Sandra Iman: “A Triple Threat “ Model, Influencer & Business Woman
Sandra Iman is a model, entrepreneur, and strategist who has seamlessly blended fashion with business. Originally from Spain, she started her career in Europe, working with prestigious designers and luxury brands. However, her ambitions extended far beyond the catwalk. Nine years ago, she made the bold move to the United States, where she discovered new opportunities and built a career that goes beyond modeling.
With a sharp eye for branding, networking, and business development, Sandra has positioned herself as more than just a model—she is a businesswoman shaping her own empire. She is currently working on projects that integrate her experience in fashion with strategic ventures in luxury brand consulting and high-profile collaborations.
In this exclusive interview, she discusses the evolving nature of the fashion industry, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and how she continues to push boundaries in her career.
When you first started in the fashion industry, what was the biggest misconception you had about it?
A common misconception among those of us entering the industry is that fashion is all about glamorous photoshoots, runway shows, and high-profile events. In reality, the fashion industry also involves a lot of behind-the-scenes work, such as sourcing materials, managing production, logistics, and collaborating with different teams. It's not just about creating beautiful designs, but also about the business and operations that support it. Many also fail to realize the hard work and perseverance required to succeed in such a competitive industry.
Having lived in both Europe and the U.S., how do you compare the fashion and business cultures of the two regions?
Fashion in Europe is more refined, classic, and sustainable, with a focus on craftsmanship and timeless styles.
- The US is more casual, trend-driven, and diverse, with a predominance of fast fashion.
- Business:
- Europe is more formal and hierarchical, with a strong emphasis on work-life balance and slower decision-making.
- The US is informal, dynamic, and focused on innovation and merit, with longer workdays and a more entrepreneurial spirit. (Europe values tradition and structure, while the US prioritizes speed and individualism).
What personal habits or routines have helped you stay focused and successful in such a fast-paced industry?
Time Blocking and Prioritization
Regular Breaks
Mindfulness and Meditation
Continuous Learning
Exercise and Healthy Lifestyle
The definition of beauty and style is constantly evolving. How do you stay ahead of industry trends while remaining true to yourself?
Staying ahead of industry trends while remaining true to yourself involves a balance of staying informed and maintaining authenticity. I follow the evolving trends by consuming a mix of fashion, design, and cultural content—whether that’s through social media, runway shows, or street style. But, I also take time to reflect on my personal style, values, and what feels right for me. It’s about finding a way to incorporate trends that align with who I am while avoiding blindly following everything that’s “in.” Staying authentic to your personal taste and vision, while staying open to new ideas, helps me keep my style fresh without losing my individuality.
Have you ever faced setbacks in your career, and if so, how did you overcome them? What role does confidence play in both modeling and entrepreneurship, and how have you built yours over time?
Difficulties are common in modeling and entrepreneurship, such as rejections or failures. Overcoming them requires perseverance, learning from mistakes, and surrounding yourself with a positive environment. Confidence is key in both fields: in modeling to project confidence, and in entrepreneurship to make decisions. To strengthen it, it's important to celebrate small achievements, continually learn, and focus on strengths.
If you could mentor someone entering the fashion industry today, what is the first lesson you would teach them?
The first lesson I would teach is the importance of authenticity. In the fashion industry, staying true to yourself, your values, and your unique style is key to standing out. Being authentic helps build a genuine connection with others and sets you apart in a competitive field.
What motivates you to keep growing and reinventing yourself in both fashion and business?
What motivates me to keep growing and reinventing myself in both fashion and business is the constant desire to challenge myself and push boundaries. Fashion is all about self-expression, creativity, and staying ahead of trends, so it’s a space where reinvention is key. Business-wise, I thrive on innovation, problem-solving, and staying relevant in an ever-changing market. The excitement of creating something new, making an impact, and adapting to evolving needs fuels my passion to keep evolving and improving.
Credits:
Model: Sandra Imann @imann_sandra
Photographer: Jorge Ogalla @marbellaphotographer
Fashion Stylist: Hassni Caina @Styledbyhassni
Hair Stylist: Viktoria Povodenko @viktoria_hairmiami
Hair Colorist: Ester Merlin @ester_merlin_stylist
Makeup: Anna Zakharova @anna_gloss_mua
PR: LSA @leo.alderman @lsapublications
Collaboration:
Darsyland: @darsyland
Nail artist: @sashanailartist
Gloss Beauty Salon: @gloss.miami
