suffer and are mistreated by humans on occasions breaks my heart, so I’ve been working on farms and with animal shelters since I was around 10 years old. It’s important to me because I feel it’s my purpose, to help and nurture these vulnerable animals.
The more I educated myself on animal cruelty, the more passionate I naturally became about it. I hope to one day open my own sanctuary for neglected and abused animals and give them a place to rehabilitate while we find their forever homes.
HARPER’S BAZAAR: How would you describe your style?
JOSIE CANSECO: Sporty, occasionally chic, a bit tomboy and effortless. Sometimes I like to dress up but I’m usually comfortable in sweats and a crew neck. I always choose comfort over style.
HARPER’S BAZAAR: Favourite destinations for travel?
JOSIE CANSECO: Anywhere that takes me out of my comfort zone.
HARPER’S BAZAAR: Please share some life hacks from someone who seems to be on the road a lot with work.
JOSIE CANSECO: Preserve your energy for the important stuff. Do not spread yourself too thin over too many obligations because you’ll burn out. Have a good schedule that keeps you busy but prioritize your mental health and social life as well! My friends and family keep me sane. I don’t know what I would do without them.
Blazer Dress, Hanifa
HARPER’S BAZAAR: What are some of your favourite brands you would like to work with in future?
JOSIE CANSECO: I’m huge on skincare and would love to build with a brand that is vegan and cruelty free and helps showcase natural skin and beauty.
HARPER’S BAZAAR: You have healthy skin and hair. Can you give us some products you’re loving at the moment?
JOSIE CANSECO: I use a few different facial products and I especially love Barbara Sturm. I usually change my skincare routine every year and she’s my current obsession. I use OlaPlex shampoo and conditioner and always add oils to keep my hair hydrated and shiny.
Dress, Retrofete
***Team Credits***
Starring: Josie Canseco @josiecanseco
Photographer: Irvin Rivera @graphicsmetropolis
Produced by Rhiyen Sharp @rhisharp at The Garden Of Mirrors
Stylist: Valentine Parewa @iamvalentinoooo
Make-up Artist: Christopher Miles @christophermilesmakeup using @giorgioarmani Beauty
Hairstylist: Gabriella Mancha @iamgabriellamancha
Photo Assistant: Jesse Zapatero @jessezapatero
Assistant producer: Michael miller @mikedharma_
Head of CREATIVE: Rhiyen Sharp @rhisharp at The Garden Of Mirrors
Interview by: Michael Miller
Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam
