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21st Jun 2019
Veronica Pome’e is a force to be reckoned with. Since make waves as the first Polynesian model to be featured in Sports Illustrated’s illustrious Swimsuit Issue, the New York-based beauty has made it her mission to empower the youth of today, while simultaneously breaking boundaries and challenge stereotypes.
On top of that, Pome’e has taken it upon herself to make the most of her new platform, using her reach to increase the awareness of rising sea levels, together with the overall effect of climate change. In fact, she recently met with Princess Frederica Tuita of Tonga, while in Fiji for the “innovative” and “eye-opening” experience that was the Fiji Fashion Festival, to talk about just that.
“There is a duty that I have to my people, to my ancestors, to the world at large, to make sure that I utilise my platform, and that I continue to do the work that really matters,” she told Vogue. “I love everything else that comes with being a Sports Illustrated model, but I think that for me, I have to pay respect and give props to the people who did it before me.”
Pome’e confessed that when she initially stepped into the modelling industry, she hadn’t considered the social responsibility that would come with the new role she’d taken on, but feels honoured to be given the opportunity to make a change.
In spite of her success, it wasn’t always smooth sailing for Pome’e. As a plus-sized model from the Pacific Islands, it took a considerable amount of time to overcome a number of obstacles that stood in her way. The main one being a lack of support from her family, and her community.
“As a Pacific Islander, you don’t really see too many of us in these spaces,” she shared. “When I first started I got a lot of backlash. I didn’t get a lot of support from my community because it was really taboo.”
As those around her began to understand her intentions, take note of the positive change she was promoting, and embrace the spotlight that had been cast on the Pacific Islands as a result of her success, she confirms her community came full circle, rallying around her in a show support.
“Sometimes your journey isn’t for everyone to understand, it’s just for you and that’s divine. It’s like its own unique blueprint, and it’s only going to be for you to take,” she told Vogue. “I think that it’s really important for girls to really trust in themselves and follow their heart, because there are already so many things that go against us.”
It should come as no surprise that as Pome’e continued to break the mould, she became both a spokesperson and a positive role model for those looking to follow in her footsteps – a role she doesn’t take lightly.
“I feel like that’s one of the reasons why I did pursue a career in [modelling], because if you want to be able to have an influence, you have to have a seat at that table,” the model shared. “It’s really important for you to take care of you, take care of your feelings, make sure that you’re performing at your highest level so that you can share that with everyone else.”
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As for what’s next for Pome’e? The answer is: a lot. Showing no signs of slowing down, the model plans to continue working on passion projects that engage the youth, as well as those that cater to mental health. She’s also set to launch a skincare line that pays homage to her roots. Is there anything she can’t do?