“There’s no life without taking risks”: Interview with Gabi Gonzalez
By Angie Nova
Classy and poise are words that barely scratch the surface on how I would describe Gabi Gonzalez, a multi-talented and multi-published fashion and runway model based in Arizona. Though both words are true, I have come to learn that there is truly more than meets the eye. In my interview with Gabi, we go deeper into the modeling world, covering what it’s like having her mom, Angelica, by her side as her manager, dealing with creepy photographers and overcoming adversity.
Photo of Gabi Gonzalez, Photography by KBR, Dress by AG Couture, Makeup by Cristina Ortega
What first inspired you to start modeling?
Gabi: Well, I started when I was about 14 modeling for quinceañeras, but what truly inspired me was the art of fashion and the stories that go into it. Usually when you see an outfit, you think, “That looks nice,” but if you ask the designer what they think, they could tell you a whole story about what made them want to design that piece. The story and design could then inspire multiple people in different ways. I think of it as like music - they put their heart and soul into it.
What was your family’s reaction to you pursuing modeling?
Gabi: My mom was very supportive. She’s always been like, “My daughter! So beautiful!” during my quinceañera days. Even my brother is supportive but sometimes he’ll be like, “I don’t want boys checking out my sister!” I can tell he’s protective, though he won’t admit it.
You started modeling really young, so your mom had to be involved by default. How does that impact your relationship?
Gabi: I find it really beneficial to have my mom at my photoshoots. When she’s there, she can see from her point of view, like how it will look from the camera, and if I need to adjust my arm or leg and whatnot. It’s actually really nice, especially because I’m not by myself.
Was there ever a time where you were especially glad to have your mom around because of suspicious activity during a photoshoot?
Gabi: There was one instance during a photoshoot in Tucson. I was already really nervous because it was something different than what I normally model for. The photographer was trying to assure my mom that it’d be okay for me to spend the night in Tucson at the hotel with him if I needed to.
Oh, no thank you! Sounds like he was getting a little too comfortable.
In addition to professional modeling, Gabi Gonzalez also volunteers to help animals.
Gabi: Yeah, right? But other than that, the photographer was really nice, and there haven’t been any other instances of creepiness after that. I was just really glad my mom was there. We’re careful, though. We always check if a photographer might have worked with someone we know and ask them what their opinion is, you know, like is this a good person to work with?
I agree that it’s nice to have your mom there, especially as a personal bodyguard when it comes to creeps. On top of modeling, I hear you’re also a musician, an active volunteer and in school?
Gabi: Yes, I am! I am about to graduate from the veterinary tech program at my school in a week and a half. The school actually said I could submit a resume to them and they might be able to hire me. I also volunteer at the Liberty Wildlife. As far as music, I started playing the flute when I was a kid. Nowadays, I play on and off - every now and then. Like at church, I’ll play a little something while we’re waiting for the priest to get in.
Photo of Gabi Gonzalez with her cat, Milkshake.
That’s amazing! Do you ever get overwhelmed trying to juggle everything on your plate?
Gabi: I just keep going. The other day at work, they asked me if I wanted to take a minute, but I was like, “Nope, don’t need it!” and they were like, “Wow, I need to keep you on my team.” When I come home, that’s when I wind down by eating dinner, chilling on the couch, listening to music and enjoying the moment.
You’re about to graduate a vet tech program and you volunteer at the Liberty Wildlife, do you have any pets yourself?
Gabi: I have two cats! Milkshake, who is white with pretty green eyes. He’s the one that likes me most and cries to me for everything, but he’s a tough old man. He’s starting to go blind in one eye, actually. Then there’s Felix but he responds to baby kitty, just because I call everyone baby kitty. He’s a tuxedo cat with green eyes, too.
What has been one of your favorite, or most creative, photoshoots you’ve done so far?
Gabi: It would have to be this photoshoot we did in Sedona. I wore a yellow, infinity dress where we had my mom and someone else hold a part of the dress and throw it up in the air to make it look like it was super windy. It was interesting too because we had to hike up a mountain for the shoot as well. I thought it looked really pretty - it’s my profile picture now.
Photo of Gabi Gonzalez by Slusher Shots
I’ve seen it, and I can see why it’s your favorite! Is there a dream project that you want to do?
Gabi: I’ve got a lot of ideas. One in particular was from a comic I read where the woman stood still on stage with fog emitting from her, but it’s a not a machine or anything. The fog came from powder that was sitting on her hair, shoulder, and her outfit when she moved. I always thought that would be something really cool to try. Or glow in the dark makeup!
Photo of Gabi Gonzalez, Photography by KBR, Dress by AG Couture, Makeup by Cristina Ortega
Photo of Gabi Gonzalez, Photography by KBR, Dress by AG Couture, Makeup by Cristina Ortega
That’d be really unique, I hope that project ends up happening. What would you say to someone who wants to be a model or someone who feels like backing out of an audition?
Gabi: Be confident. Even if you’re shy, just get out there. Whenever I get nervous, I just think, “I’m the queen of this runway, so you should be looking at me.” If I were with someone who was thinking about backing out of an audition, I’d try to encourage them to stay and try their hardest, because you never know when you’ll get another opportunity. Plus, this could be that opportunity that changes your life. People might say, “what if I’m not right for this part?” and I just go, “What if you are, and you left right now? You would never know unless you tried.” There’s no life without taking risks.
Knowing what you know now, what would you say to your past self?
Gabi: I would tell myself to break out more. Staying shy might lead somewhere but it’s better to simply take the chance.
Angelica: She wasn’t always shy. Her best friend since childhood passed away and that’s when she got very, very quiet. Didn’t really say anything to anybody. It wasn’t until she started modeling that kind of brought her back to who she used to be.
Gabi: If you see pictures from my childhood, you can tell I was really sassy and that I wanted to do whatever I want. Then one Sunday morning when we were leaving church, we got the call that she had passed away. I wanted her to be a part of my quinceañera, along with her sisters. We still included her in my quinceañera by having one of my cousins pull out a picture of her and walk as if she were there. We had a moment of silence during my speech in honor of her. Remembering it now is actually making me tear up a little.
Understandable! That’s a really tough thing to go through, my condolences.
Gabi: I always believe that she’s standing by my side, especially if I ever get nervous. I know she’d be proud of me and cheer me on.
Angelica: Modeling has really changed Gabi’s life. She wasn’t always as sure of herself but now she can go into these photoshoots and she’s just a different person.
Gabi: Now I’m the type of person to go into an audition, see someone fiddling with their hands, maybe waiting for things to start, and go up to them. I would ask them, “Hi, is this your first time?” They always say yeah so I just do what I can to make them feel more comfortable and ask if they might want to practice with me. I’d tell them to just picture all eyes on you. Picture you’re the person that’s on top of the world, and picture yourself as if you’re slaying the runway.
Behind the Scenes Photo of Angie Nova interviewing Gabi Gonzalez for Contagion Media, Photography by KBR, Dress by AG Couture, Makeup by Cristina Ortega
