Interview with Yuni Carey

Yuni Carey is an American model, dancer, and beauty pageant queen of Cuban descent, known not only for her striking beauty and magnetic stage presence but also for her resilience and spirit. Born in 1981 in Santa Clara, Cuba, Yuni moved to the United States as a child, where she was lovingly raised by her grandparents, whom she calls her parents. America became the place where she could fully realize her identity and pursue the life she had always dreamed of. With a deep passion for fashion, beauty, and performance, Yuni began her modeling career in Los Angeles in 2004. Her charisma quickly caught attention, and she soon found herself immersed in the pageant world, where she truly flourished. In 2006, she won the coveted Queen of the Universe title, marking her as a rising star among transgender beauty queens.

 

Her pageant career includes multiple accolades, most notably two appearances at the prestigious Miss International Queen pageant in Thailand. In 2011, she placed in the Top 10 and was crowned Miss Photogenic, while in 2014 she returned to earn the titles of 2nd Runner-Up Best Talent and Miss Congeniality, charming judges and audiences alike. Yuni is celebrated not only for her elegance but also for her sincerity, humor, and warmth. She brings fierce glamour to the runway but remains grounded in her values: self-love, compassion, and authenticity. Outside the pageant world, she dedicates herself to mentoring young transgender girls preparing for competitions, sharing her knowledge and uplifting the next generation of queens. As a proud trans woman, Yuni has built her life on strength and perseverance. Without a roadmap or role model to follow, she created her own path guided by faith, determination, and the power of a Mariah Carey ballad. Today, she uses her story to inspire others, reminding us that dreams are real and that beauty begins with the courage to be yourself.

 

Monika: Hi Yuni! I've been wanting to interview you for ages, so this truly feels like a dream come true.

Yuni: Hi Monika! I'm so happy to be here, it's a joy to chat with such a beautiful and inspiring sister like you.

Monika: You always look so effortlessly radiant! If you had to bottle your beauty secrets and sell them, what would be the main ingredients?

Yuni: Aww, thank you, my love, that’s very sweet of you. Well, I like to stay on top of myself by always taking good care of my diet and eating well-balanced food, as well as maintaining straightforward nutrition. A few secrets would be hormones, which are very important, as well as dancing to stay in shape. And always, on top of all, fashion and the best beauty products. A trans woman has to always stay on top of things to be stunning. I also never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep and the confidence that comes from living authentically. Beauty starts from within, and when you feel happy, it shines through.

 

Courtesy of Yuni Carey.

 

Monika: For those just getting to know you, how would you introduce yourself in your own fabulous words?

Yuni: I was born in Cuba 20 years ago, lol, just kidding! I was born in 1981 on the most beautiful island of the Caribbean, Santa Clara, Cuba. I moved to the United States with my grandparents, but in reality, in my eyes, they are my parents because they spent their years raising me always with love and support. Here in America, I had the opportunity to become the woman I always dreamed of being. I am very passionate about beauty, fashion, and all the beautiful things God has put on this earth for us to enjoy. I believe every woman should embrace her uniqueness and follow her dreams fearlessly. Life is a journey, and I try to live mine with style, grace, and a grateful heart.

I enjoy beauty pageants, modeling, traveling, music, dancing, and learning about the history and cultures of the world. I'm very strong because life has made me tough that way! I'm loving because my parents taught me to treat everyone with love and respect. I'm also very funny and enjoy making my friends laugh. I try to live life as it comes, without regrets. 

I've learned that everything happens for a reason, and while we can’t always change the past, we can shape the future. I'm the kind of person who wants to make history, so that one day, when I’m gone, people from around the world can look at my life and, hopefully, feel a little hope and joy. I want to inspire others to never give up.

Monika: Yuni, you have such a radiant presence, both online and in your photos. What does it feel like to step into the world of modeling and be celebrated for your beauty?

Yuni: Well, I don't feel that way, since I don't feel that my transformation is complete. But it does feel amazing to know that I'm living the life I always wanted to live. Every day I look in the mirror and feel proud to have achieved all my dreams of becoming the woman I always wanted to be. I feel accomplished but not finished, since I believe we "trans" women are never done growing and becoming the best women we can be. I feel like the older we get, the more beautiful we become, because we learn to love everything, from the inside to the outside. The older, the wiser, and the more confident. And that makes any woman truly beautiful. Modeling has helped me express myself in ways I never imagined. It reminds me every day that visibility is power, and that our stories matter.

 

Queen of the Universe 2006.
Courtesy of Yuni Carey.

 

Monika: Every model has that unforgettable moment when it all began. What was the first step that launched you into the world of modeling?

Yuni: I started back in 2004 when I was asked to model for a local fashion show here in Los Angeles, and I just got addicted! I had to do it more, lol lol. I enjoy pageants more; they have become my passion in life. Since then, I’ve been involved in many shows, always looking for ways to grow and shine. The thrill of the runway and the energy from the audience make every moment unforgettable.

Monika: Fashion is all about expressing mood and personality, so when you're feeling fabulous, which designer's creations do you reach for first?

Yuni: I have many!!! It always depends on the mood I'm in!! I love the out-of-this-world couture these days, so I would say Alexander McQueen. His designs speak to my dramatic and bold side, they’re fierce, elegant, and unforgettable. I also love how each piece tells a story, which is what fashion should always do.
Monika: Transgender women have become iconic figures in fashion, from Roberta Close to Andreja Pejić, Lea T, and yourself. Why do you think the fashion world is so captivated by trans beauty and presence? 

Yuni: We trans women just love fashion and always like to be wearing what's hot!!! We like the best of the best!!! So we always look for the best fashions to rock the world. We have a great interest in fashion because, through fashion, we always show the world who we are inside. So we trans women are just born to be different and to make a statement in life! Fashion is the same way!

So to me, fashion comes naturally to a trans woman! We enjoy runways and just showing the world that anything is possible. I think a transgender woman should be next to fashion in the dictionary. It’s not only about beauty, it’s about courage, expression, and resilience. We’ve turned our struggles into something powerful, and the fashion industry is finally recognizing that energy.

Courtesy of Yuni Carey.

Monika: When you're not dazzling on the runway, what’s your go-to style in everyday life? Are there certain colors or fashion choices that you always find yourself coming back to?

Yuni: I feel like I'm always modeling because I never leave the house without looking amazing!!! I always say a girl should never stop looking the best she can look because you never know who you might run into!!! :) So I always dress up!!! I love all colors, but somehow I always end up wearing black or black and white because it looks so elegant... But I do enjoy all colors. I love all seasons and the colors that come with them. I love showing off my woman curves, love jewelry, and shoes! A girl's best friends. Style is part of my identity, it lifts my spirit and boosts my confidence. Fashion is my way of saying to the world, “Here I am, proud and radiant.”

Monika: With your incredible talent, beauty, and intelligence, I’m sure you’d make a fantastic actress. Have you ever considered pursuing acting as a career?

Yuni: Sometimes... Sometimes I want to be a famous transgender actress, but then I see what famous people go through, and I’d rather stay private in my little world. Maybe in the future, you just never know what life will bring... But for right now, I just enjoy the little things life has to offer. Acting requires a lot of exposure, and I value my peace and privacy deeply. Still, I’m open to opportunities if they align with my path and values.

Monika: Back in 2011, you competed in the Miss International Queen pageant in Thailand, a prestigious event showcasing the world’s most beautiful transgender women. You made it to the top 10 and earned the Miss Photogenic title. What memories stand out most from that experience?

Yuni: Oh Lord, what can I say... boot camp anyone?! Lol lol lol. All I can say is, well... I was a whole day late! 24 hours late, that is, so once there it felt awkward like I didn’t belong... But some of the girls were really nice and made me feel better... It takes a lot of hard work! It’s full of stress!!! That year, the girls were very catty!!! And very competitive!!!

I really didn’t enjoy it as much as I wanted to... I cried every night in the shower!!! Because I was all by myself!!! And I had no one just to hold me and tell me that everything was going to be OK!!! Or that I was doing great!!! No team there supporting me!!!

 

Courtesy of Yuni Carey.

 

Monika: Were there any difficulties or unexpected moments that stood out to you during the competition?

Yuni: The language barrier was crazy at times!!! Everything went by so quickly, and we didn’t really enjoy each other’s company. It was very political! That I can say because sometimes they didn’t know how to hide who their favorite was!!! And to me, that wasn’t fair... for the rest of the girls! Because it just made you want to give up and not try your best. I think everyone should be treated equally... but the staff sometimes showed favoritism, and that to me was a little unprofessional.

But I did enjoy the friends I made... and the few laughs I had... I enjoyed the experience knowing though I was not going to win! I just smiled... and put on a show, but I really just wanted it to be over. I feel that when you go to events like this, so far from home, it’s good to have support and love around you. When you have that, it helps with the stress, and you want to be your best and give your best. The experience taught me a lot about resilience and the importance of kindness, even in competitive spaces. It also made me appreciate how far I’ve come on my journey.

Monika: How would you describe the atmosphere among the contestants during the pageant? Was it easy to build friendships despite the intense competition?

Yuni: Yes, I made a few friends who I still keep in contact with today, so that’s truly beautiful! But the atmosphere was very competitive at all times, just imagine a bunch of cats in a cage, lol! The pressure definitely brought out the fierce side in everyone. Still, I’m grateful for the friendships I formed because those connections made the whole experience more meaningful. Having allies in such a high-stress environment really helped me stay grounded and positive throughout the competition.

END OF PART 1

PART 2

All the photos: Courtesy of Yuni Carey.

© 2015 - Monika Kowalska

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