From her early years dedicated to dance, to modeling and the challenging world of trading, Sarah Elena Sanchez Callís is a woman of many talents and passions. Proudly representing Cuba on the international stage, she carries with her the elegance, resilience, and authenticity of her homeland. In this interview, Sarah shares her journey, her values, and the dreams that keep her moving forward.
Hello everyone, my name is Sarah Elena Sanchez Callís, and I represent my country: Cuba. I’m currently a finance student and trader, but I also majored in dance and have worked as a dancer, teaching dance classes, and modeling. One of my favorite things to do in my free time is traveling
– Hello Sarah, you will represent Cuba on the international stage. What does this mean to you personally, and how do you stay connected to your Cuban roots while living in Bulgaria?
I believe that the place where we are born and raised remains forever etched in our hearts, no matter how far away we are. Cuba is connected to my entire being by love: to my family, to my friends, to my suffering and oppressed homeland, to my culture. I am who I am because I am Cuban.
– What values or qualities from your upbringing in Cuba have shaped the woman you are today?
I’m very proud and grateful for the family I have because they’ve always prioritized love and respect above everything else. I consider myself a fighter, a bit stubborn, but grateful for my family, friends, teachers, and all the people who have taught me along the way.
– You’re a trader, a model, and a professional dancer — a very unique combination. How do you balance these different passions in your life?
It’s very easy when you do things you love. Dance has been my passion since 4 years old, but life is truly unpredictable, and I believe adapting and taking advantage of opportunities is very important. I graduated from art school and, because of my height, decided to venture into modeling. Later, the world of finance, investments, and trading in particular came into my life, which is one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done, but which I love.
– What inspired you to pursue modeling, and do you remember your very first fashion show or photoshoot?
To be honest, I was interested at first only because I was tall and thin due to dance, and I entered modeling school in Cuba and fell in love with my teacher’s catwalk and modeling her designs was my first photo shoot.
– Dancing requires discipline and expression. How has your dance career influenced the way you present yourself as a model?
Undoubtedly, having studied dance facilitated my path in modeling. It was years of effort that prepared me well in body expression and stage projection, but also in being resilient to face any challenge.
– Traveling seems to be something you love. What’s the most memorable place you’ve visited, and why?
Mexico, my first job dancing abroad, Although I always dreamed of visiting Europe it was a very educational trip of much learning, which eliminated fears and showed me that even if it may seem hard, causality always leads you on the right path.
– What do you think makes you stand out among the other contestants?
To be honest, I don’t know, but I trust that authenticity, the ability to adapt, and enjoying the process are the key for anyone to shine wherever they go.
– What message would you like to share with the audience and judges through your participation?
Elegance, charisma and love for my country and my people who, although oppressed, always smile.
– Where do you see yourself in five years? More focused on trading, modeling, dancing, or maybe something completely new?
One hundred percent trading, I love trading, it has changed me a lot, I think for the better, and good things should be maintained. I’ll definitely dance I’ll always do it even in the park or at home and the doors is open to modeling or embarking on new adventures, that’s why I’m here
– What advice would you give to young women in Cuba or Bulgaria who dream of pursuing a career in modeling or international competitions?
Not just for modeling or international competitions, I say this from my little experience and my continuos learning and can be use for any situation: None can’t stop you except yourself, not everything is willpower, it’s true, sometimes it doesn’t depend only on our effort but it’s better to be tired of trying than not to do it and if in every bad moment instead of lowering our heads to give up we raise them higher in search of an opportunity, the possibility of achieving a dream will be closer.
– Let’s leave a message to your readers
If someone has done it before, then it is no longer impossible.
We can’t wait to see her shine at Miss Europe Continental 2025- International Edition!
Follow her journey on social media and stay tuned for more inspiring stories from our incredible contestants.
Instagram: @sarahelena.cu
