Muse by Trap LA Spotlight: Meet Mariah Kristinna – The Free-Spirited South Bay Model Building Her Own Lane
The Los Angeles modeling scene is full of talented creators, but every once in a while someone stands out simply by refusing to be anyone other than themselves. Mariah Kristinna is one of those people.
Born and raised throughout the South Bay, Mariah has been steadily building a name for herself as a model, content creator, and influencer whose confidence comes from authenticity rather than following trends. Whether she's walking a runway, creating lifestyle content, or collaborating with brands, her goal has always been the same—show people exactly who she is.
In this edition of Muse by Trap LA, we sat down with Mariah to talk about her journey, growing up in the South Bay, mental health, modeling, future goals, and why she believes being yourself is your greatest advantage.
Growing Up in the South Bay
Mariah describes herself as a true South Bay native.
"I grew up in Carson, Torrance, Palos Verdes, and San Pedro. I usually tell people I'm from San Pedro."
Growing up wasn't always easy. Spending much of her childhood in predominantly white communities meant she often found herself being one of the few Black or mixed children around.
Those experiences helped shape the confidence and resilience she carries today.
The Story Behind "Blasian Baby"
While many people know Mariah as the "Blasian Baby," she says the nickname wasn't something she originally gave herself.
"I never really went by Blasian until other people started calling me that. Once it stuck, I became more comfortable with it and confident enough to embrace it."
Instead of running from her identity, she learned to celebrate it and build confidence around who she naturally is.
A Passion for Modeling Since Childhood
Modeling isn't something Mariah discovered recently.
She's been fascinated with fashion from an early age.
She remembers watching runway shows alongside her grandmother and eventually taking the initiative to start walking fashion shows herself while still in high school.
"I've always been an entertainer. Modeling has always felt authentic to me."
At just 15 years old, after walking one of her first runway shows, she realized modeling could become much more than a hobby.
That moment gave her the confidence to keep pushing forward.
The Same Person On and Off Camera
One thing Mariah wants people to know is that the personality people see online is the same person they meet in real life.
While many influencers create a different persona for social media, she says authenticity has always been her biggest strength.
Off camera, she's actually a homebody who enjoys spending time with family and close friends.
As the oldest of four sisters and one younger brother, family remains one of the biggest priorities in her life.
Life Outside of Social Media
When she's not creating content or modeling, Mariah enjoys living a balanced lifestyle.
Her favorite activities include:
Spending time with her sisters and family
Going to the beach
Shopping
Hanging out with friends
Boxing
Pilates
Staying active
Fitness and wellness have become an important part of maintaining both her physical and mental health.
Favorite Career Moment So Far
Among all of the photoshoots and content she's participated in, one experience stands above the rest.
Her favorite project was appearing in the music video for "Where The Baddies" by Lemmy featuring Offset.
According to Mariah, the production was on another level.
"The vibes on set were amazing. The production was huge, and I met so many incredible women. It was just an overall great experience."
Why Authenticity Wins
In today's influencer world, it's easy to copy what's already working.
Mariah has chosen a different path.
She believes what separates her from many other creators is her willingness to fully embrace her personality.
"A lot of people are scared to show who they really are because they're afraid of criticism."
Mariah isn't.
"The hate motivates me even more. I'm not afraid to put myself out there or speak my mind. I'm authentically me. You either love it or you hate it."
That confidence has become one of the biggest reasons her audience continues to grow.
Handling Social Media and Haters
Social media isn't always positive.
Fortunately, Mariah has developed a healthy perspective.
Rather than focusing on criticism, she chooses to appreciate the supporters who continue showing love.
"I don't really pay attention to the haters."
If she ever feels misunderstood, she'd rather address it directly than allow false narratives to spread.
She also looks at engagement differently than most creators.
"Hate comments are still engagement. They help push the content. So thank you to the haters—we appreciate all comments over here."
Lessons Learned Online
One of the biggest lessons social media has taught her is learning how to protect her energy.
She says discernment is everything.
Knowing who genuinely supports your success versus who's simply trying to benefit from your growth is one of the most valuable skills she's developed.
Building More Than a Modeling Career
Although modeling continues to open doors, Mariah doesn't want to limit herself to one lane.
"I wouldn't necessarily say modeling is my main focus. Me, myself, and I are my main focus."
She's trusting God's timing and believes in attracting opportunities instead of chasing them.
Her current goals include:
Growing as a streamer and content creator
Landing larger fashion campaigns
Working with major clothing companies
Breaking into beauty campaigns
Continuing to expand her audience
She believes her wide range of interests makes it difficult to place her into just one category—and she's perfectly okay with that.
Dream Collaborations
When asked about dream collaborations, Mariah immediately mentioned photographer Petra Collins.
She admires Collins' whimsical and artistic visual style and believes the two could create something truly unique together.
As for brands, her dream partnership is Fenty.
"I love everything Fenty stands for, and I feel like I'd be a perfect fit."
Family Is Her Biggest Motivation
While many people assume success or fame is what drives her, Mariah says the real motivation is much closer to home.
"My family keeps me going."
She wants to reach extraordinary success not only for herself but so she can give back to the people who've supported her from the beginning.
Mental Health and Staying Motivated
Mariah also opened up about something many creators rarely discuss—mental health.
She admits there are days when motivation is difficult.
"As someone who struggles with mental health, some days are hard."
She's learned it's okay to step away when necessary.
"Soon after, I get back up. I have money to make and people to reach."
That mindset has helped her continue moving forward through difficult moments.
Looking Toward the Future
Within the next year, Mariah sees herself collaborating with even more creators while working alongside larger brands and expanding her audience.
Looking five years ahead, her goals become even bigger.
She envisions herself:
Leading lifestyle campaigns
Becoming a face in beauty advertising
Walking prestigious runway shows like London Fashion Week
Continuing to make a positive impact within her community
For Mariah, success isn't measured only by career accomplishments.
It's also about using her platform to inspire and uplift others.
A Message to Her Supporters
Before wrapping up our interview, Mariah shared one final message for everyone following her journey.
"I hope I inspired you to come follow along my journey. We're only growing from here, and you'll see the good, the bad, and everything in between. Mwah! Love all of y'all—even the haters. God is great."
Follow Mariah Kristinna's Journey
Mariah Kristinna is proving that authenticity, confidence, and consistency can open doors that imitation never will. As she continues expanding her career in modeling, fashion, beauty, and digital content creation, she's quickly becoming one of the South Bay's rising creators to watch.
Stay locked in with Muse by Trap LA as we continue highlighting the next generation of Los Angeles models, influencers, entrepreneurs, musicians, and creators shaping the culture.
trapLAXradio On The Air Now!
Click Here To Start Listening Now!
Like & Listen To Our Spotify Playlist
🚀 Get Seen Everywhere
100 custom DigiStickers with your own permanent QR code linking to your music, merch, or socials.
Send us your artwork — we set it up FREE and ship fast.
Why DigiStickers?
✅ Full-color, pro-quality print
✅ Permanent QR link — no monthly fees
✅ Ships ready to stick & sell your brand
📲 Order now. Flood your city. Flip your brand.
Have you been spending all your money and time on making music and shooting videos, but still not getting any exposure? Tired of just spinning your wheels? You know to get exposure you need to get featured on blogs, radio stations, playlist, and get your music e-mail blasted out to the masses. Need help getting all that done? Then check out the Package we’ve made available for you below!
Shop For Limited Edition trapLA Apparel!
