Cleopatra

For GMARO Magazine Special Edition Vol. 53 September 2026, cover star Cleopatra embodies a story shaped by identity, resilience, reinvention, and the courage to remain authentic through every chapter of life.

Born and raised in Japan to a Japanese father and a Guyanese mother, Cleopatra grew up between two distinct cultural worlds—an experience that taught her to embrace difference not as something that separates us, but as a source of individuality, understanding, and strength. Today, that multicultural identity remains central to the way she approaches beauty, creativity, and human connection.

Her journey has never followed a single path. Entering the entertainment industry at nineteen, Cleopatra discovered the power of self-expression and learned that genuine confidence begins not with external recognition, but with accepting who you truly are. During the COVID-19 pandemic, that journey took an unexpected turn as she pursued nursing, inspired by a desire to support others more directly through moments of vulnerability and uncertainty.

Now balancing motherhood, healthcare, modeling, entertainment, and an expanding international presence through live streaming, Cleopatra continues to redefine what ambition can look like. For her, strength is no longer about appearing invulnerable, and success is no longer measured only by recognition or achievement. It is found in authenticity, meaningful relationships, personal growth, and the ability to positively affect another person’s life.

Whether standing in front of a camera, caring for a patient, connecting with an online audience, or raising her child, the purpose remains remarkably consistent: to make people feel seen, encouraged, and empowered to believe in themselves.

Cleopatra’s story is ultimately one of refusing to be defined by a single title. It is a reminder that our differences, transitions, vulnerabilities, and dreams can coexist—and that becoming fully ourselves may be the most powerful form of beauty.

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Photographer - Alexander Rea

Cover Model - Cleopatra

Model Agency - Maia / MAIA STARSHIP

Creative Director - Diana Claudia Lechon

Makeup Artist - Miguel Arroyo

Wardrobe Stylist - Diana Valdez Lechon

You were born and raised in Japan with a Japanese father and a Guyanese mother. How has growing up between two cultural backgrounds shaped the person you are today?

I feel that growing up with two different cultural backgrounds is one of my unique qualities and strengths. Because I have experienced and embraced those differences, I believe I can be more understanding and empathetic toward people with different values and perspectives. It has also taught me that it’s okay to be different and to stay true to who I am.

Growing up between Japanese and Guyanese cultures has taught me the importance of embracing differences and living authentically as myself.

What aspects of Japanese and Guyanese culture have had the strongest influence on your values, personality, and outlook on life?

The Japanese value of caring for others and maintaining harmony, combined with the Guyanese value of embracing who you are and cherishing connections with others, has shaped my values deeply. Growing up with both cultures taught me to respect different perspectives while also embracing my own individuality.

Did your multicultural background ever make you feel different growing up, and how has your relationship with that identity evolved over time?

Growing up in Japan, I naturally embraced Japanese culture, while at home, I was also exposed to Guyanese culture and values through my mother. Because of these differences, there were times when people around me pointed them out, making me feel that I might be a little different from everyone else.

As I became an adult and started interacting with people of different generations and backgrounds, someone once told me, “That difference is a part of your individuality, and it’s something beautiful.” Those words changed the way I saw myself.

Since then, I have come to appreciate the environment I was raised in. I now feel that growing up between two cultures is an important part of my identity and a precious gift that has shaped who I am today.

How important is it for you to represent multicultural beauty and identity through your work today?

The values and perspectives I have received from both Japanese and Guyanese cultures have shaped who I am today. Being able to express both cultures in my own way is also an important part of embracing and honoring my identity.

Through my work, I want to show that having a different cultural background is not something that separates us, but something that can become a unique source of beauty, individuality, and strength.

You entered the entertainment industry at the age of 19. What originally inspired you to take that first step?

Since I was young, I had always wanted to become someone who could move people’s hearts. I enjoyed being in front of others, and I dreamed of expressing myself through television and the entertainment industry, hoping that I could bring energy, courage, and inspiration to others.

When I was 19, I had an opportunity that made me realize I shouldn’t just think of my dream as something I would pursue “someday,” but that I should take a chance and go for it. That was when I decided to take my first step into the entertainment industry.

What do you remember most vividly about the beginning of your career in entertainment?

At an audition for a popular variety show, I found myself sitting face-to-face with famous comedians and TV personalities, answering a wide range of questions. I remember thinking that I had to make an impression, so I decided to show a side of myself that I had kept hidden.

One of the famous comedians told me, “You’re truly a rare talent. You’re amazing.”

That moment gave me the confidence to embrace who I really was. From then on, I learned to approach every opportunity with my own personality and, most importantly, to enjoy whatever I was doing.

At 19, what did success mean to you, and how would you define success differently now at 30?

When I was 19, I think success meant “achieving my dreams and becoming famous.” I believed that success meant making a name for myself in the entertainment industry and becoming someone who could touch and inspire people’s hearts.

Now that I’m 30, however, my definition of success has changed a little. Of course, achieving my dreams and accomplishing my goals are still important, but I’ve come to believe that true success is also about living authentically, making the people I love happy, and creating a life where I can genuinely say that I am happy, too.

How do you create a genuine sense of connection with an audience that may be thousands of miles away?

To me, true connection isn’t about physical distance. It’s about letting someone know, “I truly see you, and I feel your presence.” Even if we are thousands of miles apart, the moment we laugh together and share the same emotions, the distance between our hearts feels so much smaller.

How has your experience in the entertainment industry changed your understanding of confidence and self-expression?

Through my experience in the entertainment industry, I have learned that confidence does not come from being recognized by others, but from believing in myself and having the courage to express who I truly am.

When I entered the entertainment industry at 19, I was very conscious of how others saw me and how I would be evaluated. However, through meeting many different people and having experiences where my individuality was appreciated when I expressed myself authentically, I gradually realized that I did not have to change myself to fit other people’s expectations.

This experience taught me the importance of embracing my individuality and expressing myself with confidence.

What has been one of the most important lessons you have learned from working in front of an audience?

The most important lesson I have learned from working in front of an audience is that being true to yourself and showing your authentic self can move people’s hearts more than trying to appear perfect.

When I first started, I was often too focused on how the audience saw me and how I would be judged, so I sometimes tried to create a certain version of myself to avoid making mistakes. However, as I gained more experience, I realized that when I expressed my true words and emotions without trying to hide or decorate them, I was able to connect with the audience on a much deeper level.

Have there been moments when you questioned your path in entertainment, and what helped you continue moving forward?

Of course, there were times when I questioned whether pursuing a career in the entertainment industry was truly the right path for me.

I entered the entertainment industry at 19, and through auditions and various experiences, there were times when I struggled because things didn’t go the way I had hoped. I often wondered, “If I continue on this path, will I really reach the place I’m aiming for?” Seeing people around me achieve success one after another sometimes made me feel as though I was the only one being left behind.

What helped me keep moving forward was repeatedly reminding myself of why I wanted to enter this industry in the first place. From the beginning, my dream was to become someone who could touch people’s hearts and give them courage, hope, and a positive feeling through my presence and expression.

How do you stay authentic in an industry where image and public perception can often become very important?

Because I work in the entertainment industry, where public perception and image are extremely important, I make it a priority not to become too focused on how others see me.

Of course, I believe it is important to understand how I am perceived and to meet the expectations that come with being a professional. However, if I lose sight of who I truly am in the process, I don’t believe I can continue to connect with and inspire people in a meaningful way over the long term.

What does beauty mean to you today compared with when you first entered the entertainment world?

When I first entered the entertainment industry, beauty, to me, was largely about how I was perceived by others. I was very conscious of my appearance, figure, and how people evaluated me. I often felt that I had to “look beautiful” and “present myself in an attractive way.”

But after gaining a variety of experiences, I now believe that beauty is not only about physical appearance. To me, true beauty is about living authentically and being comfortable with who you are.

How would you describe your personal relationship with fashion and style?

To me, fashion and personal style are not simply about looking fashionable; they are an important way of expressing who I am.

While I enjoy incorporating trends into my wardrobe, what matters most to me is whether I can genuinely think, “I love who I am in this outfit.” I love that fashion allows me to express my mood, personality, and even the values that are important to me.

For me, that ability to express myself authentically is what makes fashion so meaningful.

When you are in front of a camera, what emotions or qualities do you most want to communicate through an image?

I would be happy if people who see my photos feel, “It’s okay to be myself, just like she is,” and feel even a little more positive and inspired. I believe that true beauty is not just about appearance, but about the unique qualities and individuality that naturally shine through from within.

What makes a fashion editorial or photoshoot feel truly meaningful to you rather than simply visually beautiful?

I believe there is great meaning in creating photographs that make people feel not only, “She is beautiful” or “This is beautiful,” but also, “It’s okay for me to be myself,” and perhaps even leave them feeling a little more positive and inspired.

I believe fashion and beauty reflect each person’s individuality, background, and life experiences. That is why, rather than simply capturing someone’s outward beauty, I think a photograph becomes truly meaningful when it can express the person’s story and unique personality as well. At that point, it becomes more than just a beautiful image—it becomes something that stays in the hearts of the people who see it.

Are there particular sides of your personality that modeling or fashion photography allows you to express more freely?

In front of the camera, I feel free to express my emotions honestly and naturally—whether that is strength, confidence, femininity, or a sense of playfulness. Through clothing, makeup, and posing, I can express parts of my inner self that I might not normally put into words. I believe that is one of the most beautiful aspects of fashion photography.

I also value embracing my individuality rather than trying to fit into a predetermined idea of beauty. Through photography, I can discover new sides of myself and appreciate them, not only for how I look on the outside, but also for who I am on the inside. That process of discovering and expressing different aspects of myself is one of the things I enjoy most about being a model.

How has becoming a mother changed the way you see yourself as a woman?

I used to think of femininity, beauty, and attractiveness largely in terms of my appearance, body shape, and how I was perceived by others. But after becoming a mother, I’ve come to realize that strength, kindness, a sense of responsibility, and the courage to live authentically are also essential parts of what makes a woman beautiful.

What has motherhood taught you about strength that you did not fully understand before becoming a parent?

Becoming a parent has taught me that strength does not mean having to keep going on your own, no matter what happens.

Before becoming a parent, I believed that a strong person was someone who never showed weakness and could overcome everything on their own. But through raising and protecting my child, I have learned that acknowledging my own vulnerability, asking others for help, and allowing myself to pause when necessary are also important forms of strength.

How do you balance being a mother with continuing to pursue your own ambitions and creative goals?

I believe that balancing my role as a mother with pursuing my own ambitions and creative goals is not about having to choose one over the other.

Of course, I make it a priority to cherish the time I spend with my child and fulfill my responsibilities as a mother, while also reminding myself not to give up on my own dreams. Since becoming a mother, I no longer have the same freedom with my time as I did before, but having less time has taught me to be more intentional and committed to everything I do.

Has becoming a mother changed the kind of example you hope to set through your career?

In the past, I believed that pursuing your dreams, working hard, and achieving results was one ideal way to live. But after becoming a mother, I have come to find greater meaning in showing that it is possible to protect what is important while still pursuing your own dreams.

I don’t believe that becoming a mother means you have to give up on your dreams, nor do you have to sacrifice your responsibilities as a mother in order to pursue them. It is not always easy, but I hope that by valuing both and building a life that is true to myself, I can become a role model not only for my child, but also for others who have dreams of their own.

What do you hope your child will one day understand about the choices you have made in pursuing your dreams?

Someday, when my child discovers their own dreams, I hope they won’t give up by thinking, “Maybe I’m not capable of achieving this.” Instead, I hope they will believe that it’s okay to cherish their own life and pursue their dreams while also protecting the things and people that are important to them.

And through watching me, I hope they will understand not only the importance of pursuing your dreams, but also the strength it takes to keep moving forward even when you feel lost, face setbacks, or make mistakes.

What did nursing reveal to you about human vulnerability, compassion, and connection?

Things that we often take for granted when we are healthy can suddenly become difficult or even impossible when we become ill or are hospitalized, making us dependent on others for support. I believe this is part of what makes us vulnerable as human beings. At the same time, I have come to realize that showing our vulnerability is not something to be ashamed of. Rather, it is an important part of allowing people to support one another and build meaningful connections.

How has caring for others professionally influenced the way you approach people in your personal and creative life?

Through my experience caring for others in my professional life, I have come to understand more deeply the importance of putting myself in another person’s shoes.

In nursing, even when people have the same illness or are in similar situations, the way they experience anxiety and pain, as well as the kind of support they need, can be very different. Because of this, I have learned not to judge someone’s feelings based solely on their words, but also to pay attention to their facial expressions, behavior, and emotions that may be difficult for them to put into words.

You now work actively as a live streamer. What initially attracted you to this form of communication?

What I find especially meaningful is that even a simple conversation or sharing my own experiences can inspire someone to think, “I can get through today, too.” Through my experience as a nurse, I learned the importance of being there for others and truly listening to them. That’s why I was drawn to live streaming as a place where I can connect with people emotionally while expressing myself authentically.

Do you feel there is a connection between your work in nursing and your original desire to make a positive impact on others?

In entertainment, I support and inspire people through my words and self-expression, while in nursing, I do so through care, compassion, and being there for others. Although the methods are different, I feel that the core of who I am has remained the same: I have always wanted to have a positive impact, even in a small way, on someone’s life.

Through my experience as a nurse, I have come to understand that making an impact on someone’s life does not necessarily mean doing something big or being in the spotlight. Sometimes, it simply means giving one person a sense of comfort, reassurance, or hope when they need it most.

What has been the most personally rewarding aspect of working in a caring profession?

In nursing, my role is not only to provide treatments and medical care, but also to listen to patients who are experiencing fear or pain and support them so they can feel safe and comfortable.

When I see a patient who was initially anxious gradually begin to smile, or when they tell me, “I’m glad you were here,” I feel that my presence and the care I provided were able to become a source of emotional support for them. Those moments have been some of the most rewarding experiences in my nursing career.

Moving between entertainment and nursing represents two very different worlds. What have these experiences taught you about your own versatility?

At first glance, these may seem like completely opposite professions, but I have come to realize that they share one important thing: both are about connecting with and understanding people. In both fields, I have learned to think about what someone needs and adapt the way I communicate and interact with them. In that sense, I feel that all of my experiences are connected.

Moving between these two very different worlds has taught me that being versatile does not mean being able to do everything. To me, it means having the courage to step into different environments, learn from each experience, and carry those lessons with me into whatever I do next.

That is why I do not want to limit myself to one title or one way of living. I want to continue gaining different experiences and discovering forms of expression and ways of connecting with people that are uniquely my own.

Has working in healthcare changed your priorities or the way you define what is truly important in life?

I want to value my own life while also cherishing the time I spend with my family and the people around me, and I want to continue making a positive impact on other people’s lives.

My experience working in healthcare has taught me to see the value of life not only in terms of how much I have achieved, but also in terms of who I have shared my life with, how I have spent my time, and what I have been able to give to others.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, you made the significant decision to pursue nursing. What led you toward that new calling?

Since the age of 19, I had been pursuing a career in the entertainment industry, hoping to move people’s hearts and bring them happiness, courage, and inspiration. Then, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I witnessed the dedication of nurses and other healthcare professionals who were on the front lines, supporting people’s lives and well-being. It made me deeply reflect on what I could do to help others during such an uncertain time.

Of course, becoming a nurse was not an easy decision. I was anxious about stepping into a completely different world from the one I had known. However, I found great meaning in being able to stay by someone’s side when they are facing fear or hardship and to support them directly when they need it most.

What do you enjoy most about connecting with people from different countries and cultures through live streaming?

I believe the greatest appeal is being able to connect with people on a human level, beyond differences in language and culture.

Through live streaming, I have the opportunity to interact in real time with people from countries and cultures I might never have encountered otherwise. Even when our languages and lifestyles are different, I feel that emotions such as wanting to make someone smile, encourage others, and connect with people are universal. By laughing together, supporting one another, and simply sharing the same moment, we can build meaningful connections regardless of where we come from.

Has your online community ever surprised or inspired you in a way that stayed with you personally?

Yes, I have. What has particularly stayed with me is seeing people who have never actually met in person naturally support one another online by sharing their challenges, struggles, and experiences.

Even when people are different in age, where they live, or in their cultures and values, a single encouraging word from someone can make a real difference, and our own experiences can sometimes give someone else the courage to keep going. Seeing this has made me strongly realize that meaningful connections are not determined by physical distance.

In an increasingly digital world, what do you believe makes an online connection feel authentic?

I believe what makes online connections feel genuine is “real-time emotions” and “a sense of care for one another.”

It’s not just about exchanging information. When we genuinely respond to each other’s words, share moments of happiness or struggles, and communicate, “I truly see and hear you,” we can feel emotionally close even when we are physically far apart.

How do you protect your sense of self while maintaining a public presence and interacting regularly with an online audience?

Because I work in the public eye, I think it is important not to confuse the person people see with who I truly am.

Of course, the words and feedback I receive from my audience encourage me, and I’m genuinely grateful for their support. However, I believe that if I try to be liked by everyone, I can easily lose sight of what truly matters to me.

That’s why, even though I try to express my thoughts and emotions honestly online, I also make sure to maintain healthy boundaries around my private life. Rather than focusing only on how others see me, I try to stay grounded in who I want to be and what feels authentic to me.

Ultimately, I believe that staying true to myself while continuing to connect with others is what allows me to protect my sense of self.

You have said that you wanted to become someone who could positively impact other people’s lives. Where did that desire come from?

I believe the desire to become someone who can have a positive impact on other people’s lives came from my experiences growing up. There were times when someone’s words or presence gave me courage, or when a simple comment from someone helped me feel more positive and move forward.

Because of those experiences, I began to want to become that kind of person for someone else. When I entered the entertainment industry at 19, it wasn’t simply because I wanted to become famous. I wanted to use my own expression and creativity to give people energy, courage, and hope.

What personal quality has helped you most when navigating major changes or unexpected turns in your journey?

What has helped me most is the ability to embrace change and focus on what I can do in each situation.

Life sometimes takes us in directions we never expected. In my own life, I have experienced many turning points, from pursuing my dreams in entertainment to entering the medical field, becoming a mother, and eventually returning to pursue my own dreams again.

Through these experiences, I have learned that instead of trying to control everything perfectly, it is more important to accept unexpected circumstances and ask myself, “What can I do with the situation I’m in right now?”

That mindset has helped me stay flexible, keep moving forward, and turn difficult changes into opportunities for growth.

You have moved through entertainment, healthcare, motherhood, and digital media. What connects all of these different chapters of your life?

My work in digital media today may take a different form, but at its core, it is rooted in the same purpose. I want to connect with each person on the other side of the screen and bring a little positivity, encouragement, and happiness into their lives.

That is why, to me, the different chapters of my life are not separate stories. They are all part of one journey, connected by the same desire: to be there for people, touch their hearts, and have a positive impact on someone’s life.

At this stage of your life, what dreams are you still determined to pursue?

I don’t want to give up on expressing myself authentically. I want to continue moving forward while embracing both being a mother and pursuing my own dreams, without sacrificing one for the other.

And someday, I hope that someone who sees my journey will think, “It’s okay for me to keep challenging myself,” or “I don’t have to give up on my own life and dreams.” That is the dream I want to continue pursuing at this stage of my life.

If your platform continues to grow internationally, what kind of message or influence would you most like to share with people around the world?

What I want to share with people around the world is the message that no matter what circumstances you are in, you should never feel that you have to give up on being yourself or pursuing your dreams.

Regardless of our country, culture, language, age, or circumstances, I believe that everyone has dreams they want to achieve and a desire to live authentically. That is why I want to share my own journey and continue challenging myself through the different experiences in my life, so that someone watching me can feel inspired to think, “Maybe I can take on a new challenge too.”

I hope to become someone who gives people the courage to believe in themselves and take that first step toward their own dreams.

When you look toward the next chapter of your life, how would you like people to remember Cleopatra—not only as a model or public figure, but as a person?

As a mother, an artist, and a woman, I want to embrace all the different roles in my life while never giving up on my own dreams. Through the way I live, I hope to become someone who can quietly inspire and encourage others to take that next step.

In the end, I don’t want to be remembered only for my titles or achievements. I want to be remembered as someone who touched people’s hearts and gave them courage, hope, and a positive feeling about their own lives.