From living in Dubai to modeling for Gucci, it seems like freshman Valentina Vigo has done it all at such a young age.

Vigo grew up in Midland and moved to Dubai seven years ago because of her father’s job. During the time she spent in Dubai, she lived anything but an average life. Vigo is a girl of many talents, some of which include music, modeling, and acting. While in Dubai, music really interested her, so she became involved at a studio named StudioRepublik, which offers programs for music, drama, and dance. For Vigo, music sparks something in her that modeling and acting don’t.

“I write really meaningful lyrics, that’s where I really find my passion,” she said.

In early 2020, she took up songwriting and singing. Vigo worked with a producer in Dubai who assisted her in her writing process. She would perform her original music for crowds of about 15-20 people. On top of that, she plays the drums, the cello, the trumpet, acoustic and electric guitar, piano, and ukulele. As she grew up, she learned instruments through school music programs and private lessons. Vigo’s father, Andrea, plays the guitar and first introduced her to it. Vigo hopes to continue learning from people in the music industry and performing for small crowds.

Vigo feels as though there is something special about people who are genuinely passionate about what they do. Back in Dubai, her vocal coach was a very influential person in her life because through her she learned how to find depth in music. Through Vigo’s time spent with her, she realized why she wants to pursue music for the rest of her life. Everyone processes feelings and emotions differently. Vigo feels as though the only way she can process her’s is through the lyrics she writes. To her, music will be in her life not for fame or fortune, but rather for pure passion.

Vigo’s mother, Laura, has played a big role in helping Valentina find connections in the acting and music worlds. Laura has found a huge passion for scriptwriting and attended a group at StudioRepublik, the same studio where Valentina took music lessons. Through her time spent there, she formed many friendships with people in the movie and script-writing industry. Both Valentina and her mother were asked by one of Laura’s good friends to play a role in a movie she was co-writing and producing. Currently, one of Laura’s scripts is in the works of potentially becoming a Netflix series while another has been requested for review by major production companies in Los Angeles.

“It is [my mother’s] passion to write stories that other people could find entertaining or inspiring,” Valentina said.

Another individual at one of Laura’s script readings was a production company owner. Laura connected her with Valentina, who was then asked to submit basic portraits in hopes of a job offer. Valentina was later notified that Gucci had accepted her to model for a social media video advertising Gucci's global launch of their new jewelry line. On set, Valentina was decked out in a full Gucci outfit which included makeup, black heels, a necklace, earrings, rings, long socks, and a bracelet. She wore a white 50’s style button-up dress with short sleeves. In addition to the attire, Vigo also got her hair and makeup done professionally for the shoot. Although modeling isn’t Valentina’s biggest passion, she still plans on accepting what is offered and enjoying the mystery and excitement of where it’ll take her.