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In this exclusive interview, we have the honor of speaking with Hilda Puno, a Navy veteran turned model and actress in Los Angeles. Hilda shares her remarkable journey, starting with modeling and pageantry in Guam and Hawaii, transitioning to a professional career after her service in the US Navy. As Ms. Healuxe Global and Ms. Naturalle World, she prioritizes wellness advocacy, focusing on the five pillars of positivity: mental health, wellness, pro-aging, and mentorship. Hilda also discusses her role as Ms. Naturelle Ambassadress, supporting Naturelle WellEarth through various community initiatives, including volunteerism at her Christian Church and preparing care packages for military personnel. She reveals how her military background instilled discipline and a strong work ethic, influencing her success in the entertainment industry. Additionally, Hilda talks about the challenges and opportunities she has encountered in Los Angeles and offers valuable advice for young women aspiring to balance diverse career paths in the military, pageantry, and entertainment.
Can you share the journey that led you from being a Navy veteran to becoming a model and actress in Los Angeles?
Before joining the military, I started modeling and pageantry on the island of Guam, a U.S. Territory, and in Hawaii where I grew up. After serving in the US Navy, I transitioned into a professional career while still staying connected to military veterans. As an aspiring actress and model, I aim to bring inspiration and service, using the skill set I developed in my everyday life as well as in the entertainment industry.
…As Ms. Healuxe Global and Ms. Naturalle World, what responsibilities and advocacies do you prioritize, and how do you use these platforms to influence positive change?
As a wellness advocate, I am passionate about leading and inspiring others, raising awareness for the greater good using the five pillars of positivity: mental health, wellness, pro-aging, and mentorship. I promote radiance within beauty and motivate myself to put these pillars into action. Despite life’s distractions, I love being mentored and surrounded by positive people who also advocate for these values.
In your mental health advocacy, how do you support Naturelle WellEarth as Ms. Naturelle Ambassadress?
As Ms. Naturelle Ambassadress, I support Naturelle WellEarth through volunteerism at my Christian Church and its Go Teams programs in domestic violence shelters. I help prepare care packages for military personnel deployed overseas and get involved with life groups where we support the Christian faith through various Bible lessons. Additionally, I support Hope The Mission, which helps prevent and eliminate poverty, hunger, and homelessness—issues I have personally experienced.
How has your military background influenced your career in the entertainment and modeling industry, particularly in terms of discipline and work ethic?
As a US Navy Veteran, my military background has taught me discipline, the importance of “walking the talk,” and following my passions. This has helped me master the balance of fun and creativity while taking my career in both the professional and entertainment industries seriously. It has exemplified the true meaning of genuine love and compassion, allowing me to bring inspiration and service to the community.
Living in Los Angeles, a hub for the entertainment industry, what are some of the challenges and opportunities you’ve encountered as a multi-faceted professional?
LA is expensive and the entertainment industry is highly competitive. When starting out, it can be challenging to hustle, make ends meet, and get your name out there. However, I have found that my multi-faceted career is an asset. It allows me to build myself, push beyond my comfort zone, and expand my network. Despite the challenges, the lifestyle in LA—with its great weather, beaches, mountains, deserts, shopping, and food—is worth the price of admission, even if you’re struggling.
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to follow a similarly diverse career path, balancing roles in the military, pageantry, and entertainment?
Do the work you want to do, even in the job you currently have. There are ways to be the person you aspire to be while waiting for the right opportunities to come along. Be true to yourself, remember where you came from, and appreciate the people who helped you along your journey.
Your collaboration with Murano Glass in Italy is truly remarkable. Can you tell us more about how this collaboration came about and what it means to you as an artist?
Murano Glass, a luxury product from the city of enchantment, Murano, is globally known for its rich beauty, quality, and elegance. With hundreds of years of glassmaking history, the majority of objects are handcrafted and made in furnaces. The rich history of glass is considered the story of Murano. I feel very proud to bring my country’s name to the highest level of the art world through this collaboration. Owning a Murano Glass piece signifies not only having class but also being a part of a long Venetian tradition and knowing how to enjoy the finer things in life.
Your ability to work with various mediums like oil, acrylic, and spray paint on canvas showcases your versatility as an artist. How do you navigate between these mediums to bring your artistic vision to life?
My mom taught me when I was a child not to mix oil and acrylic. Acrylic goes first, and then the oil. That’s a rule, but beyond that, I love to explore the mediums and use my creativity. I use feathers, crystals, and anything I think will look good in my paintings. I never leave a painting if I don’t really love it. Once I fall in love with it, it is ready to go. That’s the hardest part because I want to keep them all, but it’s all worth it once I give it to my collectors. When my art is hanging on their walls, a new story begins for my paintings and the families. I can see how my art brings life to the mural where they are. I love to bring happiness, empowerment, and love through my art.
