We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Gemma Farquhar. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Gemma below.

Hi Gemma , thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

One of the most significant risks I’ve taken in my life was deciding not to go to college. I realized that I wanted to fully immerse myself in the world of film and the broader creative industry without delay, and gain life experience and training on my own terms.

The societal expectation to attend college is so strong that not following it can be isolating and daunting, and it was definitely tricky to explain to people at first. My decision to forgo college wasn’t because I didn’t value education; in fact, I would love to attend college in the future to study a completely different major. However, I realized that the life and career I envisioned at that time required a different approach.

After taking a gap year post-high school, I moved to Los Angeles at 19 to pursue a career in film. It was my first real taste of adulthood—terrifying and thrilling. Sitting on that airplane during takeoff by myself was the most nervous I had ever been about anything up until that point, and I was flooded with all these thoughts wondering if I was making the right decision. Once the nerves calmed down, I couldn’t wait to start a new adventure. I lived in a house in Glendale with two wonderful women who were so welcoming, and I adored the neighborhood we lived in. Living in LA taught me the realities of hard work and upkeep, beyond the starry-eyed first impression I had of it. Everything costs something, your mail becomes less fun, and artists usually have more than one job and are cramming in self-tapes in between it all.

Navigating the challenges of learning how to be an adult at an early age and forging this path has opened my eyes to the interconnectedness of the human experience. Most of us are constantly figuring things out at our own pace, which extends across all fields and disciplines. This is a big reason why finding and building a strong support system, even if it’s 1-2 people, can be immensely valuable. I was lucky to meet some incredibly humble, talented people who were driving forces in helping me navigate that chapter of my life that I still keep in touch with to this day. I also learned that there was so much life that existed beyond college that no one told us about during high school. There were so many other ways to train and build experiences as an artist, and it was thrilling and freeing to be introduced to that.

Over the years, this risk has led me to incredible opportunities and achievements. I co-wrote my first SAG-AFTRA feature film “Ugly Sweater” alongside Lauren Musgrove, wrote a show for Miami Swim Week, was 1 of 14 selected candidates for the Yale Writers’ Program, and my career as a model has seen me featured as a CoverGirl, on Times Square billboards, and walk runways in major fashion weeks in New York, London, Paris, and Milan. Building a solid foundation within this industry can require considerable time and patience. Don’t underestimate the value of student films if you’re new to the field, and seize every opportunity to network with your crew on set. Engage with people, connect with industry professionals at all project levels—you never know who you’ll meet, there’s always someone to learn from, and effective networking will become an invaluable tool in your career.

Taking this risk has allowed me to live and customize a life that belongs to me. Despite moments of uncertainty, the decision to forge my own path has been profoundly rewarding, providing me with the most monumental life experiences, people, and accomplishments, affirming that this decision was the right choice for me.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Gemma Farquhar, I am 26 years old, and I’m involved in several fields: Pure Barre Instructor, Co-Designer for Cody Chris Collection, an actress, model, and writer. Beyond work, I cherish traveling, nature hikes, long train rides, discovering new coffee shops and food dishes, and spending time with the people I love.

I fell into the acting world around age 11 after my mother encouraged me to join a theater arts summer camp. I was skeptical about it, then I couldn’t get enough of it. Theater was also instrumental in helping me identify my sexuality, and I’m not sure if I would have connected with that part of myself as early without the open-mindedness and support of my fellow actors. Once I was introduced to film in LA, I quickly fell in love. I loved the fast-paced excitement of being on set, watching all the moving parts in action, feeling hungry to learn as much as possible.

Co-writing the feature film “Ugly Sweater” with Purple Magnet Productions, starring Netflix actress Deja Monique Cruz, stands out as one of the most rewarding projects of my career. The film is very near and dear to my heart, as it delves into mental health, sexuality, anxiety, the journey into young adulthood, family, love, and stories that normalize human characters. Purple Magnet Productions, a woman-owned company co-owned by Lauren Musgrove and Maggie Brown, provided a thrilling experience with its predominantly women-led set—a dynamic I had never encountered before and one I am eager to pursue further. Having been involved in the modeling, acting, and film industries for some time, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges models face and the lack of protection they often encounter. There’s a significant need for change, and women in leadership positions could make a profound difference for both models and creatives alike. My experience as an Intimacy Coordinator on set of “Ugly Sweater” underscored this need, working alongside Danielle Mannion, who remarked on set at Marina Studios, “This level of inclusivity and support for women in roles like cinematographers, directors, producers, intimacy coordinators, is unprecedented from what I experienced at your age. You did not see this back then. It’s monumental to witness.” Our team was comprised of endless powerhouses and talent, and it truly took a village to bring the final result to life.

Additionally, I wrote my own show for Miami Swim Week titled “Reclaiming the Power: Greek Mythology Reimagined” with Art Hearts Fashion. The show modernized and humanized Greek mythology characters, and it was the first time I had creative control over the production. Combining film, writing, theatrics, and runway in this unique, dialogue-free format was a thrilling challenge. Learning to collaborate effectively with artists across various fields—producers, cinematographers, set designers, fashion designers, hair and makeup artists, script supervisors, production teams, and beauty directors—has been invaluable. These projects would not have come to fruition without their expertise and dedication. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with such professional, creative, and driven individuals.

What sets me apart from others is my willingness and unwavering curiosity to delve into every facet of the industries I’m passionate about, such as film and fashion. I thrive on stepping out of comfort zones, constantly seeking growth and learning opportunities. My dedication to innovation, combined with a relentless pursuit of professional development, empowers me to bring fresh ideas to every role I undertake. I also love drowning my french fries in vinegar until they’re soaked, and I feel like that might set me apart from others as well.

Looking ahead, I’m committed to producing content that normalizes mental health discussions, amplifies marginalized voices, and promotes inclusive spaces led by women and queer individuals.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My mission in this industry is to constantly expand my knowledge and skills through a journey of continuous learning and growth. I believe in surrounding myself with individuals who possess expertise beyond my own, as this enables me to absorb valuable insights and perspectives from within my industry. Looking ahead, I’m committed to producing content that normalizes mental health discussions, amplifies marginalized voices, and promotes inclusive spaces led by women and queer individuals.

In the fashion industry, I strive to establish inclusive spaces that celebrate diverse body types and identities. Similarly, in film and other creative endeavors, I aim to cultivate environments that prioritize safety, respect, uniqueness, and intentionality. These values are foundational to my approach in every creative project I undertake, ensuring that each endeavor contributes positively to the broader community and industry.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When I was 21, I was in a bad car accident. A nurse told me she was surprised I survived, emphasizing how lucky I was. I remember thinking, “if that had been it, or if I had lost movement permanently, I’m going to have regrets – I didn’t dance more, I didn’t push harder for the career or the life that I actually wanted, and I’ve been spending way too much time fearing judgement about living on my own terms.” It was a significant wakeup call that made me even more intentional about the time I spend in my 20’s and onward.

During that challenging time, I leaned heavily on my hyper-independence, which has its benefits, but can also be detrimental when facing adversity. The accident underscored the vital importance of relying on your community and avoiding isolation when what you really need is support and someone to lean on. I’m immensely thankful for the doctors, nurses, and physical therapists whose kindness, patience, understanding, and clear communication were invaluable throughout my recovery. Their immediate actions upon my admission were crucial, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. I am also so blessed for my family and friends who were there every step of the way during my recovery process.

Through my recovery, I discovered my passion for barre. Embracing the sense of community and movement provided a significant source of support during a challenging time. I am proud to say that I am now a certified Pure Barre Instructor and run one of their studios in New Jersey. Pure Barre combines elements of ballet, Pilates, and yoga into a full-body workout that not only strengthens muscles but also enhances flexibility and improves posture. I believe in the profound impact of movement on both physical and mental well-being, and I look forward to sharing this journey with my community.

I am deeply grateful for all of my experiences and I want to spend as much time as I can in this life getting to know myself over and over again, adjusting accordingly. I am more committed than ever to actively build upon these experiences, embrace new challenges, and continue to grow personally and professionally, drawing valuable lessons from each chapter of my life.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @gemma_farquhar
• Other: Email: [email protected]

Image Credits

Katie Napolitano
Johnny Jones
Albert L. Ortega
John Helmke
Spencer Oliphant
Yleb Rotkiv