From Miami runways to Fiji romance—Melanie Moreno's got range. The Love Island USA star has been revealed to have a secret modeling career before she stepped into the villa alongside her couple Sincere Rhea.
The 24-year-old Philadelphia native—who told the season eight premiere she works as a bikini store manager—was working as a plus-size model, walking runways and starring in digital campaigns for major fashion brands. Her credits include Pretty Little Thing and Miami Swim Week 2022, where she modeled a shimmery gold one-piece with an asymmetrical strap.
Moreno spent nine years trying to get scouted and signed before landing representation with Wilhelmina, one of NYC's biggest agencies.
"I had this belief that I had to look perfect to even get into the business," she said. "I thought I needed a specific look or a specific body type. Little did I know I was wrong." She dropped out of college after her first semester to chase the dream.
"My childhood dream finally became a reality this year when I was officially signed to one of the biggest agencies in NYC, Wilhelmina," she shared.
Between the runway and the villa, Moreno is an advocate for mental health awareness in the modeling industry through her brand MORE SPORT STUDIO.
