Today we’d like to introduce you to Gigi Armani.
Hi Gigi, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Originally, I was born in Baltimore, MD. My city has a very strong culture from our style of dress, our dance moves down to the way we talk. We have always been innovating and trendsetting! Throughout my youth, I was always involved in some form of the arts whether it was dance, fashion or music. During my sophomore year of high school is when I started creating music with my cousin in the basement of my Great aunt’s house. I was only used to writing poetry until he taught me the fundamentals of hip-hop. My mother used to model for the world-renowned Travis Winkey agency which was the catalyst for my interest in modeling. There I was given the tools to create confidence, grace and poise, attributes that I still carry with me to this day.
Having a unique sense of style led me to work a lot within the business of retail. Within that field, I’ve been lucky enough to have gained a lot of experience with buying, personal styling and visual merchandising. I moved to Atlanta around 2009 where I owned and operated a small boutique which carried some of the most exclusive and hottest items on the urban market. Being new to such a different city could have been scary for most but for me, I dove headfirst into Atlanta’s social scene. There was so much room for personal and financial growth that I decided to stay here permanently.
Over time I’ve met and networked with numerous entertainment personalities and professionals. I used the avenue of event hosting to further those connections. For a brief period, I did promotions for Cîroc Vodka which taught me a lot about branding and marketing. Some of my closest friends are in the entertainment industry so together we were able to make a reputable movement for ourselves. Everyone has different areas of expertise, so I’ve learned a lot just by building with them. I’m poised to release my new single “I’m Flyer” to all music outlets in the 1st quarter of 2023, in between being a new mother to a beautiful 11 month old daughter… You can currently watch me and my team on our docuseries “Booked in the City” on Roku tv. Also, I just recently turned my love for networking into an entertainment blog named “Queens of the Nytelyfe, which showcases the activities and achievements of my followers and various talents in all areas of Atlanta.
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?
Learning how to maneuver within this industry as a female can be difficult at times. You have to be very clear about what you want to achieve and how you expect to achieve it. Some people won’t always have the same vision as you or share your best interest. Going forward I analyze the mutual benefits of both parties before agreeing to anything. Time is energy and energy is currency and if you don’t use yours wisely then someone else will! I’ve learned to expect nothing for free, read between the fine lines and always keep it G!”. My mistakes have taught me how to stay more focused on my personal goals and how to separate business from personal. It hasn’t been a smooth road, but I have learned a lot of valuable lessons while on my path to success.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Outside of the collective, I am a published wardrobe stylist and music artist. When I was younger I would often get teased for my eccentric sense of style now it has become one of my talents. It feels good to not always have to be a slave to the more current and popular trends. I like to experiment and am a very huge fan of retro-inspired looks. I enjoy dressing celebrities as well as the everyday working woman. I specialize playing around with practical looks to portraying the full fantasy. It makes me happy to see others feel confident about their appearance or to try a new look that they normally wouldn’t have tried before. I also design accessories and apparel for “Gold Halo” clothing. I have organized full fashion productions as well as creative directing for individual projects. From editorial features, music videos to photoshoots no job is too big or too small, If the budget is in place, I can do it all.
As far as my music, I consider myself to be a very exceptional lyricist. I’ve always had a great relationship with words and enjoy playing around with them. As an indie artist, it is important to stay true to myself while still making my songs relatable. I can appeal to the mainstream audience or tap into deeper topics, but I tend to like to just have fun with my music. I usually only speak on things that I have experienced or will experience in the future but that has never stopped me from using my imagination. I am very free-spirited and don’t like to be put in a box because what you see of me today may not be what you see tomorrow. I’m somewhat of a chameleon/unicorn. I can adapt to any type of track so you will never really know what to expect from me. Most importantly just expect to catch a Bigg Vibe lol! Right now, I am currently cultivating my sound while working on my solo projects.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I used to love standing next to my mom as she got dressed up. She had a special way of brushing out her curls that I can still remember to this day. With her big eyes and a big smile, she always reminded me of Diana Ross. She was very glamorous but still had a natural glow to her. I also enjoyed reading books and watching movies with my great-grandfather.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @gigidabeast @mirrormibygigidabeast @queensofthenytelyfe
- Youtube: GigiDaBeast @gigidabeast9420
- Other: linktr.ee/GigiDaBeast
Image Credits
@twrphotography @soofficialshowout_ @ddivinephotos @nicolasphco @solarsoundstudio
