ON A PLATE: Jenn Torres On LA, Heritage & Community

Bringing football, creativity, and culture together under one roof, the latest stop for our ON A PLATE Creative Soccer Culture tour in association with adidas Futbol Society was a celebration of LA’s Mexican-American community, with adidas' 'México De Oro' kit at its heart. The event paid homage to the golden era of Mexican football and cinema, bridging generations and inspiring the future. Among those embodying the spirit of the occasion was Jenn Torres, a Los Angeles-based content creator and model who carries her city, her roots, and her community into everything she does.

From growing up in Compton and Watts to making waves in the fashion and creative space, Jenn’s journey is one of pride and representation. We sat down with her to talk about identity, the unshakable energy of LA, and what it means to be part of a movement that celebrates heritage through football. This is her story.

So from the top… introduce yourself and tell us what you do?

What’s up! My name is Jen Torres, I’m a content creator and freelance model based in Los Angeles, California.

What was it like growing up around LA, and how does LA influence your creativity?

I grew up in Compton and also spent time in Watts. Even though I’m a little over an hour outside of central LA, the city has always felt like this mystical, larger-than-life place to me. And honestly, I love my city so, so much.

Growing up first-gen—my parents are from Acapulco, Mexico—I was surrounded by Black and Brown culture, and I never felt othered. There’s so much beauty in our neighborhoods. I always tell this story about my dad: he has the best dad jokes. One time he said, “Miha, don’t even worry—just tell people you’re from Beverly Watts.” It sounds silly, but it stuck with me. It made me realise I’ve never been ashamed of where I come from. I’ve always carried that pride with me, everywhere I go.

As someone representing both culture and creativity, how do you bring that into your modeling and content work?

I think everyone from LA has this unspoken energy—this thing—that sets us apart. We carry our city on our shoulders. So when I walk into sets or events, I show up with that pride. I enter respectfully, but I also enter confidently, knowing that I’m there not just as an individual, but as a representative of where I come from. That mindset drives everything I do.

Do you feel like you’re representing more than just yourself?

Absolutely. Every time I get booked, create content, or step into a room, I think about the people who’ve helped me get there—my family, my community, the people who look like me. I’m just one small piece of a bigger puzzle. If I can get in, that means someone else can too.

And that’s why I think it’s so important to give people their flowers while they’re alive. Too often we wait until it's too late to celebrate others. I don’t just celebrate my own wins—I celebrate others’. Especially in LA, where there’s so much talent, but we don’t always see our people in certain rooms. So when I meet someone else from LA at an event, we both light up. It’s like, we made it. That joy is contagious.

How does your culture shape the way you create?

Being first-gen and Mexican-American—Chicana, specifically—is core to who I am. My parents are immigrants who worked incredibly hard. Like so many children of immigrants, I grew up with that survival mentality. “You fell? Dust it off. Keep going.” That work ethic lives in me.

My parents didn’t imagine this would be my career path, but they’ve always been supportive. They tell me, “Miha, keep going. We’re proud of you.” That means everything to me. Their story is my story, and I carry their sacrifice with pride in the way I show up, the way I represent, and the way I create.

If you had to imagine LA without the culture you’re part of, what do you think that would look like?

It just wouldn’t be LA. Simple as that. LA without culture would be empty. But I also think the reverse is true: our culture wouldn’t be what it is without LA. They feed each other. It’s a relationship—you can’t have one without the other. If you took either away, the whole identity would collapse. It would feel like... I don’t know, a zombie apocalypse or something. Just lifeless.

“Content creator” is such a broad term. Can you break down what that means for you?

Definitely! I create content across a bunch of categories—beauty, fashion, lifestyle—but it all started with fashion. I’ve always loved styling outfits and putting together looks. I blame my mom, honestly—she always made sure I looked sharp. She’d say, “Whenever you go somewhere, represent yourself well.” That stuck with me. Now I do that for a living.

I love incorporating my culture into my style. I thrift a lot and rep brands that reflect my identity—like this jacket I’m wearing, which reminds me of something my mom had in the ’80s. I’m also really into upcycling and love supporting local or Latinx-owned brands. Every outfit tells a story. My style is basically wearable art.

How would you describe what we’re doing on this shoot?

Today, we’re working on a really special shoot with Football Society and Adidas, celebrating the launch of the new Mexican National Team jersey. We’re in this gorgeous vintage theater that nods to the golden era of Mexican cinema—think María Félix, Pedro Infante. It’s such a cool blend of culture, football, and heritage. The design of the jersey is gold, which feels like this elegant, cinematic tribute to Mexico’s legacy. I’m honored to be part of it.

What does it mean to you to take part in a moment like this?

It means everything. Soccer is a huge part of Mexican culture, and to be involved in a project that honors that—while representing LA, my roots, and my community—it's a full-circle moment. And the best part? I’m doing it alongside friends. It feels like a family reunion. It’s love. It’s pride. It’s community. That’s what this whole experience feels like.

If you had to describe that feeling in just three words?

Community. Love. Pride.

Shop the Mexico 2025 third shirt at prodirectsport.com/soccer