Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiana Gaona.
So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Almost as if from the moment I was born, I would love to be in front of a camera. Growing up, my mom was always recording videos or taking photos of my sister and I. When she wasn’t, younger Kiana would definitely remind her of where her camera was and that it was time to start snapping again. Camera shy was never part of my vocabulary.
In school, my dreams never seemed to make sense to people. Wanting to be a part of the modeling/entertainment industry seemed silly and unrealistic to a ton of people and it was hard not to adopt that same mindset considering my age. When I was 13, my mom set up a photoshoot with a local photographer, Robert Gentry, looking to grow his portfolio and was in search of a model. From then on, I was certain I wanted to make a career out of it. It was kind of like love at first sight but not love at first sight. You know what I mean? Suddenly, all of the negativity meant nothing. I wanted to be on a set, shoot crazy photos and create beautiful concepts even if no one cared.
For years, I grew my social media presence and soon brands, and popular photographers started to notice my page. Through the mighty power of networking, I’ve been able to work with many big photographers and brands all thanks to social media. What began as receiving free products from smaller brands turned into getting paid to post on Instagram by Whataburger. Soon enough, I was discovered by my agent and even bigger doors began to open. From being the spokesperson of local colleges and universities to working with Oxford productions, to having my face inside Walmart internationally for Dell Computer ads, I still believe the best is yet to come. It would be silly to say my career has peaked at this point knowing I still have so much to achieve and to look forward to.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Although seeming to be somewhere along the lines of smooth sailing, the journey up to where I am now was no walk in the park. In this industry, it’s no secret that it comes with a ton of critics and a world of judgment. Almost like a package deal. From early on, in middle school to high school, I was a victim of bullying both in school and online. In the era of finding myself, I found it exceptionally harder for me considering, what felt like the entire world, was telling me for years that I wasn’t pretty or that my ears were too big or I was way too skinny or that I would never make it in the industry. Hearing things repeatedly, you start to believe them, and I started to believe that maybe I WAS everything people were saying about me. The damage I allowed words to do to my self-esteem, my physical health, my mental health and the way I perceived myself is something all too unimaginable.
There were many times I deemed myself unworthy, not beautiful, not good enough, not talented enough but all the while there was a God who thought I was just the opposite. It wasn’t up until I started to see myself how He sees me, that everything began to shift.
To the girl reading this and your journey has just begun, whatever journey it may be, you are more than a conqueror. The world may be against you, but you always have the creator of the universe in your corner. The world is relentlessly saturating our minds with the lie that we are not pretty enough. Do not listen. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are more than what people or this world may say about you. You had a purpose before anyone had an opinion. Go fulfill that purpose and love on people wherever you go. You are not your mistakes. The past is the past. Leave it there. Learn from it and grow. The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion. Set a great one and be kind with your words. People can be cruel and not all people will like you. My dad taught me that one. Count it all joy, tell them to get in line and be gracious. You will fail but the promise for your life lies ahead and it goes beyond your wildest dreams. Keep going. Love, walk with grace and show the world what you’re made of, girlfriend.
Please tell us about your work.
I am a signed model and actress with The Blanco Agency. Unfortunately, I am too short for the runway (standing at a super tall height of 5’5) so I do commercial/print work and I do film work. I have been in the industry since I was 13 and I truly don’t know where I would be, had I not pursued it like it has. As a brand, I am most proud of how far I have come, despite the adversity I faced along the way. If you would have told the 10-year-old Kiana that she accomplished all she has today at 20, she most definitely wouldn’t believe you. Time after time, I felt like throwing it all away and giving up, but I knew I was bigger than what the world had to say. You are too.
When someone scrolls through my social media or meets me in person, I want them to feel loved and encouraged. As a whole, I feel that my roots and my values are what sets me apart from most. In the time we live in, it seems we feel more and more obligated to conform to the world and to its standards when we were called to be set apart. I am very open about my faith with others and I cherish the opportunities when I am able to share this joy.
Who have you been inspired by?
Cliché answers, but my sweet momma is who inspires me the most. Duh! If you could picture one of the strongest, most supportive, most giving and forgiving people, I’d be Mama Gaona. Truly because of my built-in best friend, I know what it is to be a friend to others and how to be strong. Amidst adversity, she is gracious and strong all the while. She is kind when people might not deserve it at times and she is wise. The queen of Facebook and the queen of Snapchat filters. The reminder to read my bible and a light on my path. She is the life on set, in the room and a Mama Gaona to all she meets. My mom encourages like no other and is a constant reminder to go after who and what I love. An inspiration like no other.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/kianagaona or @kianagaona
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/kiana.gaona or Kiana Gaona
Image Credit:
Danny Batista, Carlos Vasquez, Matthew Lemke, Terry Turner, Andy Roo
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