Meet Cipriana Rizea

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cipriana Rizea and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cipriana, let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?

When I think about the legacy I want to leave as a model and as Miss Arizona 2025, I want it to be rooted in authenticity, purpose, and impact. I want people to remember me not just for how I looked on stage, but for how I used my voice, my platform, and my heart to uplift others. My journey is about more than a title—it’s about transformation, connection, and creating space for others to rise.

I want to be remembered as someone who used her platform to advocate for causes that mattered deeply to her—someone who empowered young people to believe in their worth, and who made a meaningful difference in her community beyond the stage and spotlight. I hope my legacy is centered on kindness and authenticity. I’ve always believed that true leadership is about empathy, grace under pressure, and the ability to make others feel seen and valued.

The moments people don’t see—the early mornings, the setbacks, the hours of preparation—are just as important as the ones in front of the camera. I want my story to reflect resilience and ambition. That even in the face of challenges, I kept going—with determination, humility, and unwavering belief in my purpose.

As a model and a titleholder, I understand the influence I carry. And I’ve made it my mission to inspire confidence—not just through appearance, but through action. I want to show that true beauty lives in strength, intelligence, and individuality. I want every young person watching to know that you don’t need to fit a mold to be powerful—you just need to show up as yourself, unapologetically.

And most of all, I want my legacy to last beyond this moment. I want to be someone who never stopped learning, growing, and reinventing—someone who used every chapter of her life to create positive change. Because to me, a crown should never be the final destination—it should be the beginning of something greater.

There’s a lyric in Sia’s song “Unstoppable” that says, *“I’m a Porsche with no brakes.”* That’s how I feel right now—driven by passion, guided by purpose, and ready to keep moving forward. I don’t intend to slow down. I intend to leave a legacy that’s bold, heartfelt, and truly unforgettable.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I officially began my modeling career in March 2025, and although it’s been a relatively short period, it has already been one of the most transformative and exciting chapters of my life. What started as a dream quickly evolved into a journey fueled by purpose, passion, and relentless determination.

Since then, I’ve been honored to be crowned Miss Arizona 2025—a title that carries with it not just recognition, but responsibility. This crown has amplified my voice and my platform, allowing me to advocate for what truly matters to me: inspiring the next generation of young women to believe in their own power and potential, regardless of where they’re starting from or how long it takes.

In this short span, I have had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with remarkable brands such as Royals Legion, Samira’s World Boutique, Michelle Fashion, Lana May Jewelry, and LashDae. Each of these partnerships has been more than a job; they’ve been opportunities to grow creatively, to embody diverse styles, and to bring stories to life through fashion. These experiences have taught me that modeling is much more than a profession—it is a form of storytelling and a chance to influence culture and confidence.

I’ve also been working closely with PHX Fashion Week, an organization that has become a cornerstone of my early career. Through this partnership, I’ve connected with a vibrant community of designers, creatives, and industry professionals who have mentored me and challenged me to elevate my craft. PHX Fashion Week has shown me how powerful collaboration and community can be in building a meaningful and sustainable career.

One of the most thrilling milestones in my journey so far has been receiving official invitations to walk in New York, Los Angeles, and Dallas Fashion Weeks. These are some of the most prestigious and competitive platforms in the fashion world, and being invited to participate is both an incredible honor and a validation of the hard work and dedication I’ve poured into my craft. While the actual shows have not yet taken place, these upcoming opportunities represent the next major steps in my career, and I am preparing diligently to make the most of them.

The path to where I am today has not been without its challenges. Entering the modeling industry with no extensive background meant I had to learn quickly, face self-doubt, and navigate a highly competitive environment. There were moments when the obstacles felt overwhelming, but I overcame them by staying focused on my vision, being persistent, and surrounding myself with supportive mentors and peers. These experiences have taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of maintaining authenticity no matter the pressure.

Perhaps the most important lesson I’ve learned is that success is not defined by how long you’ve been in the game, but by how fully you embrace your journey—your unique story, your passion, and your ability to uplift others along the way. I am driven not just to achieve personal milestones but to leave a legacy that inspires young girls everywhere to believe in themselves, to start where they are, and to chase their dreams with unwavering faith and courage.

What I want the world to know about me—and the brand I am building—is that I stand for more than just modeling or pageantry. I stand for empowerment, authenticity, and the relentless pursuit of purpose. My story is proof that it’s never too late to start, and that with passion and perseverance, you can break barriers and redefine what’s possible.

This is only the beginning of my journey, and I am beyond excited to continue growing, evolving, and making an impact—on the runway, in my community, and most importantly, in the hearts of the girls and women who will follow.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting Arizona for a week, I would be eager to introduce them to the state’s incredible diversity, blending breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and exceptional culinary experiences. I believe a well-rounded trip should include moments of adventure, cultural immersion, and meaningful connections to the land and its history.

We would begin our journey in Scottsdale with breakfast at The Herb Box, a beloved restaurant known for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients and innovative dishes that balance health-conscious flavors with rich taste. After fueling up, we would visit the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art to appreciate compelling works that capture modern perspectives infused with the unique spirit of the Southwest. Next, we would explore the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, hiking its scenic trails to experience Arizona’s iconic desert landscape firsthand—an inspiring blend of rugged beauty and tranquility. To conclude our first day, dinner at Olive & Ivy, an elegant Mediterranean-inspired restaurant on the waterfront, would provide a sophisticated dining experience highlighting the region’s culinary vibrancy.

A truly memorable part of the trip would be spending a day at the Salt River, where we could enjoy tubing along the gentle currents surrounded by stunning desert vistas. This experience offers both relaxation and adventure as we float through the serene landscape, hearing the sounds of nature all around. One of the most special moments would be encountering the wild horses that roam freely along the riverbanks. Seeing these majestic animals in their natural environment is a powerful reminder of Arizona’s untamed spirit and deep connection to its natural heritage.

Our journey would then take us to Jerome, a historic mining town perched dramatically on Cleopatra Hill. Jerome offers a fascinating mix of rich history and vibrant arts culture, with numerous galleries, boutiques, and breathtaking panoramic views of the Verde Valley. For lunch, we would stop at Flatiron Kitchen & Taphouse, a charming local spot celebrated for its warm atmosphere and creative American cuisine, perfect for recharging before continuing our exploration. Later, a visit to Montezuma Castle National Monument would provide an awe-inspiring glimpse into the ancient Sinagua people’s cliff dwellings, connecting us to the deep historical roots of the region.

To deepen our understanding of Native American culture, we would spend a day at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, a world-class institution showcasing instruments and musical traditions from around the globe. Complementing this, the Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park would allow us to explore the archaeological sites of the Hohokam civilization and learn about their lasting influence on Arizona’s development. For dinner, I would choose Kai Restaurant at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort, an award-winning establishment that elegantly integrates indigenous ingredients and culinary traditions, offering an authentic and refined dining experience.

For outdoor adventure, we would visit Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, home to one of the world’s largest natural travertine bridges. The park’s scenic trails wind through impressive rock formations and lush desert vegetation, creating a perfect setting for exploration and reflection. To conclude our week, a visit to Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home and architectural school, would offer a captivating blend of architecture, art, and desert beauty. Our final evening would be spent dining at Elements, a restaurant overlooking Camelback Mountain that offers exquisite cuisine and a memorable ambiance to celebrate the end of a remarkable trip.

Arizona’s unique combination of stunning landscapes, cultural depth, and distinctive experiences like tubing the Salt River and witnessing the wild horses make it a truly extraordinary destination. Sharing these moments with my best friend would not only create lasting memories but also offer a genuine and heartfelt appreciation for the true spirit of this remarkable state.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

Absolutely—when I look back on my journey, it’s clear to me that success is never a solo effort. It’s built on the support, belief, and encouragement of others, as well as the courage to step into the unknown. If I had to dedicate my shoutout, it would start with USA World Pageants. What’s incredible about my story is that when they discovered me on Instagram, I wasn’t even a model yet. At that time, my Instagram was entirely focused on fitness—I was deeply passionate about health, strength, and wellness, and that was the content I was sharing with the world. Modeling and pageantry weren’t even on my radar.

But USA World Pageants saw something beyond that—they saw potential, they saw a spark, and they believed in me. That moment of being discovered was a profound turning point in my life. It wasn’t just about being noticed—it was about being given a chance to grow into a version of myself I hadn’t yet imagined. Their faith gave me the courage to step outside my comfort zone and embrace a new path that would challenge me, transform me, and ultimately empower me.

Shortly after, I had my very first runway experience with FADAMA, and it was honestly a complete new world. Because I wasn’t a model yet, walking that runway was a challenge both physically and mentally. I had to learn the art of walking with confidence, poise, and presence—all while staying true to who I was. It was at FADAMA that I learned the foundational skills of runway modeling, and I owe so much gratitude to Jose Trifilio, who believed in me from the very start. Jose’s mentorship was invaluable; he invested time and energy into guiding me through that first runway walk, helping me build confidence when I needed it most. His belief in me made me realize that modeling wasn’t something separate from who I was—it was a new way to express strength, determination, and authenticity.

From that first runway experience, my journey continued to grow and expand when I walked in Arizona Fashion Week. That opportunity pushed me to refine my skills, embrace professionalism, and truly understand how to command attention with grace and confidence. Each runway, each photo shoot, each competition has been a stepping stone, helping me become the woman I am today—stronger, bolder, and more resilient.

But beyond the glitz and glamour of the stage, my shoutout also goes to the community around me—the mentors who offered guidance, the fellow models and titleholders who became a source of sisterhood, and the creatives who supported my vision. They reminded me that success isn’t just about personal achievement—it’s about lifting others up, building each other up, and creating a network of empowerment and kindness.

So today, my shoutout goes to USA World Pageants for discovering me when I was still focused on fitness and inspiring me to dream bigger, to FADAMA for introducing me to the runway and teaching me how to walk with purpose, to Jose Trifilio for his unwavering belief and mentorship, and to Arizona Fashion Week for helping me grow into my confidence and professionalism. Each of these experiences and people has been a vital part of my story, and I carry their encouragement and lessons with me every day as I proudly serve as Miss Arizona 2025.

This journey has taught me that sometimes the greatest opportunities come when we step outside what’s familiar and embrace change with an open heart. It has shown me that resilience, passion, and authenticity are the keys to making an impact, and that a true legacy is built not only on achievements but on how we inspire and empower others. I am deeply grateful for every person who has been part of this path, and I am committed to paying that forward—lifting up others, championing their dreams, and showing that when we believe in ourselves and support each other, we are truly unstoppable.

Instagram: cipi_222_

Image Credits
Image 1) Model Cipriana Rizea
HMUA @lashdae
photography @creative_visual_images
Outfit provided by @lashdae
Studio @arabellastudiosaz

Image 2) Model Cipriana Rizea
HMUA Self
photography @mbatbrown
Outfit provided by @tffaworg
Flower crown @acflowercrowns

Image 3) Model Cipriana Rizea
photography @cavelarde
HMUA Self
Dress provided by @cavelarde

Image 4) 1 model Cipriana Rizea
Designer @Samira’s world boutique
photography @leviticusmedia
Venue Zonta club of Maricopa

Image 5) 1 model Cipriana Rizea
Designer @raama_official
photography @leviticusmedia
Venue Zonta club of Maricopa

Image 6)model Cipriana Rizea
Designer @michellefashionanddesign
photography @leviticusmedia
Venue Zonta club of Maricopa

Image 7)Model Cipriana Rizea
Photography @cavelarde
Dress supplied by @cavelarde

Image 8) Model Cipriana Rizea
Photography @cavelarde
Dress supplied by @cavelarde

Image 9) model Cipriana Rizea
Designer @Samira’s world boutique
Photography) @mbatbrown