Tagged™ is a magazine series that features unique stories in the arts and entertainment fields of Atlanta, GA and surrounding areas. We recently had the privilege of speaking with Sergio Palacios, a model residing in Atlanta, GA. Here is his story.
What inspired you to pursue your profession in Atlanta?
Since the age of 4 I was always obsessed with clothes. I could never leave my house without having the correct outfit, my mother famously tells many tales of that time. When I was 8 years old I stumbled upon the famous Gucci 1995 spring summer show during Tom Fords tenure at Gucci. The Super Models and to me they looked like super heroes! I was playing with my toys while my mom watched the show on TV, I was amazed! I turned to her and said “I’m going to be super hero super model” I smile so hard every time I remind myself of this moment. After seeing that particular show I would practice my walk in front of my mother who to this day is still my biggest supporter. When I got to High School I would always have my sister take model pictures of me however it was during those years in which my best friend at the time had mentioned “people like you can’t be models, you’re not white and you’re definitely not tall” hearing those words discouraged me and for time I gave up on my dream. I continued with my academics and professional life but in February of 2021 my father passed away, I saw him be buried with so many dreams that were never accomplished due to fear of what others might say. It was at that moment that I told myself that I wouldn’t leave this planet as just another would. I promised myself that I would hold my dreams close to my heart and make them a reality. From that day on I began changing various things in my life from friends to eating habits. I started a whole new TikTok and Instagram page where I would showcase my style. One thing lead to the other until early 2024 when I auditioned for my universities Fashion Show and got in! I was filled with so much joy and in that same month a talent agency had also reached out to me to and I began modeling lessons. By April of 2024 I had walked in my first fashion show which was a success and after that I had been booked by Six Flags for their pride month shoot which meant a lot to me! My modeling career took an exciting turn and I am grateful to have been part of Street Wear Fashion Week and Young Atlanta! This year 2025 I am going to be walking in two fashion shows for the month of Janurary and I have a special fashion project in the works! With tears of joy in my eye I can safely say that I am happy that I didn’t let 8 year old Sergio’s dream die.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a professional in Atlanta?
I’m 5”7” and I have to say one of biggest challenges I have faced as a male model is within the Atlanta area is getting designers to focus more on my walk and look past my height. I blame this issue on societal expectations of how society expects the ideal male model to be 6”3 but I’ll politely remind everyone that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, colors. There are so many beautiful and talented models whom I have met who don’t meet those rigid height requirements and amazing walks! Walks that could sell any garment so let’s give them their shine too! We are in a new era of fashion in which beauty can be interpreted in many different ways. Sailor Moon is the shortest one but she can still hold the wand!
If you could change anything about your journey thus far, what would it be?
If I could change one thing about journey it would be that I would’ve begun much sooner if I listened to my heart and not others. For my entire life my heart was always pushing me towards fashion however due to fear of perception I instead ignored my heart. Models are fashion actors they help bring the designers vision come to life like how in film an actor brings the writer and directors vision come to life. Actors are categorized as artists and I believe artists are moved by something higher that others might not understand that and that is okay but it’s up to the artist to listen to their heart and their inner sparkle each and every one of us a beautiful sparikle that is just waiting to be beamed! All we have to do is listen to our heart and our inner sparkle and will be guided to our true journey!
What advice would you give to aspiring professionals like you in Atlanta?
My advice to aspiring models is to lean into their inner sparkle! Take that picture and post it! Go to that audition! Be open to criticism there are people around you who want you to shine so listen to their advice and don’t take it personal! Believe in yourself and don’t give into negativity! Reflect that negativity and turn into something positive! Remember to also give yourself love so much love! Make yourself a priority! Know that each audition you go to isn’t alway going to be yes but that doesn’t mean anything negative on your part sometimes rejection is protection.
What are your favorite local spots to find inspiration for what you do?
I’m a huge nature lover I’m always hitting a new nature park of hiking up a mountain. Whenever I need to reconnect with myself I go to Arabia Mountain to sit up there breathe and look at the sun and know that the light is always there! It never leaves us!
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