Conversations with Tiara Gasper

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiara Gasper.

Hi Tiara, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hello my name is Tiara , a 27 year old Wisconsin native. — and I started modeling essentially 13 years ago. But my mother would tell you I was a born model. Like literally she wanted to name me Sophia Loren after the actress/beauty model. But with a last minute change went with Tiara Marie instead to which nonetheless I still ended up down the pathway of modeling! Kings crazy how fate works huh? Which I will declare was kinda rough at first — living in a small town in the Midwest. Which by no means is a fashion let alone modeling capital , so not only was I living someplace I thought it was impossible to even model in — I am on the petite side which almost literally stacked odds against me. But I never took no for an answer. So despite those odd , I with my absolute determination started from scratch locally which helped me network with others , and while on set I would talk amongst others who were actually involved. But more importantly I was asking questions! So little by little I was gathering all of this valuable information and before you knew it I had answers that made sense. — I finally had a sense of direction. Which still felt scary but I started to apply the knowledge. But more importantly I was consistent! And while it wasn’t overnight , rather overtime I had finally “made it”. To which professionally now I have been modeling for the last 5 years and plan to for as long as I can whether it’s a small local gig or on a professional set. As modeling is a true way of self expression for me. And with so it’s given me confidence I never knew I had , created opportunities for me that I could have only dreamt of and bonded me with people that’ll last a lifetime!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been a bumpy ride to say the least. Firstly being a petite model in a world where I only assumed people 6 feet and up were acceptable. And then navigating through the knowledge and or sometimes lack there of was overwhelming at times. As growing up in a place that isn’t necessarily recognized for being a fashion / modeling capital there wasn’t many people who knew the “right” type of information. Which in the industry I have learned it’s really important to learn and know the industry so that way you understand how to navigate through it. As figuring out the market(s) you are considerable for. The difference in agencies. The ins and outs of how shoots are suppose to routinely go. Can be very overwhelming! On top of the backend — Proper posing , or understanding how lighting works / knowing your angles. Which most of which I was able to understand through hands on being a photographers assistant for about 6 years. But the actual process to how agencies operate and whatnot was very complex. But really just taking it shoot by shoot , and talking to others who knew a little bit and then applying the knowledge I learned overall I was able to make progress. Patience is key though! But in real time I was able to see that progress pay off! As overtime despite the assumptions I had I learned most importantly there IS truly a market / lane for everyone!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I believe I am set apart from others because firstly I have experience on both ends of the lens. Which helps me I feel on the modeling end a lot! As I’m able to help come up with creative concepts on set for shoots often as I don’t just show up to model but to overall help creative!
But overall I would say what sets me apart from others would be my understanding on what it means to even be a model! I try to be authentic to who I am , on and off set as I believe modeling is truly a lifestyle. So there shouldn’t be too much of a line drawn between the two. Cause while the gig may end when the camera shuts off the job as a model or what I like to consider myself a “role” model is never done! — As I think of models as the first unofficial influencers to the world. And even though over the course of time there has been a lot of cruel stereotypes attached to models. The concept has always remained the same — we model to showcase something / influence people to want to buy something. To which if we can model clothing / make up / hair etc day in and day out. I believe it’s also our responsibilities to model / influence diversity , realism but more importantly positivity. So I really emphasize the duty on being a model by practicing beauty inside first and then outside which is what I believe sets me apart.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
There’s no limitations to the industry no longer! While yes we still have the stereotypical 6ft+ supermodels who beautifully dominate the industry there is many different realms of the industry that we ALL can fit in! Which creates the industry to be all the more beautiful. As acceptance and recognition to all is hot af!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: tiaragasper
• Facebook: Tiara Gasper