with Playboy Finland July 2022 cover star Stephanie Viada / @stephanieviada

Photographer: Emilynn Rose / @emilynnrose 

Wardrobe Stylist: Jacquie Trevizo / @jacquietrevizo 

Stylist Assistant: Jimmy Ayala / @chicanojimbo 

Hair and Makeup Artist / Spray Tanning Artist: Andie Lane / @andie_lane 

Photography Assistant: Lauren Nieves / @laurennieves_  

Lighting Tech: Matteo Dalla Chiesa / @matteo_dc 

Production/PR: Emily Blair Marcus / Emily Blair Media/ @emilyblairmarcus / @emilyblairmedia 


Stephanie 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, I’m so honored to be on Playboy! I have always loved being in front of the camera from an early age, for a long time I didn’t think I’d find a place in this industry. After years of trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life and a few false starts, I finally made the leap and moved across the country to Los Angeles, and I’m so grateful to say it worked out and I get to do what I love every day!

We love that you are a fan of the outdoors. What is your favourite thing to do? I really love to hike! It’s one of my favorite and most fun forms of exercise, when I’m not in the gym or doing barre or Pilates, I will almost always get a hike in on my day off. I find it really grounding and a great reset if I’ve had a long week. A hike with a swimming spot along the way is my absolute favorite.

What does it mean for you to be seen as a strong, intelligent, ambitious woman? It’s a huge compliment. It’s all I could ask for when someone describes me. Especially strong, it’s always my goal to be strong both physically and mentally. I think it’s really important to have that attribute as a woman moving through the world and society. With strength comes confidence and security and those are key!

What would you say makes you stand out in the industry? I think what sets me apart is my major focus on health, fitness and physique while also being a plus size model. I think these can go hand in hand, and it’s been my goal to change the narrative in my industry. 

What puts the biggest smile on your face? The people and pets that I love, being at home with my family and friends and having some time off to do whatever I want. The days off after a long crazy stretch of work, knowing I can relax and enjoy my home and family is the best thing to look forward to for me!

What are some of your biggest passions? My job is definitely a main one, I really have my sights set on the future and my ultimate goals and I’ll stop at nothing to get there. My job and passion for fitness tend to blend together, because they benefit each other when they are both on point. 

3 ultimate deal breakers when it comes to men? Insecurity is a huge turn off, especially when it is masked with arrogance. These kinds of people never really want to see their partners be great. I’m lucky enough to have found a confident, secure man that has supported my career from day one unconditionally. Someone who doesn’t like animals is a huge red flag for me, because I just can’t fathom ever coexisting with that kind of person! Anyone who is rude or dismissive of wait staff or any kind of service worker. I’ve been on the receiving end of rude customers; I’d never do that to someone. It’s so gross and embarrassing to be associated with someone who behaves that way.

What are some of the things that attract you to a man? Confidence, someone who is secure with themselves and doesn’t feel threatened or suspicious constantly. That kind of relationship is so manipulative and toxic. Someone who takes care of themselves physically and mentally. I think with this also comes confidence! Ambition, knowing what they want and how they want to live. The drive and motivation to get there and desire to achieve those goals with their partner as a power couple.

What is the most daring thing you have ever done? Shoot for Playboy! It has been surreal having this lifelong dream come true. This cover feels like years in the making, I’m finally really confident with my place in the industry, and where I’m at both physically and mentally. This feature feels like the reward for my hard work.

What is the best way to approach you as an admirer? The best way to get in contact with me is on my Instagram! As long as the messages and comments I receive aren’t vulgar, I answer and engage with my fans all the time!

Where can our readers catch up with you and stay updated with your work? Instagram is also where I post all my new and favorite work. I post often, and I often share lots of behind-the-scenes footage too!

We are so happy to have gotten to know you a little bit! Any last words out there for our readers? Thank you so much and thank you readers for all your support!