Today we’d like to introduce you to Brianna Gutierrez.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
When I first stepped on a runway, I was only five years old. It was at a local mall where they were scouting for new models, and let me tell you, being up on that stage felt… right.
Unfortunately, I did not want to enter the industry at such a young age, and eventually, a decade or so passed, where I learned in-depth about the modeling industry and had time to explore options (in which I found a love for figure skating, philosophy, and theatre).
I never lost interest in modeling though, It felt like something I would regret never trying. I eventually reached out to start up a modeling career at 17, where I also partook in my first pageant, Teen Universe International. I represented Cuba on an international stage, and the first actual show I walked for was viewed by more than fifteen thousand people worldwide–I hardly had any experienced prior.
I believe this fast-paced start helped me out regarding any nerves or anxiety I may have had if I had started slower. It absolutely exposed me to the “pressure of the public eye” in a very healthy way.
To me, fashion has always been an art, it is just another way of the human soul conveying what it feels, and creating an intricate story with each collection, combined with modeling it is a beautiful way to wear and act out that message in a subtle or even bold way, I seek to become part of the clothing. I seek to create harmony between the fabric and the skin, and ambiance and feeling even.
I’ve always explored subcultures and expression forms, and my love for psychology and philosophy has created a curiosity for the human soul. Fashion, from my perspective, is a mixing of physical and emotional understanding between the consumer and the creator.
Nowadays, I am a freelance model here in Miami, FL, and have walked more than a dozen runways and met so many creative and inspiring souls with intricate stories to tell, from other models to designers and producers, and even audience members, the fashion scene has offered me an introduction to so many passionate people with that drive to create what their soul yearns to, needs to—their art.
Most creatives I meet seem to have that mindset that I understand, the need for a purpose higher than themselves and when you connect with people like that, purpose-driven and motivated, it becomes a synchronized effort to make the thought a reality.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The start of the modeling industry can always be difficult, first, we must evaluate our whys, why do we want to do what we want to do? If your reason is lacking, you may lose motivation midway.
Make sure you have a reason that pushes you to step out of your comfort zone and know that you will not be the same person you were when you started.
My why has always been my curiosity to see the different styles and stories behind the artist within their designs, and then be able to share that emotion in the piece on the demonstration, whether it’s photography, videography, or on a runway. This is why I don’t believe I’ll ever be able to state that “why”, as there’s just such a different web between every single individual.
My hardest obstacle was possibly understanding not everyone is in this industry because they view it as art necessarily, some seek financial and higher social standing, and that’s okay, I just wasn’t expecting it to be so straightforward.
Something I did expect was the people advantage of one another socially and financially which unfortunately I did experience, but fortunately did learn to work around (Pro-Tip, stand your ground and make your boundaries clear, be assertive and respectful.) You have the right to deny your services as any other working person does.
Nothing is worth the disturbance of your inner peace.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am Brianna Gutierrez, an eighteen-year-old freelance Fashion Model, and Mental Health Advocate, I also have the title of Teen Universe Cuba 2021, I am known for my eccentric outgoing personality and for my perseverance in the face of obstacles.
My entire motivation is based on the will to learn and try to understand whatever I can, from the metaphorical to reality. I pride myself in my pursuit of knowledge.
What do you think about happiness?
Nothing brings me greater joy than solving puzzles, whether it’s a book, a game, or just life situations. I love to navigate complexities.
I do also enjoy the simple things in life like the outdoors, family, and just taking a moment to really exist and breathe in the air. I enjoy meditation and introspective nervous-system regulating activities, such as exercise and self-care (I am very into skincare at the medicinal level).
I also love getting to know people and sharing parts of myself with them, I haven’t found the specific sort of joy I get when I speak with a person, with anything else. It is a very lively feeling of just realizing we all have something in common with one another.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Briannagutierrezofficial
Image Credits
@escandellsamira, @antaresphotos_, @kron.isant, @visualsbymalone, @kamill.productions, @technicalchicken, and @robertgordonphoto
