We were lucky to catch up with Gianna Cabrera recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Gianna thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with 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?

I’ve taken several risks in my life, and one of the latest was moving to South Florida without a clear plan, giving myself the space to fully develop as a creator. At the time, I was living rent-free in a rent-controlled, three-bedroom apartment in New York City, thanks to tenants who covered all the rent. It was an incredibly comfortable situation, one that most people would never leave. But I felt a deep, undeniable pull to step away from that security and embrace a new chapter of self-discovery as an artist.

With no job lined up and no place to stay, I gave away most of my belongings, left New York, and trusted the uncertainty ahead. For two months, I searched for a place, driving back and forth from my father’s in Orlando to Miami, only to find nothing. Eventually, I came across a home near the ocean that I had only seen in three photos. I moved in without ever having stepped foot inside, and when I finally did, it was far from what was promised—unclean and unprepared.
In that moment, I could have been discouraged, but instead, I chose to see the space as a blank canvas, an opportunity to create something of my own. With a few cans of paint gifted by a friend, I began transforming the space, not realizing that I was laying the foundation for what would become “Art House,” a space for artistic exploration and discovery.

Taking the risk to leave behind the stability of NYC for the unknown in South Florida allowed me to fully step into my identity as a creator. It was a leap into uncertainty, but it ultimately led to a deeper connection with myself and the freedom to develop my vision in ways I hadn’t imagined.

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.

I am a multidimensional artist with a deep passion for creative expression. Growing up in the Midwest, I was drawn to theater and played the viola, always being pushed to the forefront despite my shy nature. I had an instinctive sense that I was meant for something big, even though I didn’t yet know what it was.

In the late ’90s, my family moved to Florida, where I completed middle school, high school, and earned a BS in Marketing and Advertising. During college, I worked full-time while immersing myself in the fashion world through shows like Project Runway and the careers of stylists like June Ambrose and Rachel Zoe. I dreamed of being part of that world but wasn’t sure if I had the skills.

In 2009, at 22, I took a leap and moved to New York City at the height of the recession. With the help of my uncle, who graciously let me live rent-free in Far Rockaway, I was able to focus on my unpaid internship at a fashion showroom. My two-hour daily commute didn’t deter me—I was determined to build a career in fashion. I quickly transitioned from intern to earning $125 a day. During this time, I also took a course at the School of Style, which helped me refine my skills and make important industry connections.

I freelanced (often working for free) while interning with a PR agent. Eventually, I took my first temp position at Dolce & Gabbana, which quickly turned into a full-time role. During my time in the luxury corporate world, I also interned for a stylist working with A-list artists. While balancing these responsibilities, I knew I wanted more creatively. That opportunity came when I started assisting music video director Hype Williams, learning on the go and developing skills in visual storytelling through treatments and production work.

By 2015, I left the corporate world to fully pursue my creative career. I was fortunate to assist renowned makeup artists Katie Jane Hughes and Jessica Smalls, who taught me the techniques of shading, layering, and blending—skills I now apply to my paintings and designs.

Today, I combine everything I’ve learned in fashion, makeup, and art into my work as a multidisciplinary artist/designer. My approach integrates color, texture, and form to foster authentic self-expression for myself and those around me. I specialize in creating symbols and patterns through storytelling, using abstract art, clothing design, and decor as vehicles for personal and collective expression. I collaborate with artists and musicians, bringing concepts to life and helping others locate their own voice and expression. My goal is to guide them to embrace their unique creativity and turn it into something tangible. Whether through art or fashion, I strive to connect with others and create spaces where their stories and identities can flourish.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

At 16, I met a boy in Florida and spent an amazing summer together. I worked at his father’s TCBY store, but his father began being inappropriate. I froze and kept silent, fearing what the boy might do and how it would impact their relationship. For years, I internalized the trauma and lived in a state of autopilot.

Years later, the boy asked if his father had ever done anything, and for the first time, I confronted the truth. That moment became the beginning of my healing journey. It took years, but I learned to speak up and locate my voice. Now, my art is the way I tell my story and work through what was held within, turning my resilience into creative expression and connection with others. Through my work, I’ve found a way to heal, and in sharing it.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is fueled by the desire to speak and express myself through various mediums—writing, painting, and design. For a long time, my emotions, feelings, and experiences—both joyful and painful—were tightly bundled inside, leaving me voiceless. My art has become my voice and my tool for learning and sharing.

I believe great art is like a beautifully layered melody, resonating at different stages of life. As I grow closer to my true self, my work unfolds, serving as a vehicle for self-connection and discovery.

My mission is to connect with every facet of my being, weaving together the intricate patterns of my story. Through this connection, I hope to inspire others to recognize their own creative potential. I create for myself, but in doing so, I provide a canvas for others to ignite their inner creators.

Ultimately, my work embodies the journey to self, the journey to one, the journey to all.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.giannacabrera.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giannacabrera_/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianna-cabrera-189a0733/

Image Credits

Felipe – www.ShotsbyFelipe.com
Jade Lilly – https://calendly.com/shootmejade/photography-consultation?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYG49khZA41xqruk4jsyJ9g8TYOWx-WWfg9b3pMcH9jNapoVSPl5qSPNXI_aem_LgmB2IlXQmgaQ42vLMv66w&month=2024-10
Ama Akata