Model Gabriella Lascano Doesn’t Need an Agency to Get Attention
Gabriella Lascano is a plus size model, former makeup artist, and beauty blogger from the Bronx, New York.
Gabriella rose to fame from her dope fashion sense and makeup skills, and now she’s working with dope brands like Boohoo. If you’re aspiring to break into the plus size modeling industry or are interested in learning all about Gabriella, check out our interview below.
What made you join the modeling industry as a plus size model?
I felt that I never saw anyone like me in the industry and I wanted to be the voice and representation for women who looked like me. I was always too short, too big, too curvy, and not tall enough; I know there are other women with hourglass shapes who are short who need representation.
What tips do you have for young women looking to become plus size models? Whats the first step they should take?
I always say to just start taking pictures. Put yourself out there and eventually you’ll find what works for you.
Where are your favorite places to shop?
I have a section on my blog where I list all my favorite places. Including Avenue, Boohoo, and Forever21 Plus.
What made you join the beauty industry as an influencer?
I’ve been into makeup ever since I was a child. My great grandmother was a glamazon and that trickled from her down to my mother and then me. I used to wear my mother’s red lipstick and heels as a little girl and by the time I was in junior high school I was wearing pastel eyeshadow and clear mascara. Once I got into high school, I started doing makeup and last year I was a celebrity makeup artist working fashion week for Dascha Polanco.
What was the hardest part about joining the modeling world and what do you enjoy most?
Being that I work for myself and I’m not [represented by an] agency, I can work with whoever I want. So I’m very happy to have the freedom to do promotional work for smaller brands, but it gets difficult to gain the attention of bigger brands.
Where do you see your brand in the upcoming years?
My ultimate goal is to have my own clothing brand.
How did you become confident and comfortable with yourself and what advice do you have for young women who lack confidence?
I made a whole video on my YouTube channel about confidence and my journey with that. Like I said in my video, I attribute my confidence to my mother. She always told me to feel good about myself because I’m special and no one is me. I feel that me showing my confidence is a message in itself to other women. No one is you and that is your power. Find a regime that includes activities that make you feel good (working out, doing makeup, baking). Find clothing that makes you feel your best, and embrace the qualities that make you unique, because once you’re happy with yourself, others’ opinions won’t matter so much.
What are your go-to beauty products?
My holy grail beauty products are NARS Sheer Glow Foundation, Laura Geller Gilded Honey Highlighter, and false lashes. I also love coconut oil for skin and hair, nude nail polish, and Flower Bomb perfume. And of course, glitter. Glitter is my ultimate favorite accessory. Everything is better with sparkle.
Who/what motivates you during difficult times?
I feel like I motivate myself, I remember the hard times I’ve already been through and think of how I made through. No matter how hard it seemed, I’m still here, so that means I’m strong. And of course my faith in God. I know he’s with me guiding me always.
What do you shoot and edit your pictures with?
My YouTube videos and pictures were being taken with a Nikon d3100, but just recently I purchased a Canon eos m3, I edit with Instagram. Instagram has great tools such as brightness, sharpness, and awesome filters that we all love. I edit my YouTube with Movie Maker.
What is something you want your supporters to know about you?
I just want them to know I’m living the same struggles, I understand how hard it can be, and I work through it everyday too.
