Entertainment

The Modeling Industry’s Next Brazilian Star, Paula Weckerle on Her Career Path

Published

5 years ago

April 26, 2020

Paula Weckerle, who is with the prestigious The Industry agency in New York, is a true all-around model on the rise. From her diversified portfolio to her natural appeal, she stands out against a largely filter-and-filler saturated fashion world. The Brazilian beauty took some time to chat with us about her career goals and path.

Q: What do you love most about modeling and the fashion industry?

A: I like that I am able to make new connections, that so often become friends, and of course the traveling! I also love that I get to be versatile and creative; I do more fashion work and runway in the beginning of the year, and then in the second half I switch to more commercial projects, and even fitness modeling. I love being a chameleon.

Q: Who are some of your role models? Whose career do you admire in the industry, and who inspires you?

A: Cindy Crawford—I think she had an amazing career. And she was also a chameleon, doing everything from fashion to hosting. I think she’s the full package and I really admire her. I also love that she was authentic and a natural real woman, which is how models used to be, with curves and no plastic surgery, which I resonate with and find empowering for younger girls.

Q: What do you see as your highest achievement so far in your modeling career?

A: Honestly, I’ve had so many incredible clients and jobs that it’s hard to choose one. But in the beginning of my career, I got to work with a huge Brazilian designer, Arthur Caliman and it was my first big job that I still cherish because I learned so much from it. Also, being in New York Fashion Week has been incredible because it was a dream of mine when I first got into modeling.

Q: Landing which job or client would make you feel like you ‘made it’ in the industry?

A: Working with high-end fashion designers like Dior, D&G. Haute Couture brands like Zuhair Murad would be a dream come true, and for beauty, a campaign with Chanel is like the ‘top.’ And of course, being in the pages of Vogue would feel like I’ve made it.

Q: What is the main thing you want to achieve either in the business or through it, later? Is there a post-modeling goal?

A: I like to stay focused on the present; that’s my way of living. I want to do as much as I can and work as much as I can in the industry today. Instead of looking too much into the future I work on improving myself now and being fully present on my current clients and shoots. But as far as post-modeling, it would be incredible to eventually work with one the top designers I mentioned in a communications capacity or writing, as I really enjoy that.

Q: How are you responding to the pause in the industry due to the pandemic? How are you responding to the situation, and do you have any coping advice for others?

A: It’s been hard because I do not have my usual routine of working out, going to castings, and working on shoots and jobs. But I am hopeful that things will turn around soon. I’ve shifted my workout to at-home fitness, and I am finding that it is healthier to spend less time on my phone and on news outlets during this time. Instead I focus on reading, baking and working out to keep calm. I am focusing on what I can control, and that’s my advice for others too.

Entertainment

MiG Arogan: The Haitian Powerhouse Behind the Spiritual Anthem “Moon Under Me”

Published

3 days ago

July 12, 2025

Jonathan Grilli

MiG Arogan has firmly established himself as a commanding force in the music industry, bringing the weight and depth of Haitian culture and spirituality into the spotlight with his powerful track “Moon Under Me.” This song is not simply a musical creation; it is a bold spiritual declaration and a vivid expression of ancestral strength rooted in Haitian Vodou tradition.

Hailing from Haiti, MiG Arogan combines contemporary rap energy with rich cultural symbolism, carving a unique space where music meets ritual. “Moon Under Me” stands as a testament to this fusion, drawing deeply from the Vodou pantheon of Lwa (spirits) to convey protection, power, and fearlessness.

The song’s hook centers around the presence of Mama performing the sacred work “with the moon under me,” a metaphor for hidden spiritual forces guiding and empowering the artist. Papa Legba, the revered gatekeeper of the spiritual crossroads, “opens doors I don’t see,” symbolizing MiG’s access to realms and protections invisible to others. This connection to Legba asserts a profound control over paths both physical and metaphysical.

Further spiritual guardians emerge in the lyrics: Kalfou, the fierce spirit of crossroads and chaos, “waiting at the edge with heat,” ready to defend or attack; Baron Samedi and Baron Kriminel, powerful death spirits who “laugh when your blood hit street,” representing MiG’s untouchable status backed by forces of life and death. These spirits signal that crossing MiG Arogan or disrespecting his heritage comes with grave consequences.

The song also invokes Erzuli, embodying love, beauty, and pride, along with Simbi, the wise serpent spirit guiding MiG’s style and movement. Ogou, the warrior spirit, tests and arms him, while Damballa offers calm wisdom and balance. The mention of Granne Brigitte, the fierce protector, and the other spirits completes a powerful spiritual armor surrounding the artist.

“Moon Under Me” goes beyond conventional music; MiG Arogan describes himself as “no rapper, I’m a ritual in boots,” emphasizing the song’s ceremonial and mystical weight. The imagery of candles, chants, incense, and spirits evokes authentic Vodou ceremonies that infuse the track with genuine ancestral energy.

By weaving these sacred names and symbols into his lyrics, MiG Arogan not only asserts his own power but elevates Haitian Vodou from misunderstood superstition to a living, respected tradition. His message is clear: “Play with Haitians — that’s the wrong belief.” It’s a warning and a proclamation — the strength of his roots and spiritual backing make him untouchable, commanding respect from all who hear his voice.

With “Moon Under Me,” MiG Arogan asserts a profound cultural and spiritual identity. His music becomes a vessel for ancestral power, a declaration that the Haitian spirit is fierce, unbreakable, and very much alive in him. This song stands as an anthem for strength, heritage, and the unstoppable force that MiG Arogan represents in today’s music and culture landscape.