Model’s Impact: A Conversation With Mara Martin

Can you tell us about how your breakthrough moment on the Sports Illustrated runway in 2018, came about? Whose idea was it?
After attending an open casting call, with thousands of girls in attendance for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, I was chosen to walk in their coveted runway show. I was a new mom at the time, being only five months postpartum. Prior to the walk, I was backstage waiting for the show to start with all the other models. The show got pushed back by a few hours and my Aria got hungry so I started feeding her backstage. The show shortly began after and it was my turn to walk. I had briefly discussed if I could go out with my daughter if she was still eating, with the editor Mj Day, and she fully supported me. Since I had her support, I decided to go for it when it was my turn. I did not think much of it at the time, because breastfeeding was such a large part of my daily life then and such a normal act for me. When I woke up the next day, I was so surprised seeing how many women and mothers it had positively resonated with around the world.
Has motherhood changed you?
Motherhood has made be a better person. It’s given me this new motivation to be a living example for my daughter. I want her to know that she can be anything she wants to in life, and I try to set that example for her every single day. Aria has given me a new reason to go to be the best in everything and anything I want to do.
Motherhood has also made me really appreciate women and our bodies. For so long I always focused on what my body looked like, worrying about my size and shape so much. After becoming a mother, I realized how incredible our bodies are.

When it comes to fashion, what are your staple pieces that you would recommend to other moms? Do you have any fashion related tips and tricks for mothers like yourself?
I have found that my fashion has become much for functional and comfortable after becoming a mom. I think having classic pieces like a crisp white t shirt, a great fitting pair of jeans, and a sneaker is always a good look in general (and while chasing a toddler around
What projects can we expect to see from you in the future?
I have so many things I have been working on for the last couple of years but due to Covid they took a back seat. This year I’m so excited to see some of those things finally come into fruition. A few things I’m excited about are, a kid’s makeup line, a mommy and me type clothing line, and book I have put a lot of hours in!

What is your favourite and least favourite thing about the modelling business?
My favorite thing by far is the people I’ve met and the places I’ve been fortunate to travel to. Some of my life long friends I’ve met though modeling. My least favorite thing has been the constant pressure to look a certain way. Early in my modeling career there was such pressure to all be the same size, but fortunately over the years the industry has changed and is celebrating women just as they are
How do you feel about sustainable fashion?
I think sustainable fashion is great for us as consumers but also for our planet. There are so many overall benefits but these are some of favorite ones and reasons why I think it’s so important. Fast fashion is all about what's trending and appealing to the masses. Sustainable brands typically focus on long-lasting materials in their clothing production, giving us better clothes for a longer period of time. Which is a win win for everyone.