Bri - Before anyone realizes you don’t know what you’re doing, you will know what you’re doing

My advice is simple, don’t do what I did. Follow your dreams, no matter how ridiculous and unattainable they may seem; just do it! Not to quote Nike, but it's true. I became a model because it was a secular dream of mine after becoming a firefighter. I want all young girls to chase what makes them feel special, confident and at peace.

If you decide to take up modeling the one thing I can say with certainty is: DO NOT PAY FOR PHOTOSHOOTS OR AN AGENCY!

The agencies all look at young models as cash cows. I have had multiple interviews with multiple agencies and I have never been turned away until the conversation turns to fees. I have not, and will not, ever join an agency, I market myself better then any agency could, and I managed to keep my freedom. (Hence the name free-lance model)

Let me make this loud and clear if someone wants YOU as a model to pay for anything (and I mean anything), DO NOT work with them. If you are a hired model, you are working as a paid commodity which means you should be leaving the set with cash or cheque in hand.

Bri - Instagram

Can you tell us about your roots, about growing up?

I was born and raised a French-Calgarian girl in the SW area of the city. I ended up going to an elementary, middle and high school that were all in my district, meaning I could always walk to and from school. In that respect, I was lucky not to be required to take public transportation or a school chartered bus. That privilege always left me with extra time before and after school to participate in some teenage shenanigans around the neighborhood.

What was your childhood / teenage dream? What did you want to become?

As a child, I dreamt of becoming a firefighter. I have always respected, admired and adored the occupation. Ever since I was a small child, I was always a tomboy and dreamt of racing up the ladder and saving someone from the flames of fury. As I got older my parents and schoolyard bullies did a fantastic job of crushing my dreams, forcing me to take a more objective and practical stance when it came to choosing a career. Now with that said, I am currently in an executive role at an Oil and Gas technology company downtown Calgary, so I can't complain. Although, I do wonder sometimes what my life could have been if I were to follow my dreams and enrolled in the Fire Cadets Program.

Any idols during the teenage period?

Marylin Monroe

Ray Liotta – in his early days

Elvis Presley

As you can see most of my influence comes from the 40s, 50s, and 60s

When did you start with modeling? Can you recall your first photo session?

I started modeling in 2010, only as an attempt at expanding my horizons and at trying something unique. I actually attached one of the photos from my very first shoot. It was done by Jen Ball with Cotton and Lace Photography but formally known as Jen Olinger with Urban Couture Photography. (Haven’t we all changed since 2010!). Before I turned pro, I was unfamiliar with my angles, proper wardrobe attire, makeup execution, and flattering poses. Jen was kind enough not to charge me for my first shoot but rather help me define and refine my look and offer suggestions. Thanks, Jen!

Likes / Dislikes when it comes to modeling?

Dislikes:

Photographers who touch you (for any reason even to adjust your hair or wardrobe)

Photographers who hit on you; directly or indirectly

Lack of pre-planning in regards to wardrobe, setting, concept and magazine submission endgame

Likes:

Company sponsored shoots for wardrobe and hair

Traveling and shooting

Shooting in crowded public areas (I love the attention)

What would be your advice to young girls who would like to start a modeling career?

If you decide to take up modeling the one thing I can say with certainty is: DO NOT PAY FOR PHOTOSHOOTS OR AN AGENCY!

Can you give advice, to people in general, how not to be ashamed of their body? We have published curvy and plus size bikini & nude models, they have had a big problem with their confidence before they started to do modeling.

Sure, let me start off by mentioning all my imperfections as I see them (here is a short list among many others)

Pregnancy and growth stretchmarks

Scars on my face from teenage pimples

Scars from surgeries

Flabby tummy skin from pregnancy

One inverted nipple

Gnarly looking toes

Dagger canine teeth

Thin unruly wavy hair

Moles on unflattering areas of my skin

Inner thigh scarring from a sexual assault

Whatever you think is wrong with you, is the exact way God intended you to be. Beauty is a characteristic of one's personality, not their appearance. If you believe you are beautiful and you project that onto the world, they too will believe you. Display confidence every day, no matter how you feel inside.

What kind of art, in general, do you like?

I like art that screams to me. Unique, wild, uncensored, raw, mysterious and conceptual art. I like things that no one has seen before. I enjoy the dark and perhaps morbid side of art. I have always very much liked to shock the public with art, rather than have them want to buy the piece and mount it in their living room.

Any hobbies?

My hobbies include spending time with my gorgeous 5-year-old daughter, sun tanning and being active or physical outside. I don’t get a lot of extra free time from work or the responsibilities of being a single mother, but I do my best to stay as busy as possible. Because idol hands make for…… well trouble.