MODEL SPOTLIGHT: BRIEANA OFOSU
Brieana Ofosu is a plus size model and the creator and writer of fashion blog, Faith and Fashion 360. Brieana began modeling at the age of 14, with some local fashion shows and professional training through John Casablanca’s Modeling Company. After moving from Paterson, New Jersey (where she grew up for most of her life) to Pennsylvania, Brieana has begun focusing on her modeling career again, this time posing in front of the camera rather than walking. With some passion and an IPhone, Brieana began Faith and Fashion 360, where she highlights fashion trends (for straight and plus size consumers) as well as the occasional motivational piece.
Brieana is also a radio show host on Internet Urban radio station, FunkNation Radio, where she hosts a show by the same name every Sunday from 7pm-9pm. Millennials of faith can feel comfortable discussing the hottest topics with the Word coupled in. Brieana is the reigning Queen for the Miss Fashion Week Competition, triumphing in the Plus division for Los Angeles, California in 2018.
When she is not modeling or writing, Brieana is a Master’s Level Social Worker who specializes in mental health. She prides herself on advocating for this population and allowing them to have a voice.
QSM: Brieana, can you share some of your personal background? Where are your from, what do you do for a living, etc.
Brieana: My name is Brieana. I’m originally from Paterson, New Jersey, but have lived in the Poconos, PA since I was 16. So, I guess you could say I’m one of those people who has lived here so long that I SHOULD say I’m from PA… but I won’t. I’m a Master’s Level Behavior Specialist by day, and an entrepreneur, radio show host, and model by night. I’m also a new mother and wife. So I’m definitely wearing all of the hats.
QSM: Happy holidays to you. It is no secret that word is a bit topsy turvy right now. How are you spending the holiday season this year?
Brieana: It’s definitely been a weird couple of years hasn’t it! The holidays crept up on me this year. I almost had whiplash when I saw that it was the 20th. This year, I’m spending Christmas Eve with close friends and family, and Christmas Day with my little family. It’s my daughter’s first Christmas so we went overboard and will most likely spend the day building the newest addition to her toy collection.
QSM: Congratulations on the new additions to your family. Let’s talk radio for a moment. How long have you had your own show now? What topics do you cover?
Brieana: I’ve been doing Faith and Fashion 360 for about 4 years now. I started out on a different radio network, and still finding my way as this has been my first-time doing radio. But basically, Faith and fashion 360 is your plus size BFF touching on all of the tea and current events while throwing some motivational affirmations and scripture in between. The motivation behind this format was this box Christians are placed in on a daily basis. I attribute EVERYTHING I do to God. And I also like to listen to J-Cole. And I’ve always wondered why the two can’t co-exist? So…I put them together into what’s become a perfect harmony of today’s Christian millennial.
QSM: That is awesome! Which show would you say was one of your most impactful shows to date? I am sure you had a few.
Brieana: This past March I dedicated an entire month to women of faith in business for Women’s History Month. I featured some of my sisters in Christ in businesses who I knew would bring some amazing testimony to my audience. I truly loved this month because not only was I able to share my testimony, but I was also able to glean from someone else’s. These were women who were just starting businesses (in the middle of a pandemic no less) and had invaluable lessons and gems to share about stepping out on faith, doors being slammed in their faces, and the doubts that came along with it all. I saw myself in them and knew there were listeners who identified with those stories as well.
QSM: Which came first? The blog or the radio show for you?
Brieana: The blog actually came first. Writing has always been a love and passion of me and definitely felt easier to slide back into. The difference between the blog and radio show are definitely the fashion pieces. On the blog, the focus is more on the outfits and fashion. My husband is my unofficial/official photographer in that lane.
The radio show focuses on tying our favorite celeb lifestyle stories into a motivational piece. Let’s take for example, Alicia Keys’ decision to stop wearing make-up. Insert a “Faithful Moment” about how we don’t need to subscribe to this notion of having a filter on or the discomfort we feel when going bare-faced; you’re perfect just as He made you.
QSM: Can you share how and why Faith and Fashion 360 was created?
Brieana: You know it’s so funny because when I first re-entered the modeling world in 2015, I was all the way in. Ten toes down, and backstage from sun-up to midnight. The goal was to be published, be at NYFW, and quit my day job. After I had my baby, the desire stayed the same, but the motivations changed. Now? It’s something that reminds me that I can continue to do any and everything, especially after going through childbirth. I HAVE to make time now, because that love hasn’t left me; only my schedule has. And the truth is we make time for what we want to make time for. Both of those motivations have brought me into some amazing rooms and afforded amazing opportunities. Though I have to say I enjoy being in front of the camera a little more than on the runway.
QSM: You have been in this industry for a little while now; what changes have you seen that you can both appreciate and do without?
Brieana: I love that everything doesn’t have to be clean photos and managed clients. The age of social media has really allowed for some amazing talent to shine…simply because they had a drive for something, and they were consistent. It’s a testament to the doing much with little. Some of my biggest partnerships and best opportunities have come from an iPhone photo I took on Sunday morning in my backyard. It’s all attainable.
QSM: Anything new coming down the pipeline for you that you’d like to share?
Brieana: Bella & Co Beauty Inc. is my beauty brand that I’ve been growing for a few years. Some really exciting things have happened throughout 2021, and the brand just continues to grow. I have few more brick-and-mortar locations in the works, as well as some e-books I’ve been working on to help others skip past some of the growing pains of starting a new business.
QSM: Please tell people where they can follow and support you.
Brieana: I’m on Instagram at @brieana.saheida and @bellaandcobeauty. You can also follow my business pages on Facebook; Faith and Fashion 360-The Radio Show and Bella & Co Beauty.
Photo credits:
Photographer | Cyrie Jackson-Robinson of The Cyrie Agency and Lehigh Valley Fashion Week @thecyrieagency
Hair and Make-Up | Tilesha Russell @sassyandclassylife
Model | Brieana Ofosu @brieana.saheida
