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

Hi Gloria, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
For me, modeling, photos; they’re a way to express myself. I feel like I have never been really good at expressing what I feel with my words. But when I have a photoshoot I can have fun and be myself, and even be vulnerable without fearing anything.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I was born and raised in Venezuela. When I moved to the US I was scared. I was starting from zero. The language and different lifestyle were definitely barriers. However, I was blessed to have met such amazing people along the way who have helped me a whole bunch. I joined a pageant in 2016, just to step out of my comfort zone, and it definitely had a huge impact in my life. Natalia Castillo, director of Miss Texas Latina and founder of Fire You Up, is such an amazing, lovely person who helped me overcome my social fears and keep my social anxiety at bay. I am very thankful to her.
I can for sure say it was not easy, but someone very dear to my heart told me “The only person stopping you, is you,” and I try to always keep that in mind. 😉

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh, definitely eat some arepas first! Depending on the weather, which we all know can be a little crazy, I love to have sunset picnics at the Buffalo Bayou Park and walk around La Centerra and eat crepes at Sweet Paris.
I also love to go to cute spots and take a bunch of pictures, do go-karts, mini golf, bowling; even though I’m really bad at all of the above, I crack myself up and always have a good time.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Everyone that comes in and out of my life leaves something. They all make an impact. Everybody that I have ever come across has something to do with who I am today, and the person I have become. My friends and family have been my foundation through it all, they always push me to be a better version of myself every single day and always support my dreams.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gloriacuotto/

Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gloriacuotto? Podcast (for Spanish-speakers): https://open.spotify.com/show/1yOMeBFmzgxGGPJhPcmzFE?si=IqP0MjDkQrmlS67kEfFbpQ&dl_branch=1

Image Credits
Jordan Fischels. Felype Santos. Valeria Machado.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.