Meet Gwendolyn Perez | 23 years old, Dallas, Tx, represented by ICON Studios

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gwendolyn Perez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gwendolyn, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk can be challenging and scary, only because you don’t know the outcome, but it can also be rewarding because you expose yourself to new things. It’s important to take risks while you’re young because every risk you take comes with more experience. Embracing failure, however big or small, can help tell our next move, so the next time we take a risk, we’re one step closer to success. The role played in my life for risk-taking has been more so good than bad. This is completely normal and ok. As a model, I knew I would experience these moments, so it was a mindset I had to prepare myself before coming into the industry. Also, knowing there would be a possibility that my name and who I am would be more exposed. This is a prime example of a risk I was willing to take.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Modeling sounded crazy at first to many of my friends and family members. Up until I brought up the idea of modeling to a friend of mine, he completely supported me and encouraged me to chase my dreams. From there I started Bella Modeling school a few weeks later and here I am working with some of the best photographers in Dallas. It was not an easy route as it took time to find availbilty for shoots on top of me going to school and working at the time. Overcoming these challenges was rough at first but it soon became a routine that kept me busy most days and not at home thinking about what I could be doing right at this moment. I have since traveled to New York and LA to do runway shows and am currently signed with ICON STUDIOS. I am a petite woman so it can be difficult in some aspects trying to land bookings because most of the time, they want taller women. Although, this industry is starting to become more inclusive, it can still be challenging, but i believe there is something for everone and the right things meant for you will come to you at the right time. I am learning and growing as I go.
As far as my size, I am also tiny. I get told by many if im on a diet or just trying to stay skinny but truth is, I eat anything and everything lol. You can count on me to go out and eat with you! I have always been this way and my metabolism is just very high. Size should not matter nor should it be something to criticize and make fun of. Everyone is beautful in their own skin and capable of being whoever they desire to be. That is the beauty of you being your own masterpiece.
If there are peices of advice I could give is that you are capable and strong enough to go after your dreams. Do not let anyone or anything keep you from going after what you want. There will be rough patches down the road but just take as a learning lesson and not failure. Lastly, always have a positive mindset and a great attitude because that will lead you to success.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love food, so I would definitely take my best friend out to some hibachi, taco stands, steakhouses, seafood, rooftop restaurants, cafes, boba, ice cream/frozen yogurt. Places we would visit in Dallas would be the amazing skylines in the city, museums, go dancing, visit local shops, farmers market in Dallas, Las Colonias in Irving, and hiking trails.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to thank my family, friends, and Bella Modeling School.

Instagram: gwengwen_5

Image Credits
INSTAGRAMS @marcbogdan @studio360_mj @drpinkphotography @benji_portraits