By: Jenny Castro
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 2/19/26
Originally from Albania, model, author, and producer Angela Martini has had quite the journey. From relocating to Switzerland at just nine years old due to war, to becoming Miss Universe Albania 2010, Martini’s unlikely path has been rooted in her passionate and optimistic spirit and her deep love for growth, self-belief, and purpose. Currently, Martini is working on a variety of new projects and is excited to speak more on her upcoming plans, but looking back on her upbringing, Martini credits the adversity she faced early in life as the foundation for her resilience.
Having experienced displacement at a young age, she learned quickly how to adapt, persevere, and maintain hope through challenging experiences. Those formative years, she explains, shaped her mindset teaching her discipline, gratitude, and the importance of staying grounded while dreaming big. Today, whether through creative ventures, writing, or mentorship, Martini continues to channel those lessons into work that inspires others to embrace their own challenges as stepping stones toward growth. Reflecting back on her home country and sudden move to Switzerland as a child, Martini provides insight, “They are two completely different countries,” she said. Adding, “Now, they are both my homes and I’m grateful for them because each gave me a different perspective in life, but in the beginning it was hard because I initially thought I was going on vacation when we left for Switzerland. In retrospect, I didn’t know that I wasn’t going to return for another nine years. When we initially left, I never had time or the opportunity to say goodbye or prepare for the move so my life changed overnight.”
Years later, Martini would eventually return to Albania while spending time in Europe before relocating to the United States, where her career began to accelerate. Given the opportunity to pursue modeling professionally, she signed with agencies including Elite Model Management in New York and immersed herself in the fashion industry, steadily building her portfolio while expanding her presence internationally. Martini has appeared in Esquire, Maxim, GQ, Sports Illustrated, and has also participated in Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Miami Fashion Week, and New York Fashion Week.
Representing Albania on the global stage at the Miss Universe 2010 competition, she placed sixth which was the highest placement for Albania at the time which solidified her status as both a national icon and an international presence. Martini described the experience as both eye-opening and transformative, “The girls involved in the pageant had a lot of prior experience. They were trained on how to communicate, how to walk, and how to present themselves,” she explained. Adding, “In 2010, they didn’t have any Miss Universe Albania and I was told the Miss Universe competition would be two weeks later.” Coming into the competition without the traditional pageant background, Martini relied instead on authenticity and inner confidence. Rather than trying to fit a specific mold, she embraced who she was, a decision she believes ultimately set her apart and contributed to her success on the international stage. “It was a good experience,” Martini said. Further adding, “It was the first time I felt very close to my country because it was a huge responsibility representing, and I learned a lot. Any advice I would give to other ladies would be to be very prepared and do your research and get an amazing support team behind you.”
Beyond pageantry, Martini has expanded her career into modeling, writing, and creative production. Be on the look-out for new projects that she may have in the works.
Martini has also been involved in the film industry including her time as a producer on the film “The Fusion,” from 2024 featuring Eric Roberts. In 2020, she released her autobiography titled, “Love Hope Light,” which speaks of her personal journey and of her mom’s life experiences. “The book is about her story and mine, and how we got separated when I went to Switzerland. It’s basically about love, hope, and light. Inspiring women that no matter what age, no matter what circumstances there is always light there. And you should never give up. And my mother’s story explains that very well,” she said.
Looking ahead, Martini plans to continue pursuing her vision in producing, focusing on stories that reflect resilience, transformation, and cross-cultural perspectives. Advice for other ladies out there who may be struggling with self-confidence and self esteem issues, Martini says, “Don’t believe your negative thoughts. That’s one thing that I had to learn, and even the most beautiful women in the world don’t always feel beautiful. I’ve met them, and they at times don’t feel beautiful or their best but they do the work. You have to start working on little things first and ask yourself how you can make yourself feel better and start accepting yourself as well. And once you believe you are beautiful, everybody else will see it.”
Follow Angela on Instagram here.
