Meet Brandi Gant | Creative Director, Social Media Manager, Model

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

Hi Brandi, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
My favorite term I live by is “Created to Create”, I have always felt in my heart I was supposed to be in the creative field. As a child, I was involved in dance/theater, sketched my own fashion designs, and went to art galleries in Miami’s Wynwood area. I even attended an art school for a period of time to pursue photography. It’s a passion of mine that has only grown stronger as I got older.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve always been passionate about fashion, photography, and creative media. I longed to see more women represented in the industry who looked like me: dark skin, a non-traditional nose, and shorter stature. I wanted to be seen and represented, even though I only know of a few models that made me feel seen. So I began freelance modeling, creating the shoots and working with brands that I wanted to see, and getting to explore as many looks and moods as my creative heart desired.

Despite amassing a portfolio that I am proud of, I felt like the attention I received from mainstream brands and agencies always came up a little short. Coming into my identity as a Black, Queer model and creative has reminded me how important it is to give younger girls someone to look up to and see themselves in, and how easy it is to be quietly pushed to the side.

As a model and creative, I want to provide the representation and visibility I never got to experience as a girl, with the understanding that also celebrates my identity as a Queer woman. I want girls who look like me to know that it’s possible to make it in this industry and know without question that they are capable. I believe I was put on this earth to create. More specifically: to create with others who choose to express themselves fully and unapologetically.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
For a fun weekend in the city with friends, I would start with a girl’s night dinner at Drakes or RH, then head to a rooftop either at Happiest Hour or Stirr for late-night drinks and fun. The following day I would take them to the Bishop Arts area for photos and lunch at Casablanca Lounge, have dinner at Kiss Lounge, and have a night fun night in uptown! Lastly, to finish the weekend off I would have brunch at Kitchen and Kocktails downtown before taking them back to the airport.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Having supportive parents has helped shaped me into the person that I am. Their support every step of the way has truly given me the extra boost I need to keep striving for everything I put my mind to no matter how big or small.

Website: https://www.thebmadisonbrand.com/

Instagram: @B.Madison

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandi-gant-4b7119114/

Image Credits
@SwellsharkBand @CruHookahLounge-Houston @Theartofprime