JULI GARRI

Emerging Model & Actress

Photo by Simon Suen

When did you first get into modeling?

Well, honestly, I never planned to be a model. I never felt pretty enough to be a model. I have been an actress since High School, so I applied for a movie and actually sent a selfie. They told me that if I didn’t have time to take a professional headshot, then I was not serious about my career as an actress. I had no choice but to contact a photographer. He took my headshots as well as some other pictures, and he posted them on his photography page. I then started getting massages from different photographers that were interested in working with me. I was very surprised and grateful, and I started working as a model.

Who or What inspired you to be a model?

It was like a challenge to prove I can do this and also accept I was beautiful enough to do this. When I was in elementary school, I was frequently bullied and called ugly for having big lips. The models that have inspired me the most are Julia Wagner and Terra Smith. the most experience with working as a Fashion, Commercial, Runway, Glamour, Fitness, Catalog, Promotional, and Swimsuit modeling.

If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other drives you to stay in this tough business? Is it joy, anger, desire, passion, or pride and why?

Passion. I am a passionate woman. In everything that I do, I do it with passion. If not, I don’t do it. Passion is what moves me to do anything. You can learn technique, poses, etc., but you can’t buy passion and you can’t add it to an image.

What do you think makes you stand out in an industry overflowing with new faces?

Well, for one thing, I do have a rather unique ethnic background. Of my great grandparents, one is from France and the other is from Spain. Also, my grandfather was a native Indian from my country, Venezuela. I think it’s an interesting mix. However, I don’t think it is all about the looks. I think true beauty is from inside out. It’s about the attitude and personality as well.

Photo by Mike Hornback, MGH Photography

What has been your biggest challenge as a model? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

My biggest challenge has actually been myself and just believing I could do it. I remembered that one day I was in a photoshoot event for the first time, and one photographer from the event didn’t want to shoot me. I don’t know why I felt so sad. My makeup was done, but I went back to my car. Sitting alone in my car, I cried a bit and nearly left, but I took a deep breath. I looked at myself in the mirror and said, “There are more photographers out there. Don’t feel bad. You can do this.” I went back and shot other photographers, and I was really impressed with the images I got. I learned a good lesson that day. I still struggle with similar thoughts, but with every photoshoot, I continue to learn to conquer my insecurities and prove to myself that I can do this.

A common phrase in the industry is, “you must suffer for your art”. Do you agree with this statement? If so, how have you suffered for your art?

I wouldn’t say that I have suffered in this industry. I will say one thing, though—it’s really hard to be in a relationship when you are a model. Some guys think you don’t have feelings or that you may be a player.

Photo by @TerryMaulinPhotography

Photo by - Bottom Right: Captured Beauty Composites

Photo by Terry Turner Photography

Photo by Kris Kehe, Captured Beauty Composites

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the modeling industry?

Well, right now being beautiful, fit, and healthy is no longer enough to be a model. Now you must also be a social media influencer. Models need to have tons of followers—at least about 2,000—and proportionately large engagement rates in order to be considered by an agency or client.

If you could collaborate with any photographer and/or designer, who would you like to work with? And Why?

I really admire Peter Lindbergh, John Rankin Waddell, and Annie Leibovitz. I think their work is amazing, and I would love to work with them if I could. They are very passionate in their work, and I think it really shows in their photos. As for designers, I particularly love Versace.

Photo by Ramon Mendez, @getpuff

What hidden talents do you have?

Acting. I love acting, and it’s one of my biggest passions. I love singing as well. I recently played the main role in a musical, and I really enjoyed it. I also love cooking any type of food from Asian to Mexican. Good food feeds the soul!

What is the best advise you have received?

One of my closest friends once told me, “you don’t help others when you can; it’s when they need it.” The truth is we’re always busy, and it seems like there is never a right time to help--either we lack the time or the money

Photo by @TerryMaulinPhotography

Photo by Matthew Kelly Phuture Photography

to do so. But if a friend needs you, that means that it is the right time. Always make time when a friend asks you for help. There is never a better moment to show that you care.

Photo by Ramon Mendez, @getpuff

You are currently in 1st place in your division (out of 40 women) for Maxim’s 2020 Cover Girl. How has this experience changed your outlook on your career in modeling?

To start, I’m very thankful to be able to make it this far. I’m very grateful to all those who supported me.Especially to all my photographers. I think it definitely made me more confident as a model and strengthened my drive to chase my dreams.

What’s next for you?

I would love to continue to grow more as a promotional and runway model as well continuing to work in music videos. I’m ready for anything that comes! The sky’s the limit.

Photo by Matthew Kelly Phuture Photography

How can fans-to-be follow your career?

You can follow me on my Instagram: @Freewithjuli

Photo by Ramon Mendez, @getpuff