Today we’d like to introduce you to Bryndis Eiriksdottir.
Hi Bryndis, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I was born and raised in the breathtakingly beautiful but often cold and dark environment of Iceland. While Iceland’s natural beauty is undeniable, it also experiences its fair share of seasonal depression due to the long, dark winters. Moving to a place with sunny, warm weather and beautiful beaches was a significant change and a dream come true for me.
After growing up in Iceland, a place of incredible natural beauty but with its own unique challenges, I began to feel the weight of routine and isolation. The familiarity of doing the same things and visiting the same places repeatedly started to feel monotonous. The urge for something new and different grew stronger with each passing day. I yearned for more than the routine, and this longing became the driving force behind my desire to explore new horizons.
After earning my bachelor’s degree in psychology, I embarked on my professional journey while still pursuing my undergraduate education. Working with special needs kids, particularly those with autism and behavioral issues, became a significant part of my early career.
Over the years, I steadily climbed the professional ladder, starting from a hands-on role and gradually transitioning into leadership positions. Eventually, I had the privilege of becoming a team leader and, ultimately, a manager at a housing facility for individuals with disabilities in Iceland. This experience not only enriched my career but also deepened my understanding of the challenges and needs of these individuals and their families.
As I ventured into the professional world and continued to grow, the urge to explore beyond the confines of my homeland became irresistible. Both my partner and I shared the dream of moving abroad and experiencing new and exciting things, so when the opportunity arose for us to move to the West Coast of the United States, we saw it as the manifestation of our shared aspirations.
We decided to consult Google to find the place with the best weather, and San Diego emerged as the perfect destination. It was a bold move, but it felt right.
In addition to my professional journey, I had also dabbled in modeling back in Iceland. I used social media extensively to connect with creative individuals who traveled to Iceland and wanted to collaborate on photoshoots. This not only allowed me to pursue my passion for modeling but also introduced me to some remarkable people. These creative encounters have been some of the most enriching experiences in my life.
Since moving to the United States, I’ve encountered the challenges of adapting to a new job market. It’s been a bit more challenging than I initially anticipated, but I haven’t let that discourage me. I’ve managed to secure some modeling jobs and have been involved in freelance User-Generated Content (UGC) work, allowing me to continue pursuing my creative interests and making the most of this new chapter in my life on the West Coast.
In a nutshell, my journey has been a blend of professional growth, a passion for exploration, and a commitment to following my dreams wherever they may lead me. The contrast between Iceland’s cold and dark climate and the sunny shores of San Diego has made this move an amazing and life-changing experience.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey has been an exciting and transformative one, but it hasn’t been entirely smooth. I’ve encountered several challenges along the way.
One of the primary challenges was adapting to a new job market in the United States. The process of finding stable employment proved to be more complex and competitive than I initially anticipated. The differences in the job market, professional requirements, and the need to build a new network were hurdles I had to overcome.
Additionally, moving to a new country is a significant life change, and it came with its own set of challenges, from adjusting to a different culture and way of life to managing the logistics of relocating. Adapting to a new environment and building a support system in an unfamiliar place can be both exciting and challenging.
Furthermore, while pursuing my career, I also had to balance my aspirations in modeling and creative work with the demands of daily life. It required determination and resilience to navigate the complexities of a new career path and the freelance world.
Despite these challenges, one of the most significant emotional hurdles I’ve faced is missing my family and friends back in Iceland. Being far from loved ones can be emotionally difficult, but I’ve also found solace in the new friendships I’ve formed here in San Diego. These new connections have helped create a sense of community and support that’s been invaluable in my journey. They’ve been a reminder that even when you’re far from home, new bonds can be formed, making this adventure both rewarding and fulfilling.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Through my experience in modeling, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with talented individuals and build a diverse network of connections. Modeling has not only been a creative outlet but has also helped me gain confidence and self-assurance.
One of the moments I’m most proud of in my modeling journey is seeing my face featured on signs and posters and even making it to a big t page in the newspaper back in Iceland. It’s a testament to the incredible experiences and opportunities that modeling has brought into my life.
What sets me apart is my willingness to put myself out there and embrace new challenges. Whether it’s navigating a new job market, adapting to a different country, or pursuing creative endeavors, I’m not afraid to take risks and seize opportunities.
Moreover, I take immense pride in the perseverance that allowed me to complete my degree in Psychology. I acknowledge that I may not have been the top student, but I worked hard and pushed through the challenges that came my way. This determination has been a driving force in both my academic and professional pursuits, allowing me to grow and succeed even in the face of difficulties.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
On a more personal note, the quality I hold closest to my heart for my success is undoubtedly resilience. While the journey I’ve been on has been filled with its fair share of highs and lows, it’s the tenacity to bounce back from difficult days and setbacks that has made all the difference.
There are days when I’ve doubted myself, felt overwhelmed, and wondered whether I’m on the right path. It’s during those moments that I draw on my resilience. It’s not about always having unshakable confidence but rather about having the determination to keep moving forward, even when things feel uncertain or challenging.
I’ve come to realize that success is not a linear journey. It’s a rollercoaster ride with exhilarating highs and daunting lows. Yet, it’s the ability to navigate those ups and downs, to pick myself up when I stumble, and to keep going even when it feels like I’m not getting anywhere that defines my path.
Resilience isn’t just a characteristic; it’s a trusted friend that reminds me that progress, no matter how small, is still progress. It keeps me grounded, helps me find strength in the midst of adversity, and propels me to continue pursuing my dreams. Ultimately, it’s resilience that has allowed me to transform challenges into opportunities and setbacks into steppingstones toward my aspirations.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/brynnale
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryndis-lif-eiriksdottir-403145191/
