Meet: Janini Milet: LA Mama and Model
“I think for every industry the best thing you can do is to be truthful to what sparks your heart. Clients will follow and you will be happier if you relate deeply to what you are working with, no matter what it is.”
WHAT DO YOU DO AND WHAT LED YOU TO THIS CAREER?
I’m a fashion model from Brazil. I started working at 14 yrs old and traveling the world at 17. Now I’m 34 and it has been a long ride working hard with tons of different clients all over. I always had the dream of traveling and I guess this was the way I found to do so. Things were very different back then, before Instagram, before the world was traveling. I’m so grateful I took that the unknown path at the time, as it took me to where I am today: Living in LA with my dream family and full of projects!
WHAT ARE THE NAMES AND AGES OF YOUR CHILDREN?
Maximus, he’s 1 year old.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CAREER ACHIEVEMENT THUS FAR?
I think to be able to achieve all that I achieved by myself as a young teenager leaving home in Brazil was pretty badass! I’ve learned so many different skills because of that independence. It allowed me to help my family and friends so many times with the abundance that was gifted. I am truly grateful for the amazing companies I’ve worked with (beauty brands, clothes, sportswear, and swimwear), the 30-plus TV commercials I’ve been on, the tons of magazines I’ve been featured in, the many incredible photographers I’ve collaborated with, and a movie and a reality show I got to do!
WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING ASPECT OF BEING A MOTHER?
The blessing of motherhood is like nothing else in the world! To watch Max grow and discover the world a little bit every day is incredible. His personality unfolding amazes me every day. I feel so blessed he chose me.
AND WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING?
The sleepless nights. It really builds into your nerve system and can be a dangerous thing if we don’t find ways to get some rest here and there. Stress can literally make you crazy! I’m grateful that my husband is an amazing dad and is with me all the way. We organized a pretty good schedule now that Max is a bit older and not eating much at night, so we are both getting a bit more sleep and even finding time to be together as a couple again. Organization is key!
WHAT IS YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR SOMEONE NEW TO YOUR INDUSTRY?
I think for every industry the best thing you can do is to be truthful to what sparks your heart. Clients will follow and you will be happier if you relate deeply to what you are working with, no matter what it is.
WHAT IS YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR A NEW MOTHER?
Do not resist the pull of motherhood. Allow it to change you. Allow it to be a different and unknown journey. Trust that the universe knows better. Also, allow your child to be his or her own person, not who you wish they were. Really see and cherish them for who they are entirely.
WHAT'S NEXT FOR YOU? DO YOU HAVE ANY EXCITING PROJECTS COMING UP?
My husband and I work a lot together. He has a background in fashion and design, and also with the luxury industry. The past two years we have been working with renovations and interiors and finished three beautiful homes in the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles. Now we feel ready to get on different fashion related projects and we are both working on building blocks of each of our businesses, separately this time. At the moment we are creating our warehouse space, business planning, and working on a product line. I can't wait to share something more tangible very soon when it’s all ready to go.
Follow Janini at @janinimilet