Today we’d like to introduce you to Gianna Cabrera.
Hi Gianna, I’m so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed with your story and how you got to where you are today.
Growing up, I always felt drawn to grandeur, even though the true meaning eluded me. I was a shy child, but paradoxically, I was also blunt and inquisitive. Joining groups was a desire but signing up for things felt like a daunting task. Despite my wish to blend in, life often pushed me to the forefront. A creative spark flickered within me, yet doubts about my abilities lingered. Childhood labels like “dyslexic” clung to me, only to later realize that I simply didn’t conform to the imposed norms.
The dream of moving to NYC at 22 was etched in my mind. While wrapping up my Marketing and Advertising degree in central Florida, I took on a role as a marketing director at luxury apartment communities. However, the call of New York beckoned louder. The year was 2009, amidst the recession, armed with $3,000 and an interview for an unpaid internship at a multiline showroom, I leaped. From 2009 to 2019, I navigated showrooms, and corporate high fashion, and worked alongside top stylists, directors, and makeup artists.
Freelancing became a way of life. I’d work 40+ hours at my corporate job and then devote more hours to freelancing, whether it meant traveling to LA for gigs or dressing dancers in Argentina for a commercial. In 2015, I was let go from my last corporate position. It was both a blessing and a terrifying moment. The question echoed: What do I do next? Unemployment ran out, and I reluctantly took a temp position. Despite the potential for a six-figure income, I was unhappy and quit. That’s when I reached out to talented makeup artists, offering my help. This continued a transformative journey with incredible mentors along the way.
In 2019, the seed for NWDYD, OYA (Now What Do You Do, Once You’re Aware) was planted—a question that started as a book title. The pandemic in 2020 brought me back to Florida, surrounded by nature and tears. Painting entered my life through my little brother, offering a canvas to express words too difficult to utter. Returning to NYC, my skills, experiences, and ideas converged. Words filled notebooks, paintings adorned my walls, and sewing and painting became my daily rituals. A sisterhood with dynamic artists blossomed providing a safe space to bear my soul.
In 2019, I sensed the impending need for another leap, but little did I know it would lead me to South Florida. It was time to fully embrace being an artist. So, in 2022, I left my rent-controlled 3-bedroom apartment in NYC with no solid plans for the future but a resolute trust that I needed to listen to. NYC was a chapter of exploration, and now, South Florida has become the canvas for developing my voice—the Journey Home.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey was a mix of magical moments and significant challenges. Doubt, rooted in past experiences, often questioned my direction. Employment struggles and multiple firings fueled periods of self-doubt and isolation. Despite these challenges, there were remarkable instances of setting intentions leading to unexpected opportunities.
Overcoming the pervasive fear that I had nothing to offer and societal pressures advocating silence in the face of injustice became monumental hurdles. Finding my voice, seeking solace within, and embracing laughter emerged as crucial tools in navigating these obstacles.
Multiple relocations in pursuit of my artistic calling added another layer of complexity. Trusting that life is more than conforming to societal expectations became a guiding principle. Each obstacle, internal or external, became a stepping stone, reinforcing the belief that the path to self-discovery and artistic fulfillment involves continually overcoming fear (which is all in my mind) and finding my authentic voice.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a creator with a multifaceted approach to my work. As an abstract artist, I specialize in styling and combining colors and patterns that others may shy away from. My art reflects deeper layers of reality, aiming to evoke both comforting and uncomfortable feelings simultaneously. I bring concepts to life as a creative director, known for my ability to connect with others and make them feel seen. As a curator of aesthetics, I open spaces for listening and questioning, pushing the boundaries with a unique sense of humor and style.
My professional journey spans various fields, adding richness to my creative perspective. What sets me apart is my unwavering belief in my ability to create, even in the absence of a clear plan. I take pride in my resilience, always finding the shining light in moments and having the courage to leap into the unknown. Always willing to ask questions, even when answers are elusive, I embrace the curiosity that fuels my exploration of the unknown. Ultimately, my willingness to stand in the face of challenges and push through sets me apart.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the COVID-19 crisis?
The COVID-19 crisis served as a powerful teacher, exposing societal fears imposed on people of color and offering a choice: to succumb to deeper fear or release constraints for self-discovery. It prompted a crucial lesson in discerning force and power.
Individuals faced an opportunity to break free from imposed fears, challenge societal illusions, and redefine personal and collective power. The pandemic became a catalyst for introspection and liberation, urging a shift from constraining narratives to spaces of self-discovery.
Pricing:
- Jackets – $225-$495
- Sweats (tops/bottoms) – $125-$150
- Vintage Polo w/artwork – $185
- T-Shirts – $50-$75
- Hats – $60
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.giannacabrera.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giannacabrera_/
