You might have heard of GEMZ in your wanderings online; if you haven’t, you will soon. At only 20 years old, Melissa, known professionally under the alias GEMZ, is a model and influencer based out of Miami, FL. She is also a passionate musician, who uses every moment at her disposal to create music and art, mainly focusing on the R&B/pop side. Taking a page out of the books of artists like SZA, Paloma Miami, Rosalia, and Kali Uchis, she hopes to delve into Spanish music and reggaeton in the near future. But until then, she was kind enough to sit down for a chat.
As an artist who loves nothing more than connecting with her fans, GEMZ understands the importance of social media in her life.
“Social Media platforms like Instagram are also one of the ways I’ve booked gigs and found castings for some major jobs like Miami Swim Week.”
She also credits social media for getting her first modeling work.
“My first paid gig was actually sent over to me via Instagram from a non-exclusive agency. They hit me up for a music video gig and were requesting my pictures/comp card as well as measurements, and then told me what the job was. I was like sure why not?”
GEMZ also dove a little into her beginning as an artist. Previously employed at a medical center, Melissa herself admits to missing opportunities for fear of risking her day job. In her work, however, she’s found a wonderful sense of completion and gratitude and says everything’s meant to come in due time.
In a way, Melissa has always been interested in the world of music and fashion. As a young girl, she was a keen dancer, something she still hopes to incorporate into her art at some point. She was also a deep lover of fashion, taking any opportunity she could (like her sister’s soccer games) to parade her unique sense of style. Years later, it looks like it paid off.
Much as she loves her work, GEMZ is the first to admit “it’s not for the weak”. She says a big part of adapting to this kind of life was learning to prioritize and do a sort of balancing act between jobs, as she tried to find fame.
“I think just learning to manage your time wisely will make a big difference as well as remembering to care for your loved ones since they are the main people supporting you.”
Finding people who love, support, and motivate you to move forward is also a big deal. GEMZ credits her boyfriend as her main source of inspiration. As a 2X platinum recording artist, he motivates and pushes her to do her best. GEMZ also thanks and credits her mom with undying support, without which the job would be infinitely harder.
In the future, GEMZ has some pretty impressive goals for herself, including running some major NYC fashion shows and collaborating with her favorite brands, like Chanel. She also hopes to be able to give back to the community. On a final note, asked what she’d tell her young fans, GEMZ offers some memorable, heartfelt advice.
“Learn, learn, learn. Doing your research will never cause you any harm and will benefit you in more ways than you can imagine. It’s also important to be open to critique and hearing advice from your peers. You will never get anywhere without putting in the work and don’t let partying get the best of you.”
