Josie Canseco on Finding Her Purpose Beyond the Spotlight

For Josie Canseco, growing up in the spotlight was never the whole story. Behind the glamour of the modeling industry lies a journey shaped by financial struggles, unfamiliar surroundings, and the determination to find her own way. Today, the model is embracing a deeper sense of purpose, dedicating her time and voice to animals who have been overlooked, abandoned, or misunderstood. In conversation with Vogue Türkiye, Canseco reflects on the formative years that shaped her, the profound connections she has built with animals, and why she believes kindness, compassion, and making a difference are life's most valuable currencies.

Dress: Tony Ward, Jewelry: Shani Diamonds

What would people be surprised to know about your bank account at 19?

At 19 I was in debt to my modeling agency, shooting any job I could to work my way out of it. They fronted the cost of model apartments those first few years because my family and I couldn’t afford the expenses. If I got paid I might have a little extra change, but most of the time I was begging my mom to send me cash for food in New York. My account was constantly overdrawn.

Dress: Tony Ward, Jewelry: Shani Diamonds

Best memory from the models’ apartment era?

Going to the Victoria’s Secret casting with Blanca Padilla and sitting by her side when she got the news that she’d booked the show. We cried together. I was so happy for her because she was so kind and so deserving. From that moment I knew I wanted that feeling and that opportunity too, because I had seen what it meant.

Dress: Guarav Gupta, Jewelry: Shani Diamonds

When you started in New York, you were living in a shared models’ apartment. Bunk beds, strangers, everyone hustling for the same castings. Paint that picture for people who assume you skipped that chapter.

My first two years of modeling I was in and out of model apartments between New York and LA, each one shared with a few other girls, multiple beds to a room. It was an interesting dynamic, a lot of cigarettes and some very unique eating habits. We were all chasing the same thing, and that could create a hostile environment at times. But being that far outside your comfort zone at 17 and 18, living with people you’ve never met, teaches you a lot about yourself and what else is out there in the world. I loved learning everyone’s story, and I loved learning how to be self sufficient.

Dress: Guarav Gupta, Jewelry: Shani Diamonds

You’ve kept a link to Jim Carrey’s “how will you serve the world?” speech in your bio instead of brand deals. What did that question lead you to?

I’ve always been a fan of Jim. He was my favorite actor to watch growing up and a big influence on my character. That video sums up what’s important in the grand scheme of life. He talks about how the effect you have on others is the most valuable currency there is, and how your need for acceptance can make you invisible in this world. Those are some of the wisest words I’ve ever heard. What are we without spreading love, kindness and joy to others? Why conform to the social norm to be accepted when our souls were meant to be unique and stand out?

Dress: Guarav Gupta, Jewelry: Shani Diamonds

You’ve spent years with The Real Bark, which takes the dogs other shelters label “hard cases”. What draws you to the animals everyone else has given up on?

I think it’s so important to be a voice for anything living that doesn’t have one. These animals are constantly let down and abused by humans, and they can’t fend for themselves. It’s the most heartbreaking thing if you really think about it. They’re helpless, and they yearn for connection and kindness. They feel everything we feel: love, jealousy, anger, compassion. There’s evidence of that all over the world, and I believe it’s my purpose on this planet to protect them.

Dress: Guarav Gupta, Jewelry: Shani Diamonds

As an ambassador for I Stand With My Pack, you advocate for individual dogs. Tell us what a shelter day actually looks like for you, not the ambassador photo but the unglamorous part.

Volunteering at shelters and farms is extremely rewarding, for the animals and for me, but the environment they’re in is terrifying for them, so their behavior can be unpredictable. I’ve been bitten more times than I can count. I’ve cleaned out stalls filled with feces, had my toes broken by horses, broken up fights between animals. But in the end, all these animals need is patience and someone willing to work with them and teach them that humans can be a safe space.

Dress: Guarav Gupta, Jewelry: Shani Diamonds

What has riding taught you about trust, patience, or reading another living thing?

A relationship with a horse is one of the most beautiful ones you can have. They could crush you in an instant, buck you off, paralyze you if they wanted to. Instead they let you climb onto their back and trust you to guide them wherever you want to go. They’re extremely sensitive animals. They can sense whatever you’re feeling, and I can’t even say that about most humans. The trust you build with a 1,500 pound animal takes real time and effort, but once it’s there, it’s the most incredible connection. It’s taught me more patience than anything else in my life.

Dress: Guarav Gupta, Jewelry: Shani Diamonds

You celebrated your birthday at The Gentle Barn with your family instead of a party. When did fulfillment start looking like a sanctuary instead of a scene?

Everyone’s fulfillment looks different, and I’ve definitely been in a place in life where I wanted the party and all eyes on me. But with age comes a realization of what actually matters, and for me that’s being a voice for others and spreading awareness. Teaching my friends and followers empathy, and showing them that the meat they eat had a heart and feelings, is the least I can do on this planet.

Dress: Yaya Shoemaker, Jewelry: Shani Diamonds

Executive Produced by: Rhiyen Sharp @rhisharp & Gina Chung @gcpartyy of Gaea Agency www.GaeaAgency.com

Creative Director, Casting Producer:@GabrielReyinc with @GRI68.Studios 

Photography by: Rex & Jones @rexandjones 

Stylist: Valentine Parewa @iamvalentinoooo

Hair: Benjamin @benjaminxhair 

Make up: Astrid Gonzalez @mkup_astrid 

Video: Christopher A. Brown @christopher_a_brown