9 Things to Know About Paloma Elsesser

American model Paloma Elsesser is taking over the runways and the modeling industry, but it wasn’t always this way. After being discovered on social media, Elsesser has been a major part of the body positivity movement in fashion, representing a wider range of body types and inspiring countless young girls. From working with Glossier to Nike, this model is just getting started on her road to fame, but here are some little-known facts you’ve never heard about her.

1. She had a musical childhood

Born to a Swiss-Chilean dad and an African-American mother, Paloma grew up in LA and was exposed to all kinds of music. She described her childhood as “Neo-bohemian” since she often went to music studios with her musician fathers and absorbed all kinds of tunes, from Bjork and Kate Bush to pop queen Christina Aguilera.

2. She studied literature and psychology

Paloma’s more than just a pretty face — in fact, she didn’t always think she’d be a model. Elsesser wanted to be a writer or psychologist in her younger years, and she even studied literature and psychology at NYC’s New School. She’s just as passionate about these fields today and has an interest in poetry as well.

3. Oprah is her biggest inspiration

If you’re assuming that her biggest inspo is someone in fashion, you’d be wrong. Oprah is her biggest role model for one reason. She told Office Magazine in an interview, “She has transcended all of the barriers set in front of her from relationship titles to acting. She does everything authentically, even in mainstream media.”