HOLA! USA presents the first
LatiNEXT Issue. Gracing the October cover is the new generation of Latino media superstars: plus-size model Denise Bidot, who is changing the concept of female beauty to make it more inclusive; actress Isabela Moner, who is inspiring youth with her entrepreneurial spirit; Peruvian chef, singer, model, and restaurateur Franco Noriega, who drives us to explore our passions; actress and singer
Marielena
Dávila, who promotes body positivism; and actor, model, and businessman Juanpa Zurita, who promotes his humanitarian agenda.
In this issue, the publication celebrates the thriving sociocultural group that is the new and powerful generation to carry the torch — the young Latinos who have been born and raised in the digital era and for whom technology is second nature. "The combination of youth, connectivity, and digital
savviness has positioned the next generation of powerful Latinos a force
evident in all areas of their lives," Miguel
Sirgado, editor-in-chief says.
"I
have to thank my mom because she's the one who made me value my roots and where I come from. I grew up in Ohio, and in school they made fun of my accent. I wanted to stop speaking Spanish, so my mom sent me to Peru to go to school for a semester, and that's where I learned to value my roots," Isabela Moner on being a proud Latina. "
[In terms of my
music,] I really admire
Rosalía. I've been recording for a year now, and I took that Latin pop I really love and added Peruvian instruments in the melodies."
"I gained a voice by accident. I slowly started to be a voice. There was
a moment when I asked myself what would happen if I use all this for something bigger," said Juanpa Zurita on resonating with his 22 million + followers. Bigger than entertaining… trying
to literally change the life of someone. For me social media is also
kind of a personal autobiography. I almost have two different faces—either I'm serious or funny."
"When I started, fashion for curvy women was
very ugly. Then they realized [and said]: 'Oh wait, they are not buying only fashion for plus girls until they lose weight; they are not all on a diet. They are women comfortable with themselves and strong, who just want to dress like the others.' When fashion caught
up I was so excited!" said Denise Bidot on how the fashion industry has changed.
"People respond when you're real. When I talk about what is going on in Venezuela or about the fact that I have Hashimoto's disease, that's when people respond because it humanizes you," said
Marielena Davila on being real with her followers. "Growing
up with celebrity parents, I learned to see through the
façade, and I don't buy into the hype. I want people to see I'm just human."
"I truly believe that [your country's] flavors and spices are not only for food but should also be part of your [expressions] and personality." Franco Noriega continues on advice for this new
LatiNext generation: "Be
yourself and work only with people who really believe in you."
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