Today we’d like to introduce you to Oriana.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I start this story the same way each time; I got the idea to model from the persistent prodding of my best friend Lena. When we would go out, people would compliment my outfit and ask if I was a model. I would smile and say “Thank you, but no I’m not.” To which Lena would chime in and say something along the lines of “I told you so girl”, or “you can’t keep walking around looking like that for free.” It took a while, but I finally started thinking why the heck not? I was almost 30, so “bucket list before 30”! Also, I decided I would do it only as long as I wanted, possibly make money doing it, I would be my own boss, and I could use this as a creative and social outlet. So, I made an Instagram page, got a tripod off of Amazon, and started taking pictures at home or had my friends take them. I never had an Instagram before, so I would look at other girls pages and do what they were doing. There were a lot of fitting room and bedroom selfies in the beginning. Cringe, I know. After a while though, I realize I didn’t want to be an Instagram model, I wanted to be like the supermodels I grew admiring and be on runways and magazine covers, so I switched things up and started reaching out to local designers, photographers, stylist, models, etc., to let them know about I wanted to work with them, and thats how things really started to take off for me.
I don’t know if I will always freelance model, or try to get signed to an agency one day. But I do know that either way, I have dreams of being on runways around the world, meeting my idol Ms. Naomi Campbell, and having modeling be my career.
Great, 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?
This has definitely been a rocky road. I am first and foremost a single mother, a daughter, a regular 9-to-5 employee, a sister, and friend. I wear many hats. I do most of my modeling work myself, from finding work to answering emails, providing my own travel to and from gigs, making my work schedule, doing my own hair make up for the most part, etc. And sometimes, there just isn’t enough time in the day, so finding enough time to handle all these things, along with tending to my daily priorities can be tough. There are many sleepless nights, and tons of sacrifices made, but when everything comes together, and the work pays off, it makes it all worth it.
A few other obstacles I face in modeling is my age and being a woman of color. As we all know, you are “old news” as a model once you turn 25. And I started when I was almost 30, so you can only imagine the struggles I go through just to be seen. But I don’t take no for an answer. My age does not limit my talent, so I found a way around and through those obstacles, and show up and shut it down.
Also, being a woman of color, sometimes there isn’t enough diversity being shown or knowledge of ethnic hair and makeup. All too often, it is just other people of color supporting and using other POCs, and it shouldn’t be so one-sided. There is beauty in every age, size, and color, and I hope to be a part of a positive change in the modeling world.
Advice that I like to give women is to know your worth, don’t take no for an answer, and if there isn’t a spot for you, make one. You have to work hard and consistently, to be not only good at, but successful at whatever you are wanting to do. Sometimes, you have to get your hands dirty and stand your ground to be heard, and that’s OK. People aren’t going to notice you if you stay in the shadows and hope to be found, so go to events, be pleasant to work with, reach out to people that you admire and want to work with, and make them notice you.
Please tell us about your work.
I am primarily known for my modeling and runway strut. I have modeled local and international designers and businesses, walked in fashion shows in San Diego and LA, I have been a hair model, and have even modeled on live TV to name a few. I also dance, act, and do little motivational speeches here and there to other artists within the industry.
Throughout all of this, I think what catches peoples attention and what sets me apart the most is my big crazy hair and personality. Most people in San Diego don’t look like me, so I think it’s interesting and good to have someone like me in the public eye. Diversity is important to see, and I have never shied away from standing out.
As for my personality, it is definitely as big and wild as my hair. I tend to be pretty upbeat positive fun and goofy, which has benefited me in ways such as getting and keeping good work connections and friends with people that I have worked with. Also, with me being a positive and uplifting person, I have helped a lot of people to watch or work with me build up confidence within themselves. You can compliment me on my looks all day, but what really makes me happy and what I am most proud of is when people tell me that I made them feel good about themselves, when they thank me for sticking up for what is right, or that I made them laugh or go for their dreams. Being a positive influence is a major part of what I want to be known.
Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
I feel that people expect women to sit back and be silent and pretty, and then when we speak up, we are being “hard-core feminists, bossy, and unpleasant to work with.” I also feel that we are taken advantage because it can be easier to silence a woman. Women are expected to take less than what they deserve because we usually sacrifice more like the mothers, and caretakers, and the more heart-driven of the sexes. So, we are put on eggshells to walk upon, made to worry that if we speak up, our spot will be taken by someone with less to lose.
It may be ironic to hear from a model, but I tell women all the time that you have to be more than just a pretty face. That applies to both personally and professionally. We are objectified and judged by our bodies before we even open our mouths. All too often people are surprised when a pretty girl is smart, or when an older woman can keep up with younger women, or when a bigger girl is as confident as a thinner girl. We need to have a work ethic that is memorable and admirable and to not be afraid to stand up for our right to be heard or to say no. Women have the same human right to be as smart, as talented, as powerful, as successful and respected as anyone else, and it is ridiculous that we have to fight for any of these qualities.
Contact Info:
- Email: orianabookings@gmail.com
- Instagram: @thatgirlgolden
Image Credit:
Electric West, Michael Saavedra, PhoDesigns
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