For Marivel Sunny Cooper, modeling has never been her main career. In fact, this glamorous girl never believed she could make it, until a series of lucky chances convinced her otherwise. Now, resourceful as ever, Marivel balances between the world of fashion and a full-time government job, while exploring new business and charity opportunities.
You work a lot as a model. What does this job mean to you? How did you get into the modeling business?
Actually, I have a career as a full-time government employee. Modeling is something that I do only on the side, as a fun gig. My interest in modeling started when I was living in Guadalajara, Mexico as I had the opportunity to be a print model in an ad for a known and established business in the city. My portrait was used in advertisements for two years. The ad was published in a weekly newspaper. It was very cool seeing my face everywhere, even in a taxi. That is when I realized that modeling is something that I would love to do, but never really went through with it because I was convinced that it would never happen. I just got lucky that the business owner liked my look. I was never paid as having my photo in an ad was already an honor.
Then, when I moved to the United States, I had an opportunity to pose for a Japanese fashion magazine. Basically, it was my second experience as a print model. It was pure chance – a Japanese photographer and publicist saw me at the mall and asked me if I would be interested to pose for their magazine, and of course, I said yes! Then again, I was never paid, but it was fine with me as I had fun doing it. On another occasion, a model scout saw me while I was shopping for clothes and offered me to be a hair model, the offer was great, however, I turned it down as they wanted to take control over my hair styles.
My next opportunity was in 2020. My friend Joy Soo, MUSA Designer and CEO had asked me to model some of her clothes. In September 2022, I accepted Joy Soo’s offer to walk at the runway during New York Fashion Week and was also featured on a billboard in Times Square. Being around models and wearing beautiful and unique clothing made me think that I will continue if more opportunities come up. So, here I am enjoying and having fun!
You are a spectacular woman and a wholesome person, you can fill any image with depth. Do you have a special ritual for getting ready for a photoshoot? How do you tune into the right mood when every day is different, and not all of them can be successful?
Oh, yes! I do have a ritual not only before a photoshoot. My daily routine is about staying hydrated. I stopped drinking soda four years ago and minimize my intake of drinks that are high in sugar. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy having drinks especially if I’m out with friends. Not only that, I enjoy going to a bar to hangout and having a drink by myself.
Going back to the question, I like to relax ensuring I have enough sleep prior to my photoshoot. Having a two-hour photoshoot for me is very tiring and draining. I need a good amount of energy as it is very important for me to keep the momentum of excitement and the joy of having to smile and pose in front of the camera. It is very hard for me to perform what I need to do if I am tired as it will change the entire dynamics of the photoshoot, affecting not only myself, but the entire crew. I am the one that is being photographed, so I need to be energetic and lively. I look at myself as the driving force to keep everyone in tune and create a positive and fun environment. I like everyone to be comfortable as much as possible. Having tension and pressure during a photoshoot is not my kind of environment. Having a great and fun attitude really makes a big difference as everyone is at ease. No diva attitude, please! As a model, it is very important you treat everyone in your crew with humility and respect, because at the end of the day, it is not you who makes yourself look good, it is them! That is why you look for the best photographer, hair and makeup artist! It is always good to be flexible and have a pleasant attitude at all times.
Tell us about your business and charity work. How do you feel about helping children?
My trip to Cambodia back in November 2016 really struck me in the heart. It made me realize that there is something I can do to help kids in other ways. That is when I came up with an idea of having a small charity in my hometown in the Philippines. My charity’s name is Sunny’s Goodwill. The goal of this charity is to provide monetary assistance to buy medicines, give surprises to kids at the hospital and give out free clothes to kids, as well as adults. My charity is still operating. I don’t advertise who, where or what is given considering my resources are limited. Yes, I pay for the expenses. I want to set an example that everyone can make a huge difference in the lives of children. It doesn’t have to be money, a one piece of chocolate can make a kid really happy. I know because I experienced it myself so many times. You can never explain the joy in your heart when a kid is thanking you with a huge smile.
As for my business, I started it in July 2022. Seeing my clothes in the closet and not wearing them became frustrating. I gave away a lot of them, then gave some to my niece and my sisters-in-law. Then, when I lost weight, the rest of the clothes didn’t fit me anymore. That’s why I decided to open a store and resell my designer clothes for a very reasonable price so that other girls can enjoy them. I am not the type of person who just hangs clothes in my closet and looks at them.
In my store, I am selling Burberry, Stella McCartney, Moschino, Dolce and Gabbana, plus other designer brands. All are authentic. I sell brand-new and previously owned clothes which are in very good condition. I name my shop after myself – Branded By Marivel. Come visit my store, you will not be disappointed.
What features in a person make you think ‘yes, this is a good person!’? Do you believe that everyone can improve and start living differently?
I have been trained to read a person in my previous career. Currently, the work I do as a recruitment expert gives me the opportunity to continue utilizing what I have learned. I am good at seeing individuals’ character, not only in person but even in photos. The eyes, the body position, and other mannerisms can give you a pretty good idea about a person. It takes time learning and developing your skills of reading a person. Also, I am a spiritual person and I strongly believe that you get a feeling and intuition of negative energy, it is hard to explain, but I believe some people have a gift of understanding.
What advice would you give to people who are full of ingenious ideas, but do not dare to implement them and put everything off till later?
Going back to the question, I like to relax ensuring I have enough sleep prior to my photoshoot. Having a two-hour photoshoot for me is very tiring and draining. I need a good amount of energy as it is very important for me to keep the momentum of excitement and the joy of having to smile and pose in front of the camera. It is very hard for me to perform what I need to do if I am tired as it will change the entire dynamics of the photoshoot, affecting not only myself, but the entire crew. I am the one that is being photographed, so I need to be energetic and lively. I look at myself as the driving force to keep everyone in tune and create a positive and fun environment. I like everyone to be comfortable as much as possible. Having tension and pressure during a photoshoot is not my kind of environment. Having a great and fun attitude really makes a big difference as everyone is at ease. No diva attitude, please! As a model, it is very important you treat everyone in your crew with humility and respect, because at the end of the day, it is not you who makes yourself look good, it is them! That is why you look for the best photographer, hair and makeup artist! It is always good to be flexible and have a pleasant attitude at all times.
Tell us about your business and charity work. How do you feel about helping children?
My trip to Cambodia back in November 2016 really struck me in the heart. It made me realize that there is something I can do to help kids in other ways. That is when I came up with an idea of having a small charity in my hometown in the Philippines. My charity’s name is Sunny’s Goodwill. The goal of this charity is to provide monetary assistance to buy medicines, give surprises to kids at the hospital and give out free clothes to kids, as well as adults. My charity is still operating. I don’t advertise who, where or what is given considering my resources are limited. Yes, I pay for the expenses. I want to set an example that everyone can make a huge difference in the lives of children. It doesn’t have to be money, a one piece of chocolate can make a kid really happy. I know because I experienced it myself so many times. You can never explain the joy in your heart when a kid is thanking you with a huge smile.
As for my business, I started it in July 2022. Seeing my clothes in the closet and not wearing them became frustrating. I gave away a lot of them, then gave some to my niece and my sisters-in-law. Then, when I lost weight, the rest of the clothes didn’t fit me anymore. That’s why I decided to open a store and resell my designer clothes for a very reasonable price so that other girls can enjoy them. I am not the type of person who just hangs clothes in my closet and looks at them.
In my store, I am selling Burberry, Stella McCartney, Moschino, Dolce and Gabbana, plus other designer brands. All are authentic. I sell brand-new and previously owned clothes which are in very good condition. I name my shop after myself – Branded By Marivel. Come visit my store, you will not be disappointed.
What features in a person make you think ‘yes, this is a good person!’? Do you believe that everyone can improve and start living differently?
I have been trained to read a person in my previous career. Currently, the work I do as a recruitment expert gives me the opportunity to continue utilizing what I have learned. I am good at seeing individuals’ character, not only in person but even in photos. The eyes, the body position, and other mannerisms can give you a pretty good idea about a person. It takes time learning and developing your skills of reading a person. Also, I am a spiritual person and I strongly believe that you get a feeling and intuition of negative energy, it is hard to explain, but I believe some people have a gift of understanding.
What advice would you give to people who are full of ingenious ideas, but do not dare to implement them and put everything off till later?
Oh yes, anybody can change and start living differently. There are things in life that are hard to change. I believe that it will take a willpower to do it. Yes, there are books that you can learn from, but there are things that you can’t control and, without realizing it, you go back to your old habits. I strongly believe though that no one can help you improve, the only person that can help you is you.
My philosophy is this, if you have ideas or anything that you want to do in life, just do it without any hesitation. If you doubt yourself, find a mentor, or find a person that’s been through something similar and has that experience. If there is no one, then challenge yourself. Use your initiative, find any resources that will help you succeed. But the most important thing is to have a goal and set a deadline for accomplishing what you want – this will guide you, keep you on track and help discipline yourself. Always remember that our tomorrow is not guaranteed. If you do live a longer life, you do not want to have regrets and ask yourself “what if” or “I wish” on your deathbed.