“From Scrubs to Feathers: Gia’s Journey of Culture, Confidence & Carnival Power”

When you meet Gia, you’re immediately struck by a presence that blends Caribbean royalty with everyday authenticity. Proudly Jamaican, Bajan, and Guyanese, she carries her heritage like armour—woven into her movement, her expression, and the way she represents carnival with purpose and pride. What began as an unexpected entry into modelling has evolved into a powerful form of cultural storytelling, fuelled by family support, ancestral inspiration, and a deep love for the liberation carnival brings.

Balancing life in the NHS with the fantasy, colour, and emotional power of carnival arts, Gia has crafted a lane that feels entirely her own. Whether she’s stepping into a frontline costume, embodying a character on set, or sharing her culture with colleagues who’ve never experienced carnival before, she moves with intention, grounding, and gratitude. This feature dives into the roots, challenges, triumphs, and vision of a woman reshaping what it means to be a carnival model in the UK creative landscape.

1. What heritage or cultural background do you represent, and how does it influence the way you show up in carnival and creative work?

I’m proudly Caribbean; Jamaican, Bajan and Guyanese and that heritage is woven into every part of who I am—my confidence, my boldness, and my creativity. When I show up in carnival or in my creative work, I’m representing a lineage of resilience, storytelling, and celebration. It influences how I move, how I express emotion, and the pride I take in bringing the culture to life visually.

2. What was your earliest memory of carnival or Caribbean culture growing up?

My earliest memory is being on my mums shoulders and seeing the the joy, the celebration, the colours, hearing the steel pans, smelling the jerk pans, and watching the adults around me transform when the music hit. As a child, I didn’t know the politics or history behind carnival I just knew it felt like freedom. That feeling never left me.

3. How does your family feel about your involvement in modelling and carnival arts?

They’re so proud. My mum comes to every launch to scream out my name like it’s my year 3 sports day! At first there was a bit of protective hesitation, but once they saw how passionate I was—and how much discipline and artistry goes into what I do—they became my biggest supporters.

4. Are there cultural traditions from home that you carry into your artistry today?

Yes – movement, storytelling, and respect for community. Carnival isn’t just a costume; it’s a narrative. I always bring that sense of purpose into my work.

5. How did you first step into modelling, and what inspired you to continue professionally?

I stepped into modelling almost accidentally— my friend Chloe (C-unique) encouraged me to model for one of her designs and I decided to give it a try. The confidence it gave me, the creativity it unlocked, and the opportunities to represent my culture kept me going.

6. Was there a defining moment or first shoot that made you think, “Yes, this is what I’m meant to do”?

My first carnival shoot. The energy on set, the empowerment I felt in costume, and the connection with the camera made everything click. I knew I had found something that I genuinely enjoyed and loved to do/be a part of.

7. Who or what were your earliest creative inspirations as a model?

Strong Caribbean women; my paternal grandmother was a pageant queen in the 60’s I still have newspaper clippings of her shows and remember how much that inspired me. Soca performers, carnival queens, and creatives who carried themselves with presence and pride. Their confidence taught me how to own my space and represent my culture with pride.

8. What skills have you had to develop specifically for carnival modeling versus traditional fashion modelling?

Carnival modelling requires stamina, movement and the ability to project energy, not just beauty. You’re not just wearing a costume, you’re embodying a character, a mood, a spirit. The ability to pose dynamically with large backpacks or intricate headpieces is definitely a skill on its own.

9. What does carnival mean to you personally beyond the feathers, gems, and the road?

For me Carnival is liberation—of identity, expression, and history. It’s a space where you can embody your strongest, freest self. Drown out all the noise from whatever may be happening around you and just be. Those two days are probably my happiest throughout the year.

10. How do you prepare mentally and physically for big carnival shoots or mas performances?

Physically, I go to the gym, train, stretch, and keep my energy levels high. Mentally, I get quiet. I focus on grounding myself because I want to show up fully present when I step in front of the camera or on the road. I also practice a lot of positive thinking and tell myself that I’ve got this whenever I step on stage (just to kick away any lingering anxiety or imposter syndrome).

11. What has been your most memorable or powerful carnival costume to date and why?

Most definitely Poison Dart Frog by WASSIVILLE, that was my first front line costume and It wasn’t just pretty; it carried a sense of strength and pride. Wearing it felt like channeling my inner Queen, I felt so confident, so beautiful and so powerful.

12. Are there any designers or mas bands who have significantly shaped your journey?

Yes—designers like Paul, Alfredo and Sophia and Faith who truly understand body diversity, movement, and cultural accuracy have influenced me the most. They create art that feels authentic rather than just aesthetic. From the moment I joined UCOM I felt so comfortable and a part of something so great, inclusive and welcoming. You can see this is mirrored across multiple mas bands, like Island mas, Carnival by Dujura, OPM and many more.

13. How would you describe your style as a model when it comes to portraying carnival characters or fantasy themes?

Expressive, bold, feminine and powerful. I like to transform, step into the fantasy fully and bring it to life with emotion and movement.

14. What do you look for in a costume or creative direction before saying yes to a project?

Authenticity, creativity, respect for culture, and a team that values professionalism. I want to feel proud of what I represent.

15. Do you think carnival modelling is getting the recognition it deserves in the wider UK creative scene?

It’s growing, but it’s still undervalued. There’s a lot of talent here, but carnival arts needmore mainstream visibility and respect for sure.

16. How would you describe the current UK soca and carnival scene — strengths, challenges, and potential?

The UK scene is passionate and evolving. The strength lies in the community and creativity. The challenge is the lack of infrastructure and investment compared to other creative industries. But the potential? Huge.

17. What do you think the UK still needs in order to elevate carnival culture to its full potential?

More funding, more platforms, and more opportunities for Caribbean creatives to lead the narrative, not just participate in it.

18. Who in the UK soca/carnival space do you admire or see as pushing the culture forward and why?

I admire anyone who consistently shows up—DJs, designers, mas bands, models, and dancers—who invest their time and energy into building the culture with authenticity.

19. How do you balance authenticity and creativity when representing Caribbean culture in a UK setting?

By staying grounded in the roots while still embracing innovation. Carnival can evolve, but its foundation shouldn’t be watered down.

20. How do you feel the UK carnival energy compares to carnivals abroad?

Abroad, the energy is more immersive and deeply rooted. The UK has passion, but we’re still building the infrastructure and cultural depth that Caribbean carnivals naturally have.

21. With modelling, work, and everyday life, how do you manage balance and avoid burnout?

I prioritise rest and boundaries. When I’m off, I’m off. I’ve learned to protect my energy and not pour from an empty cup. My career can be quite stressful and challenging at times, working for the NHS it’s a huge contrast between my creative work but I always look forward to launch season, my colleagues can’t believe how I transform and I enjoy sharing the culture with them, especially those who have never been or heard of carnival and what it represents. It’s a blessing to be in scrubs and then be able to stand tall in my platform heels and big backpack striking a powerful pose.

22. What does your self-care routine look like before and after major shoots or carnival events?

Before: stretching, good nutrition, hydration, and grounding music. (A sip of rum)

After: skincare, deep rest, and moments of silence to decompress.

23. What are some personal challenges you’ve had to overcome in your creative or modelling life?

Learning to trust my vision, quiet the self-doubt (as that can be a real challenge) and understand that not every opportunity is meant for me. Growth requires discipline and self-belief. I’ve had to overcome issues with anxiety and depression which started in my early teens but I found the more that I show up and show out, the more I believed that this is where I’m meant to be and this is what I’m meant to be doing.

24. How do you stay grounded emotionally in such a visually demanding and high-pressure industry?

By remembering who I am outside the camera. My identity isn’t based on likes, costumes, or validation—it’s based on character.

25. What keeps you motivated during times when your energy or mental health feels low?

Purpose. Knowing that my work inspires women, represents my culture, and allows me to express myself creatively keeps me going. Even the people that are around when we are working, everyone is just amazing with checking in and making sure you’re okay, that you feel good and confident, there’s a real sense of belonging and care throughout.

26. What are your goals as a model over the next 1–3 years?

To build my profile internationally, collaborate with more carnival bands, and potentially expand into creative direction and brand partnerships.

27. Are there any dream collaborations, designers, or bands you hope to work with?

Yes—some of the International Caribbean mas bands and UK designers that really push boundaries with costume innovation and movement-focused design.

28. How do you see your role evolving in the carnival community as your profile grows?

I want to be more than a model. I want to uplift other creatives, mentor upcoming models, and help shape the future of the culture.

29. Are you exploring other creative lanes outside modelling — such as styling, creative direction, wellness, or entrepreneurship?

Definitely. I’m exploring creative direction and wellness content, especially for women working in high-pressure industries.

30. If you could send a message to young women who want to join the carnival modelling

world, what would you tell them?

Own your power, protect your boundaries, and lead with authenticity. Carnival is about freedom—so don’t shrink yourself. Step boldly into your space and be proud!

Contact/Socials – @giamilvno

Gia’s journey is more than feathers and camera flashes—it’s a testament to resilience, identity, and the transformative power of culture. Her story reflects the heart of Caribbean creativity while highlighting the possibilities that open when you lead with authenticity and purpose. As she continues to rise, building her profile internationally and exploring new creative lanes, one thing remains certain: Gia is not just modelling carnival—she is living it, preserving it, and pushing it forward.

Her message to young women is the same message she lives by: stand tall, own your space, and honour your roots. The UK carnival scene is evolving, and voices like hers are shaping its future. And from the frontline to the festival road, Gia is proving that Caribbean women are rewriting the narrative—boldly, beautifully, and unapologetically.