Andrea Kuoni’s toughest life moments served as the forefront of her career and adult life. Despite all the odds against her, Kuoni’s drive to succeed coupled with her relentless work ethic have earned her tremendous success as an international model, activist, and businesswoman.
For model and philanthropist Andrea Kuoni, her teenage years were nothing short of difficult. At the age of 17, Andrea suffered from early onset of lung cancer complications. After various complications including weeks spent hospitalized and multiple surgeries Andrea miraculously recovered and has been in remission since. Andrea is reminded of this miracle she experienced every day as she was left with scars from her many surgeries. However, despite the trauma and visible scars left on her body, Andrea chose to not let this time in her life be a detriment but rather driving force to pursue her dreams. The ability to keep a positive mindset during this time is an attribute that has helped contribute to her many accomplishments.
Being from a small town near Kansas City, with very limited opportunities Andrea knew she had to leave the comfort of her family and home to fulfill her dreams. Andrea got her modeling debut in a Verizon commercial while in college, which then opened doors as a promotional model for Modelo/Corona. Andrea began her promotional career at boxing events working her way up big promo for the likes of Kenny Chesney’s Blue Chair Bay Rum and other large-scale events across the country. In 2017 Andrea decided to apply for Playboy Switzerland on a whim to soon find out that she’d be introduced as Playmate to the brand family in their November 2017 issue. Achieving a lifelong dream of hers only motivated her more. Andrea went on to become Playmate of the month for Playboy Mexico; with her debut in their magazine as a new face in December 2018 and centerfold in February 2019.
Despite her success in the modeling industry and achieving her goals as a published Playboy model, Andrea has always been passionate about giving back to the community that helped her. Kuoni emphasizes that without the help and support of the doctors at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, she may not have had the opportunity to pursue her dreams in the first place. In 2015, Kuoni became a LIVESTRONG Spokeswoman, with the opportunity of her story broadcasted on their website. As LIVESTRONG Spokeswoman, Andrea also ran the Marine Corps Marathon that year. But Kuoni doesn’t stop there, she has used her motivation and strong work ethic to give back to various organizations including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, LIVESTRONG, and autism awareness efforts. Most recently Andrea has given back by dressing up as Disney Princess Elsa for zoom calls with children at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kuoni attributes a few traits to her inspiring success as a published model and philanthropist- which include authenticity, compassion, and a positive mindset. In her hardest times, Andrea learned that keeping a positive mindset is incredibly important in every aspect of her life. Andrea stated the following:
“If you remain positive, you’ll see the opportunity in everything and never worry about things you can’t change.”
In a saturated industry like modeling, Kuoni believes it’s crucial you stay true to your authentic self to set yourself apart. As a manager and mentor to new models Kuoni encourages not try to be the best at imitating others, rather be the best version of yourself and you’ll inspire others.
Despite the many scars, and a tattoo of a rosary she got after her first major lung surgery to symbolize its victory, she was more determined than ever to chase her dreams of becoming a published model. Many people discouraged Kuoni of becoming a model, pointing out that published models don’t have scars or tattoos, and her stressed that opportunities would be very limited. But Andrea did not let self-doubt, or the criticism of others destroy her dreams. Instead she used this criticism as ammunition to pave the way for herself and other models alike. “What’s meant to be always finds a way, so find the way.”- A quote by her mother that Andrea has always lived by. By displaying her authentic self throughout her social media, Andrea has been able to captivate and establish a loyal fanbase of over half a million followers.
Kuoni has evolved her knowledge of the modeling industry and networking into her new venture, AndyKandy LLC. Where she manages and connects models and photographers with events and hosting opportunities to expand their social media presence and modeling portfolio. Currently Kuoni is working on expanding her model management business and is looking toward investment opportunities with like-minded models. Just as she knew creating a strong network of support for herself was pivotal to her success; Andrea also plans to start a charity in which helps connect models with opportunities from all backgrounds, focusing on small towns similar to the one outside of Kansas City where she grew up. Although becoming a playboy model was a longtime goal of hers, Andrea wants to be known as a philanthropist, and credits her successes to her family, faith, and damn good Kansas City BBQ.
If there was one piece of advice Andrea would give it someone, it would be that this is your life to make it whatever you want, so paint it up, throw some sprinkles on it and chase your goals like they’re followed by a shot of tequila!
Andrea Kuoni is an exemplary role model to entrepreneurs, models, and philanthropist and hopes that her experiences inspire others to chase their dreams. We would like to congratulate Andrea on her incredible success thus far, and we wish her all the best in her future endeavors. Rest assured that she will not only make a positive impact in every industry she dives into, and that she will leave everyone feeling a little more motivated, compassionate, and empowered than before.
You can keep up with Andrea Kuoni on her website, or her Instagram.
