From nursing
to modelling
Hey there,
I’m Marion Reber, and I'm thrilled to welcome you into my world. Picture this: born in Sierra Leone, raised in Switzerland, and initially destined for a career in healthcare. Yep, that was me – ready to rock those nursing scrubs and make a difference in the world, one patient at a time. But guess what? Life had a different plan...
At 19, I dipped my toes into the modeling scene, and boy, did it feel like a breath of fresh air. Fast forward a couple of years, and there I was, strutting my stuff as Miss Northwest Switzerland. Who would've thought? I had my sights set on the big leagues – Miss Switzerland, here I come! But fate had a different runway in mind. Next thing I know, I'm walking my way through "Switzerland’s Next Topmodel 2018," making history as the first black woman to snag the runner-up title. Not too shabby, huh?
And then, just when I thought I had it all figured out, the world threw a curveball – Covid hit. Like many, I found myself on a wild adventure, landing in Dubai for 12 whirlwind months. Let's just say it was a trip filled with ups, downs, and a few plot twists in between. But hey, isn't that what life's all about?
I somehow found myself in New York, and guess what? I landed the opportunity to grace the front cover of their fashion magazine – pretty cool, right? But here's the thing: what you see on the cover is just the tip of the iceberg. Behind the scenes, there's a giant load of hard work, preparations, and production that made it all possible. And let me tell you, I'm incredibly grateful for every bit of it.
You know, I've always been big on staying true to myself. It's kind of my thing. So, let me tell you about this one project that really put that to the test. It was all about the color red – vibrant, bold, and full of passion. They called it the "Red Passion" project, and boy, did it live up to its name. I wanted to embody that same energy, you know? Like a burst of color in a black-and-white world. It was messy, it was chaotic, but man, was it fun. And that's what it's all about, isn't it? Embracing the messiness of life and finding beauty in every moment.
Now, this one was really spontaneous. I was a little hesitant at first, but you know what they say – if you want something you never had, you must do something you never did. Love that quote from Denzel Washington. What this project taught me is that true beauty comes from within. It's not just about the clothes you wear or the makeup you put on. It's about embracing who you are, flaws and all, and letting your inner light shine through.
And then there's this gem – my collaboration with H&M. Let me tell you, it was one of a kind. The production, the team, the set – everything was just spot on. Sure, it might not have been as big as some of my other gigs, but it still holds a special place in my heart. Oh, and if you're curious about how I snagged collaborations like H&M, Zalando or Nivea, well, you'll just have to check out my book ;)
Let me share another delightful project – my collaboration with Zalando. I've got to give a huge shout-out to them for providing such fabulous pieces. It's truly a privilege to receive gifts from companies, or just in general. I'm constantly reminding myself to be grateful for these opportunities and the generosity that comes my way.
There's one more event that's etched in my memory – the Women Leaders of the World event by Speaking On Stage. Let me tell you, it was a moment of pure excitement and humility. The speaker lineup was simply incredible, filled with such strong individuals who are shaping the world in remarkable ways. Being in their presence was a constant reminder that there's always room for growth, always more to learn and achieve.
Now? I'm back in Switzerland, ready to turn the page on a new chapter. Since July, I've been pouring my heart and soul into a passion project: writing a book. It's my way of giving back to the community, sharing the lessons I've learned, and hopefully inspiring others to chase their dreams.
This journey?
It's been one heck of a ride. Every twist, every turn – they've shaped me into the woman I am today. And you know what? I wouldn't change a single moment of it.
So come on, hop on board! Let's navigate this crazy adventure called life together, embracing every bump, every detour, and every breathtaking view along the way.
Catch you on the flip side,
Marion Reber
