A Perfect Blend of Grace & Grit
Meet this month’s cover star Bria Elisabeth Briggs / @bria.elis
Photographer Darwin Ortiz / @darwinworldmedia
Could you tell us a bit about yourself? Hi, my name is Bria. I grew up in Washington State and moved to San Diego when I was 21. I gained a lot of momentum over the following few years in my personal development & success, and eventually moved to LA to grow more in the entertainment world not even 6 months ago. Piano and sports were a big part of my life growing up and really played a role in shaping who I am today. I always see every day as an opportunity to learn, grow, and spread joy to those around me.
Can you give us a background on your career and where it all started? When I was 13 I realized how much I loved getting dressed up and taking photos of myself. All through high school I would do this. It sounds pretty silly but I loved hearing all the positive feedback I’d get from my peers about everything I was doing. I did my first mini runway show for Mary Kay makeup when I was 18 in my hometown which was a small gig but it made me realize how much I loved collaborating with creators and artists. I didn’t actually start doing professional photoshoots and working with photographers until I was about 23. After doing probably a dozen of those shoots, I got an opportunity to travel with Maxim last year and shoot with them. That was my first big experience that accelerated my career.
What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself? It’s not just modeling that I love, it’s everything that comes with what I’ve realized. Meeting awesome new people, getting chances to do podcasts and bikini shows, traveling, etc. It all connects so effortlessly to everything else I love. It also holds me accountable with keeping my diet in check along with staying active.
What is the biggest misconception people have about you? That I have it easy. I’ve had to work very hard on my inner strength over the years to be able to know what works for me as far as maintaining a balanced life and still being able to stay happy, healthy, and accomplish what I want.
Do you have any hidden talents, if so what is it? Probably telepathy. People tell me all the time that they feel they have a telepathic connection with me and I love it. Feeling connected with this beautiful world and the people in it is what it’s all about.
In what ways do you use your platform to inspire or influence others? I just want others to know it’s safe to be themselves, and that nothing is impossible. Saying what you feel and being who you are, you can’t go wrong. You gotta accept yourself.
What message do you hope to convey through your work? That it’s okay to not be just one look or vibe. I’m always on all sorts of wavelengths and wear all different types of clothing /patterns. I can act really princess-like and girly but I can instantly switch into this tomboy more masculine black leather jacket type. Both are 100% me and I love it.
How do you prepare mentally and physically for a big photoshoot or event? I try to fast a bit, but I also make sure to meditate to get prepared and fall asleep to positive affirmations or a nice looped prayer.
When you’re not working, what helps you decompress and relax? Watching Netflix and eating pasta probably. I also love walking to Starbucks and just sitting there enjoying some coffee.
What’s the strangest fan encounter you’ve ever had? I remember last March I was going to a big party event in LA before I moved there and there were about 5-10 people waiting outside asking me and my other friend (who also modeled for Maxim) for our autographs on our printed Instagram photos. We both looked at each other and you could just feel the excitement we were trying to hide because we didn’t expect it.
If you were stranded on a deserted island with only one accessory, what would it be? If it can’t be a person, probably my phone.
What’s your go-to guilty pleasure snack? Nutella + Fritos. I don’t think many people know how great that combo is because they’ve never actually tried it but they should.
Thanks for taking the time to speak to us, do you have any last words or advice for our readers? Just remember you can do anything you want. You just gotta stay positive and know how powerful you are in creating your own perfect universe.
