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

Hi Gigi, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I am a huge believer that there is no reward without risk. I’ve met little to no one who is widely successful and did not take a risk if not many to get where they are today. Risk has taken a huge part in my success, life, and career. When I was three days fresh of 18, I independently moved to New York City with truly no plan but only ambition and a dream to start my modeling career. If I hadn’t taken that huge risk I would’ve never found the confidence in myself to know I could succeed and overcome the adversary of being a newly young adult financially supporting herself in a big city while chasing a dream. I also would’ve never met an of the amazing connections that have spread not only in NYC but to people when I moved to Miami after, in Los Angeles, and in Europe.

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.
Being a Latina woman, I naturally have curves but always kept a somewhat petite figure. In the modeling world I have always been constantly told I still need to lose weight or at least lose inches in my hips which even when I’ve tried everything doesn’t happen. For a long time I was so discouraged by this because it was something that I couldn’t change naturally. Finally, I came to embrace it and the modeling world has slowly come around to inclusivity too. Even now though I will still hear “You’re too small to be a curve model but too big in your hips for our regular board”. I’ve learned now that I had to create my own path. I had to love my body the way it was in order for that confidence to drive success for me. Once I did that I walked in NYFW for Adore Me, Walked in my biggest swim week line up, and booked jobs with some of my dream brands. I think the biggest takeaway I’d want for other women or people to get from my story is that in whatever you do or want to do, you don’t have to fit in others box. Embracing being not the ordinary or the expected and learn how to thrive there.

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?
Last month my Best Friend came in town from New York and I was so excited to show her around for her first time in Houston. For Dinner her first night we hit Sushi by Hidden. My fiancé and I are obsessed & I believe they have the best omakase in Houston right now! Afterwards we hit up Stella’s wine bar. I really recommend Stella’s to anyone who is looking to expand their wine pallet. They have preselected flights or you can speak to a Sommelier about your taste for them to curate a custom flight. We always end up taking home at least two bottles we like and they offer a great discount when you do! Not to mention they have an amazing pasty selection to pair! For activities I love the Houston Museum of Natural Science for their precious gems collection and butterfly garden, During season you have to go to an Astros game, and you can’t miss having a cow cuddling experience at Texas Gaushala.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Having someone support your dreams no matter how big or how small is imperative to success in my opinion. From when I was young my grandmother who I will call my Nana has believed in me every step of the way. She was not only my cheerleader but the person I could go to when I needed to vent, strategize, and someone to tell me to suck it up & keep going. Without her unwavering support I know I wouldn’t be where I am today. Later on comes my amazing Fiancé, Jakob. Jakob is the best hype man I could ever ask for. Not only does he cheer me on but he always makes sure I know he is willing to help in anyway to make sure I can continue pursing my dreams. I am so grateful for both of their love and support throughout my career journey.

Instagram: instagram.com/gigisworld

Youtube: YouTube.com/itsgigisw0rld

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