Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Gilbert.
Kristin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I moved to Atlanta pursuing modeling & worked in that industry for many years(still do). I have always been passionate about the fashion industry, which led me to produce a fashion event with a group of very talented fashion designers and makeup/hair artist friends (Eleven Is Prime & JP Myler Creative and many more). We put together an event at a local in town restaurant/bar/music venue. That in turn led to more fashion events at local clubs and small venues throughout the city working with designers local and national(Betsey Johnson, namely), local models and makeup artists/hairstylists. I continued working on those events and booking models for various small jobs. My husband is a musician and DJs (DJ LMorrell) most of my events, so we worked together well as a team also to come up with themes, make fliers and advertise.
In 2010, my career took a turn off the path, as I became interested in teaching fitness and yoga after discovering Core Fusion Barre classes(on Fit TV) with the originators of the program at Exhale Spa, Fred DeVito & Elisabeth Halfpapp. I ended up auditioning with Elisabeth for their Exhale Spa location opening that year in Atlanta and I have been teaching barre and yoga ever since! I still work in fashion, working occasional apparel marts and freelance modeling jobs. I also worked in the wholesale gift show industry for many years during all of this time.
In the last 5-10 years, my attention in fashion has turned to ethical and sustainable clothing and not only that but skincare and other household products as most grocery store brands are full of things that are contributing to disease and climate change. I strive to purchase only organic, ethical fashion, consignment as well as all organic and nontoxic skincare, etc. Currently, I am navigating this new world we are living in and plotting my next move, which will combine all of my work and passions of fashion, sustainability, events, music, wellness and home life.
I will also be announcing more career-wise soon! Stay tuned!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s never a smooth road all along. I’ve had a variety of struggles in the modeling industry as when I first started, I was too short for most high fashion so that was challenging at first. I had some very fun and fulfilling jobs as well as those that weren’t so glamorous. The fitness industry is always a rollercoaster since it’s about trends a lot and the season changes generally predict how busy it is. The pandemic has put forth a whole new struggle none of us saw coming and has changed the fitness and fashion industries dramatically. We are all continuing to adapt in this new and changing world.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Bring wellness to people is an important part of my journey, so anytime I am teaching a yoga class then hosting an event with local artists/designers is where I am happiest!
In the fashion industry, some of my fondest memories and proudest moments were working with my team to produce and modeling in fundraisers such as breast cancer research and locally the Rally Foundation. We worked as a team to put together these events and it’s important to give back.
I love to infuse all of the different portions of my journey and work with friends/talented humans I have met along the way. My goal is to continue this effort to work in and bring our community together in all of the arts that we have in this city, as we are one!
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love our community, the diversity, the southern hospitality, the amazing artists, some of our sports and the music(since I am a huge music and live show fanatic)!!! The scenery is helpful too as this city has done a great job of keeping the green areas and developing with that in mind. Like everyone, the traffic is the worst!
Contact Info:
- Email: bellacorefit@gmail.com
- Website: www.bellamoda.studio
- Instagram: @bellamodaent @bellamodayoga
- Facebook: @BellaModaAtl
- Twitter: @bellamodaent
Image Credits:
Jalyn Clemens (@jalynannephoto) Malaika Floyd (@flophotography) Kelly Truitt (@kellytmarie)
