We were lucky to catch up with Brianna Jones recently and have shared our conversation below.
Brianna, we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
It’s literally been nothing but God that has been able to get me through honestly. I am very much a God fearing woman. I pray over my mental health and others all the time. I suffer from depression and anxiety. God has showed me what I need to do to overcome such things. This industry and even just dealing with people in general can take a big tole on your mental health. Everyone is constantly watching you and judging you nonstop. You get the thoughts of “ am I good enough?” “ I’ve gotta make sure I please the people “ , and it’s all so overwhelming. So sometimes I just put my phone on Do not disturb and I read, paint , write, listen to music, sit in nature and etc. Alone time helps me a lot. When things get too overwhelming I pray. I just talk to God about how I’m feeling and that he helps and shows me how to overcome these things, because depression can not have me. That’s why it’s important that every chance I get to speak up and have an opportunity to talk to others about this I do. It means the world to me because I know how hard it is. I want people who struggle with mental health to know they are not alone. I’ll be one of the others yo speak up and bring awareness about it because I believe it’s possible to touch hearts and save lives. So be kind to those you know who struggle with mental health. You never know what people are battling. You guys have to find peace within and take it day by day. Trust me it’s a challenge but I know we got it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a RA at a nursing home here in Tennessee and outside of that I model and act. I’ve been in multiple run way shows magazines and a few acting jobs as well. My biggest acting gig so far is a short film called “ My Destiny” by Dre Gilchrist. The thing that makes what I do special to me is the impact I know that I can make on people with what I do. I know I have an amazing and beautiful heart. I fall short just like others at times too; don’t get me wrong I’m not perfect. I just know I love hard and I’m an empathetic woman. I love to make people happy and support others. My biggest goal and dream is to become a well known model and start my own agency. I plan on training kids and adults of all ages on how to model and work on their character as well. I can’t tell you how many people I’ve met with beautiful faces but not so pretty hearts. I want to make those who are insecure see how beautiful/ handsome they are and teach them not to let their looks go to their heads. To follow their dreams no matter what or who is against you. I people have dragged me down and tried to hold me back from my purpose but I kept pushing because I see that this is my calling. I’m just as special as the next person and I’m going to make others see how special they are too. I’ve went from a small town country girl to a country girl that’s going across the globe. I’m heading to New York to be in their fashion week on September 9th. It’s going to be amazing and I’m going to do a great job! What I want people to know about what I do is that I model and act for a big purpose. Which is to show the world how the shy insecure low self esteem little girl grew up to do big things. So the next little girl who is in the same shoes that sees me on tv social media or a magazine says “ wow if she can do this I can do it too!” Yes you can! I’m talented in so many ways and I love networking and helping others and myself come up together. I don’t mind working with anyone as long as it’s for a good purpose and they are god people with good intentions.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three main qualities that have been the most impactful for me are being open minded, understanding, and humble. A lot of people but not all come in this industry not humble. They get a few big gigs or get in shows and let the clout likes and comments get to their heads. Little do they know it’s mot about the likes and comments it’s about who sees. Nobody wants to work with arrogant rude people. You have to be mindful of others. Be confident not cocky. There is a big difference. You need to be understanding because some others might mot have reached your level of intelligence or confidence when it comes to your modeling or craft. That’s why we help people. It’s not always an eat or be eaten concept. I understand every man for themselves but that’s not the case all the time. Sometimes people genuinely just need help or guidance. Don’t belittle them either. Correct them in a kind way and uplift them never discourage them, because the rolls can be reversed. Then you could be the person in need of help and you wouldn’t like to be treated in such a way. Lastly be open minded. When I say this I mean be careful of how you carry yourselves observe others and your surroundings and be open to new things. Now for me modeling lingerie and showing more skin was challenging at first because I didn’t wanna come off as advertising you know like a sexual figure. I opened my mind and realized this is all body positivity for me and others. There are other girls who are insecure of their body and so I want to show them it’s ok to embrace it. Just carry yourself well. Nothing to worry about when you still carry yourself like a lady and you do shoots like that. You have to over look the negatives and find the positives.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
So the person who has helped me overcome so much in order for me to be successful is my closest friend Nicholas. May he rest in peace. He had a beautiful heart and was the most realest person I ever met. An angel on earth I’d like to say. In the beginning of 2022 I was very insecure when stepping back into the modeling world. I talked to him about my mental health as well. He never discouraged me or disregarded me at all. He listened and gave me the best feed back he could. He told me to keep my head in the clouds and I have to stay positive because I’m beautiful and “ it looks like you gone be rich one day” lol. He always was my number one fan when I would put out my pictures from shoots. He told me not to compare myself to other women because I’m just as beautiful. He taught me to be a brave courageous woman. I don’t look in the mirror so long anymore because I know I’m beautiful inside and out. He taught me to clear out the negatives and that if people aren’t with me just say forget them and just keep going because they’ll regret it in the long run. I’d say he taught me how to be strong and keep my head high with all this and keep God involved, because I see now as he said to me “ I’m forever gone be straight.” I know who I am and my purpose and I’m good enough.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://youtu.be/M0dF8fuYpMw
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