We had the good fortune of connecting with Bria Rene and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bria, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
There is so much more to the industry than meets the eye. It takes a LOT of blood, sweat, tears, dedication and rejection. There will be some days where you gave an audition 2010% and all you get is a thank you, silence or blank stares from the production team. None of it is personal, you just have to roll with the punches. The BLM movement put women of color/diverse and ethnic backgrounds on the map. We are trending but that does not mean that the entire industry has caught up yet. Be prepared to come with your own hair and makeup as glam as possible when dealing with “artists/stylists” who didn’t receive proper education in enhancing ALL beauty types

 

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve been modeling for 10 years now. I temporarily put my career, where I was practicing my M.S. degree in Behavioral Therapy, on hold to pursue my passion full-time. It’s provided me with endless opportunities to travel, network and gain so much insight from all of the people that I meet from different walks of life. Working as a model has enabled me to adapt a second life, so to speak. Initially I can be somewhat shy and reserved when meeting people, but on the runway or behind the camera I and transfom completely and become less inhibited. The tricks and the trades that you pick up behind the scenes are also really cool. Like watching an entire set being built from scratch, or filming a commercial for 12 hours that eventually leads to being a 30 second spot on television, or how important production, wardrobe and hair/mua stylists roles are in every project.

A lot of people have contacted me recently about getting into the industry but are unsure of where to start. My advice would be to get professional headshots and full body shots done wearing bright, solid colors in non-distracting backgrounds. Incorporate a commercial, smiling look, a business/professional look, and looks in either swim or athletic wear. Use these images to create a portfolio (most are digital these days; I have mine on a Google drive link), and from there submit them to agencies via their direct website. The website is super helpful because it specifies the requirements needed for submission and you can look at the profiles of the other models who are signed as a reference. The modeling industry is a huge umbrella composed primarily of fashion, commercial, lifestyle, print, TV & film and so many more different sub categories. It is critical to do your research on each and know your niche so that you know which area you will excel in.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Some would say I’ve been known to be a tad bit extra, flips hair. So I’d def have to plan a day trip to Bimini to show my squad an island ting or two ja know. Wynwood for some day party vibes, Pilos is one of my go to’s there and the brunch at Wynwood Marketplace is pretty bomb. Dinner at Komodo, Kiki on the River, Swan, El Tucan or Mau are a few of my favorites for the ambiance and aesthetics. Then maybe Liv or Vendome for the afterparty.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I owe the majority of my inspo to Naomi Campbell. She is a goddess in her own right and one of the first iconic black supermodels in the history of American fashion. Her beauty, style and personality are unmatched. This woman paved the way for a lot of us to be where we are today and I don’t think she’s praised enough for it. Grace Jones, wow, Chanel Iman, Jourdan Dunn, Tyson Beckford. America’s Next Top Model was every model’s toolbook. I’m also incredibly grateful for all of the rejection that I got over the years. It helped build character and fueled me to keep going until I got my YES

Linkedin: bri6mafiaaa

Image Credits
Blue and yellow bathing suit – @anchorsanvils multicolored bathing suit – @bryan.vrg runway photo – photographer is listed

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