The MNY Spotlight
Meet Mariah Strongin, Model, Actress and Health Coach
Hi, I am Mariah Strongin. I went from competing in junior rodeos with dreams of going pro in Medford, Oregon, to winning IMTA and traveling the world for modeling and acting. I now live in New York.
I was taught at a young age to try to live like a student. Doing so has helped me become well-rounded while staying grounded. Growing up as an only child, I learned how to entertain myself and others and I continue to do so. If I can make those around me smile, I feel good.
Even when I was doing rodeos, I always knew I wanted to model. I’m not sure why, but it was like it was ingrained in me. Acting was always there too, but it truly hit me as I started taking acting classes during the lockdown. The more I understand how to connect to myself, the more I love acting. My love for it and my skills grow daily. As for nutrition, overall health has always been important to me. I love getting to share what I have learned and help people find their personal health and nutrition balance. I got my certification because I was being asked a lot of questions by people on IG and I wanted to answer them accurately. I felt I owed that to them. Coaching isn’t my main focus at the moment, I would say I model and act and coach simultaneously, but I have the chance to work with a client, I am there for them 100%. I enjoy cracking the code of their body with them so they can compete at their highest level.
Mariah wears the Margot Mini from the Holiday 2021 collection
My biggest learning lesson thus far is probably that if I can believe anything is possible, I can usually make it happen, especially with an awesome team on my side.
I love quotes and post them all the time, such as: “Just because you got here doesn’t mean you are done, keep going.” And a new one I am obsessed with from The Morning Show: "Kids can complain, adults get therapy and change their circumstances."
It is important to me because it can be hard to be a woman and, while most of us will say we don’t need empowerment or understanding, we do. Picture yourself alone, overthinking and unmotivated, and now picture being uplifted by the women around you saying you're not alone, you're good, and you got this. It makes a difference and we all can make that difference.
You just step into a personality with each piece. Putting it on you know you are going to have a great day or evening. During my first shoot with Mestiza, the team was so fun and it felt like we had known each other for years.
Mariah models the Shimmy Shimmy Tassel Dress for Mestiza's Fall 2018 collection, Metallic Midnight.
I usually wear Mestiza pieces to events — they elevate me visually and internally. I keep it simple with a classic heel or bootie heel depending on the piece. I don’t add anything that is too colorful or takes away from the Mestiza piece, but potentially a simple coat, jacket, or earring.
I have a Pinterest board for looks. My style ranges, but if I were to say who I want to dress like at all times I would say Ricky Ann Lauren.