Today we’d like to introduce you to Brianna.
Hi Brianna, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Brianna, but I also go by Bri! I started modeling when I was 18. I was lucky to have a friend who recommended me to her agency and once I turned 18, I got signed! Maybe about a year later I got dropped from the agency, and ever since I’ve been doing freelance modeling. I would love to sign to a new agency now that I take my career more seriously, I’m just waiting for the right time and right agency (:
Freelance has worked well for me though, I have met so many fashion designers, photographers, other models which all turn into friends. The industry can have a competitive stigma, but the communities I’m in have been nothing but loving, supportive, and collaborative!
I’ve done tons of shoots, I’ve been in a few local magazines, and within the past year I’ve been doing a lot of runways—I was even in New York fashion week last September!
(Networking is key!)
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?
It has not—which isn’t necessarily a bad thing! Obstacles will always come and go and that’s what helps us learn & grow. “Grow through what you go through,” which happens to be tattooed on my arm (:
When I started modeling when I was 18, I signed with an agency in Orlando. I was always passionate about modeling—but I was 18. I had a lot of freedom, especially with my appearance, and so I got tattoos and dyed my hair. You sign a contract where you agree to talk with your agents first before changing your appearance but I didn’t do that. I also was dealing with a lot of anxiety, so I wasn’t agreeing to many gigs out of fear.
My extreme anxiety stemmed from the prior 2 years and I just wasn’t recovered quite yet. When I was 17, I got into a severe car accident that injured my leg. It was a long recovery & I had to learn how to walk again with my left leg. When I turned 16, I had just lost my mom a few weeks prior, which was when I really started to deal with anxiety and panic attacks.
Fast forward to today, I do tons of modeling gigs, my leg functions totally normal, and anxiety is a rare emotion for me to feel thanks to a lot of therapy!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a model! I do all sorts of different types of modeling, whether it be fashion, editorial, print, e-commerce, runway, etc. I love doing anything creative, unique, fun, and even crazy. Something about me is I will do anything for the shot—sometimes I climb things, lay in grass/dirt, be in murky water, etc.
I would say my proudest accomplishment by far would be being in New York fashion week!
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
My friends, my sister, & my grandfather. They all have been such a huge support system in my life and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. They inspire me, make me laugh, truly care about me, and believe in me & that keeps me going every day (:
My grandfather especially—He successfully raised me and has taken such good care of me and still continues to. He means everything to me!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianna.maynardd/
Image Credits
Cover photo: Josyf Paul
First additional photo: Sydnee Curtis
Third additional photo: Sydnee Curtis
Fourth additional photo: Blake Wright
Fifth additional photo: Jimmy Fermin
Sixth additional photo: Ambrie Lesson
Seventh additional photo: Josyf Paul
Eighth additional photo: Kyle Miller
