We recently connected with Brianna Jones and have shared our conversation below.
Brianna, appreciate you joining us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?
To be successful I believe you must have a lot of patience and confidence. The modeling industry is a tough one. Growing up I had little to no self confidence. I was very shy and soft spoken. I used to get bullied a lot for being different. I had to overlook my insecurities to be where I am now. From that point on I realized I have to be confident and I definitely can’t be shy or timid when on the run way or in front of the camera. I practiced often and I still do. I give myself self affirmations that I am good enough and will do a good job with whatever project or show I’m working on. You just have to pray work. The number one thing you must do is believe you can do anything! Never let those who doubted you kill your dream. Speak your life into existence!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Brianna Jones. Best known as Makaveli Bri on social media. I am a model, actor, poet, artist, and entrepreneur. A very artistic woman I’d like to say. I have a bubbly and friendly personality. I can still be reserved at times, but I am very much approachable. I work at a nursing home as a RA. I love helping people. Working with the elderly and kids brings me joy. A lot of people ask me why I go by Makaveli Bri. It is in reference to one of my major favorite artist Tupac Shakur. I love the way he used his words and he is the author of one of my favorite poems “ the rose that grew from concrete.” I prefer to be called by Brianna over all it’s easier to pronounce and remember and easier for everyone. I started modeling when I was in middle school, but it was very hard for me to get booked due to the fact that I was a very soft spoken girl. I was making good progress with pictures but as for acting not so well. By the time I turned 16 in high school I was signed to John Casablanca Agency in Nashville Tennessee. I was not only in modeling but acting classes as well. I give great thanks to my acting coach Shimmy he always pushed me to get out of my comfort zone with acting. It took quite some time but I followed through. I started to be apart of not only tv commercials but plays as well such as “Hairspray”, and a play that me and a group of friends wrote called “ Something Like Static.” I was featured in a Bart Durham commercial and a back up dancer for a episode of the Quavers Show. Acting was fun but I began to become more intrigued with my modeling skills. My modeling coach Mrs.Veronica is one of the biggest reasons I am as amazing as I am. She never stopped pushing me. We worked on facial expressions and body language. I took notes and practiced till it felt like my feet were going to give out. As the years passed by I ran into another woman I look at like a sister. Jasmine Armstrong another amazing modeling coach of mine. She taught me the pros and cons of the industry. Now I am a very self critical person. I push myself as much as I can to be great. I never had many great expectations for myself. I always thought I was a nobody. Thankfully, I out grew that mindset when I started to grasp the passion of modeling. I realized not only was my soul beautiful, but I too am physically beautiful as well. Looks only last for so long but your soul can be eternally beautiful. This is why I never let my looks get to my head. I’m very humble. Every since I found my way with modeling I’ve wanted to create another path for women and girls like me. I have been featured in multiple magazines and fashion shows. My biggest one was the model experience in LA fashion week of 2022. This year in September of 2023 keep your eyes open! I’ll be walking in the New York fashion show as well. It’s very exciting to be able to travel and see different people things and learn. As I run into people who have the same profession as me I listen. You can never stop learning from others. I value any wisdom given to me. I love working with my photographers. Mr. Sandford is my favorite he never disappoints me with his work. I network mostly in Nashville. I’m now going farther out. I also am getting back into acting. I will be starting in a short film by Dre Gilst called “ Destiny.” I’ll be a leading role so please do keep a look out for that as well. What sets me apart from others is my heart. I am a pure genuine soul. I’m just like anybody else in the world trying to reach my dreams, but guaranteed you’ll never meet another person like me. I put blood sweat and tears into everything I do, and it all literally started with a dollar and a dream. This small town girl has done many big and great things. I’m very proud of myself for not giving up. There’s been so many times where I was ready to throw in the towel, but no. I see God isn’t finished with me yet and has many more great blessing coming my way. My goal is to just be a amazing role model for women or honestly anyone in general. I want to be a vice for the voiceless. To be the person that shows those who think they are incapable that they are very much capable. Eventually I will start my own agency and teach young people how to model. I want them to have that mindset I have as well. That looks are temporary but a beautiful soul last forever. I want to teach them the difference between cocky and confidence. I just want them to love their life and themselves, because that’s what modeling has done for me.
Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.
Yes, modeling has turned into my main career. At first it was a side hustle because I couldn’t break my shy zone. I was very much able to do photo shoots but as for shows my social anxiety wouldn’t allow it. I had to prep talk myself into understanding that I was capable of being great or doing a good job. The mirror has forever been my best friend for practicing. I’ve practiced in the mirror to the point where I didn’t need it anymore. Also Americas next top model gave me great pointers as well. The main key milestone for me was practicing, and building my confidence up till I believed in myself. After that opportunities got bigger and better.
How did you build your audience on social media?
You must be consistent. I’ve noticed my followers drip if I’m not posting every so often. Instagram is really the main app that has helped me take off and be viral with certain post with my modeling. It’s all about hashtags and knowing what your audience wants. Figuring out your esthetic. You must network with others and collaborate as well. Support others so they support you. Share and repost everything. Send your post to others and ask them to share as well. It’s really all about connections and consistency.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tiktok.com/@makavelibriii_?_t=8cT42lvyr4E&_r=1
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/makavelibriii?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100038671955252&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@makavelibriii2960
- Other: https://instagram.com/askboutbria?igshid=MmJiY2I4NDBkZg==
Image Credits
Eboni Crony David Sandford Mute