Gorgeous
with Playboy Africa August 2022 cover star Melissa Ceja / @miissybaby
Photography by Olly Vento / @olllyvento
PR by LA Media Group/ @la.mediagroup
Such an absolute honour to have you on Playboy! Talk to us about your career and what made you get into the industry? Thank you very much. I’m so grateful and honored to be here. I have been an internationally published bikini/lingerie model for about 9 years now. At first, I wanted to get into this industry because it just looked so glamorous, and I wanted to be a part of that. Over time, I realized it actually meant way more to me than just being glamorous. Modeling was a true passion of mine. The more I modeled, the more I tapped into this power inside of me that I’ve never experienced before. It brings out the best in me. Modeling has allowed me to truly feel like myself, for the first time in my life.
What is your favourite thing to do? I love my “me time”, so my favorite thing to do is honestly just relax at home. My Sunday self-care days are something I look forward to every week. I clean my home, wash my bedding, get a massage, buy myself some roses, meditate and go to sleep early.
What does it mean for you to be seen as a strong, intelligent, ambitious woman? When I was a little girl, I used to pray to God to make me strong when I grew up. I was brought up surrounded by strong, intelligent, uniquely ambitious women, so to be recognized with those wonderful qualities means the world to me. They are qualities I have always admired and have aspired to possess. It’s humbling and rewarding to be seen in that light.
What would you say makes you stand out in the industry? I would say I stand out in this industry because every project that I decide to take on is one that truly speaks to me. I don’t just go to a photo shoot, just to shoot. I go because I feel a strong passionate pull towards the project. I am also always full of gratitude for everyone I work with, so we always have fun on set. I think that shows in my work.
What puts the biggest smile on your face? My two siblings put the biggest smile on my face. I love it when we all get together. We just laugh and laugh no matter where we are or what we are doing.
What are some of your biggest passions? I am so blessed because I have a lot of things that I’m passionate about. The things that I enjoy most are artistic in nature, such as acting, playing the piano, modeling, and writing.
3 ultimate deal breakers when it comes to men? My 3 ultimate deal breakers when it comes to men: 1. A man who isn’t a gentleman 2. Arrogance and 3. A man with no loyalty.
What are some of the things that attract you to a man? Some qualities that attract me to a man would definitely be a man who is chivalrous, a man with a good heart and a man who is authentic.
What is the most daring thing you have ever done? The most daring thing I have ever done was when I moved to New York City on my own without knowing anyone. That was the hardest, most beautiful chapter of my life. I hold that experience in high regard and I can confidently look back now and feel an overflowing amount of pride.
What is the best way to approach you as an admirer? The best way to approach me as an admirer is just by being polite. If you have good intentions people can feel that and I can definitely sense that right away.
Where can our readers catch up with you and stay updated with your work? You can catch up with me and stay updated by following me on Instagram, Twitter & Tiktok @miissybaby.
We are so happy to have gotten to know you a little bit! Any last words out there for our readers? I just want to say thank you to Playboy. Being on the cover is a dream come true for me and I’m so grateful. I also want to thank my fans. I appreciate your love and support always.
