Give us a little background. Where did you grow up, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time, etc... My full name is Giovanna Borges Barcellos, but everyone calls me Gia, I’m 22 and live in Salem, OR. I’m from Brazil, born and raised in São Paulo (with a population of 13.11 million people) so I’m a big city lover. In my spare time, I’m either working out/trying new vegetarian recipes (I love cooking) or going somewhere new.
As a Brazilian born, how does that culture make its way into your life? I’m very used to american culture now, but when I first moved it was hilarious my lack of personal space and everyone kept saying “Gia you’re standing too close to other people” in lines at the store and etc. I come from an Italian family so we’re very close. If you spend a night with us we’ll probably have a good meal followed by loud music and dancing in the living room and we’ll all go out together for drinks!
What about modeling embraces, evolves and/or enlightens your creative side? I’ve always been creative, I’ve done a little of everything, from writing my own little novels to oil painting, singing, playing the piano, theater, and dance. Eventually I got into modeling and it’s the same feeling of creating something from a vision, and the best part is that I get to meet awesome people to do that with. Modeling allows me to play different characters, pass different messages and at the same time, gives me a lot of confidence that I’ve never had before.
Who inspires you? I’m inspired by a lot of people, people that aren’t famous or anything , just everyday individuals that do what they’re passionate about. My parents inspire me above all, to be a hard worker, happy and thankful no matter the circumstances.
Give us a quote, lyric, word... literally anything that speaks to you! “You give life to what you give energy to”. If you always put good energy out, be kind and focus on improving yourself, that’s what you’re gonna get. Those are the people you’re going to attract.
Follow Gia at @giaborgesb