Web Candy of the Week: Adella Pasos

Adella Pasos is a breath of fresh air. This lovely Latina is both beauty and brains, and when we sat down to talk to her not too long ago, we impressed —not just with her cover-girl good looks, but with her strength and her intelligence. This combination makes her the total package, and worthy of being XXL's Web Candy of the Week.

1. Tell us about your time growing up in Chicago. What stands out the most for you about this city?

Growing up in Chicago is a fun and fast-paced lifestyle. I grew up with the beach behind my house (Lake Michigan). So, most of my childhood was spent swimming in the water, making sand castles and eating Chicago-style dogs at the park next door. It was great. As a Chicagoan, when you leave the city, you learn to appreciate all that the city has to offer. We offer a large variety of foods from a hundred different cultures, beautiful art and museums throughout the city, as well as a wealth of shopping, and entertainment activities.  You could probably spend 10 years in the Chi and never get to do all the activities we have going. I love it!

2. Who is your celebrity crush? Why? What makes him stand out in your mind?

My celebrity crush would be Johnny Depp. I fell in love with Edward Scissorhands as a child. Since then, I could never get enough of him. I love the roles he plays as the dark and mysterious characters. Even though he's double my age, he's still my old school heartthrob!

3. What has been your best experience in modeling? What has been your worst?

My best experience is working with fashion designer. I come from a background where I have a deep appreciation for art and design. Many of these designers put their hearts and souls into creation of their clothing. They produce unique, one-of-a-kind couture pieces that some even hand sew. I'm very proud to work with those designers to showcase their awesome apparel.

The worst I've worked with was a photographer who was late for a shoot, unprofessional and wasted my time. That's definitely not an experience I want to relive!

4. If you had to give one piece of advice to aspiring models, what would it be?

I would say like my mother tells me, "stay strong, and never give up.” The end isn't near, keep pressing towards the future and put 100 percent into all of your work. It's very important to stay hungry for achievement. This is a winning combination in my book.

5. What makes you stand out from all the other models out there?

My drive and ambition to be great and do great things helps motivate me to get to the next level. There are many models that aspire to simply grace the covers of a few magazines, or aspire to be the big booty model in all the music videos. I aspire to move my career to a level that isn't defined by just what one industry depicts it to be. I would eventually want to achieve a global presence, and use it to also give back and help others. I know many say, "girl, you set your goals high," however I was always told, “reach for the stars, baby!"

6. What can we expect from you in 2013?

In 2013, I have a multitude of projects going on. I have a new show coming out called "Fine and Fit.” This show features upcoming music artists as well as some music from well-known artists. I will be showing the world each week how to stay fit, but have fun dancing to their favorite music! I also have a luxury jewelry line of bangles due to hit the scene in the summer of 2013, named "Divino." I have a graphic t-shirt line inspired by the arts and my love for music due also in 2013 as well. —Bernadette Giacomazzo (@bgiacomazzo)