Amidst the ever-shifting landscape of high fashion, where trends change in the blink of an eye and conventional beauty norms often appear unattainable, Sandy Rancatore, the Founder of Stang Life by Beauty and the Stang, emerges as a powerful symbol of empowerment. Her journey, transitioning from an aspiring model to gracing the pages of three prestigious fashion magazines, not only underscores her unwavering determination but also challenges the enduring biases related to age and color within the industry.

Sandy’s route to success serves as a testament to her determination. Born to Caribbean parents in Los Angeles, her upbringing was deeply rooted in architecture and education due to her parents’ active involvement in these domains. While modeling had been a lifelong aspiration, her parents stressed the significance of education, urging her to complete her schooling before pursuing her passion.

Following her college education, Sandy embraced motherhood, welcoming her first child. This transformative experience ignited a desire for greater achievement. Recognizing the need to expand her skill set beyond motherhood, she followed her father’s architectural path, delving into real estate. This endeavor ignited her newfound passion for asset management, propelling her career forward.

As life progressed, Sandy became a private individual, embracing the arrival of her second child. During this phase, she grappled with the sensation that her dreams were slipping away. While excelling as a mother remained her ultimate goal, she also yearned to fulfill her personal aspirations, aiming to set an example for her burgeoning children. Fueled by this determination, she audaciously decided to re-enter the modeling world, drawing from her prior experience and the confidence it had instilled.

Eager to broaden her horizons, Sandy pursued a degree in entrepreneurship and business. Juggling the care of her second child, she quietly established multiple successful companies. Simultaneously, she re-entered the real estate sphere, obtaining her license and making significant career strides. Nevertheless, just as she embarked on this fresh journey, she discovered she was expecting her third child, prompting doubts about her dreams. Sandy committed to becoming the best version of herself. Following the birth of her third child, she embraced modeling with renewed vigor, rekindling her self-confidence. Standing steadfast and resolute, she continues to pursue her modeling and real estate careers, never losing sight of her ambitions. With the arrival of her daughters, her top priority has become empowering them to be their best selves and embrace their unique journeys, all while enjoying her own path

Beyond Aesthetic Beauty: Redefining Industry Standards

Photo Credited to: Charles Schoenberger Photography

Being published in three highly regarded fashion magazines is an accomplishment that speaks volumes. Sandy’s success in breaking through the barriers of age and color has sparked important discussions within the high-fashion arena. “I feel it is certainly a shock factor for a lot of people,” she notes. “As long as I have a little bit of my inner child within me, I believe that my energy is the invisible grandiose of breaking down walls for those who feel restricted because of their age or the color of their skin.”

In an industry that has often been criticized for its lack of diversity, Sandy’s achievements serve as a reminder that beauty knows no boundaries. Her presence in these magazines challenges conventional beauty standards and inspires a new generation of models to embrace their unique qualities.

Sandy draws inspiration from iconic figures like Naomi Campbell, who defy age stereotypes in the world of high fashion. “It could be our second or third or fourth wind, especially in high fashion,” she explains, emphasizing that age should not hinder anyone’s pursuit of their dreams.

Challenges into Triumphs: Turning Rejection into Motivation

Sandy’s journey has not been without its share of challenges. She vividly recalls an instance from her early modeling career when she faced overt judgment based on her ethnicity. “I remember going to a casting call,” she says. “They placed us side by side and openly stated that the other model had a better aesthetic because of her European features.” This incident not only offended Sandy but also hurt her deeply.

Rather than succumbing to these negative experiences, Sandy turned them into powerful sources of motivation. “From that point on, I decided that I would seemingly become a villain in my own beautiful story,” she declares. Her determination to prove the naysayers wrong became the driving force behind her continued success.

Beyond her personal triumphs, Sandy is using her platform to advocate for broader inclusivity and empowerment in the modeling world. She is no stranger to the isolating effects of fear, judgment, and criticism. “I use my platform to prove those wrong who think that a certain type of person can do one type of thing,” Sandy says passionately.

She is a firm believer in the transformative power of self-acceptance and self-love. Sandy pushes for body positivity and encourages everyone, especially women, to overcome the fear of judgment. “Once we overcome caring about what people think and say about us is when we win, that is also when we are most at peace with ourselves,” she asserts. Her message resonates with many who are on a similar journey towards self-empowerment.

Vision for the Future: Embracing Diversity and Individuality

Photo Credited to: PIX 7 photography

As Sandy continues to break down barriers and redefine industry standards, her vision for the future of high fashion is one of inclusivity and celebration of individuality. “Currently, high fashion is starting to become extremely diverse in all ages, shapes, sizes, and heights,” she observes.

Her hope for the future is to infuse the fashion world with a sense of fun while embracing everyone’s uniqueness. Sandy envisions a high-fashion industry that welcomes models of all backgrounds, ages, and body types. It’s a vision that reflects a changing world, one where beauty is not confined to stereotypes but celebrated in its infinite variety.

Sandy Rancatore’s journey through the high-fashion world is a testament to the power of self-confidence, resilience, and the determination to break barriers. Her accomplishments challenge age and color biases and inspire positive change within an industry that is evolving toward greater inclusivity. Sandy’s story reminds us that true beauty transcends superficial standards, and that, with courage and self-belief, anyone can shine on and off the runway.