Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabrielle “Gabbie” Owens.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Gabrielle. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was born in Elmhurst, IL a suburb outside of Chicago. I moved to Allen, TX when I was 3 years old. My dad always wanted to get me into modeling. My parents had failed attempts in Chicago but when they sent my pictures over to a local agency in Dallas they wanted to sign me right away. I began working instantly. Booking modeling jobs for department stores such as JC Penney, Belk, Neiman Marcus, and Dillard’s. At just 5 years old, I booked my first national commercial for Chuck E Cheese. After that, I began to get more commercial bookings. I did commercials for Toyota Camry, Cooks Children’s Hospital, and Direct Auto Insurance. I then began to gain a big interest in acting. I started taking acting classes at a local studio 4 times a month. During this time, acting became one of my biggest passions. I started studying monologues and going on auditions for films. I ended up booking the lead role in a film called “Colour Me Pretty” directed by Jacolby Percy. This film told a story about a young African American girl who was being teased by her classmates about her appearance. This role pushed me and helped me gain the skills I needed to go further in my career. I was awarded Best Youth Actor at the Austin Revolution Film Festival for this role. I also gained a strong interest in dance. I use to perform in my living room for my family all the time so my parents decided to put me in dance classes. I began training 8-12 hours a week in ballet, hip hop, jazz, and tap.
Dance became my everything. I fell in love with it. It was during one of my hip hop classes that my teacher realized I was sassy and had strong performance skills. I joined the Hip Hop Crew and began to do competitions and conventions. Then, I decided I wanted to be a triple threat, I wanted to do it all and be an overall entertainer! Since then I have been traveling back and forth to LA. I have been seen on commercials for Tarrant County College, Hexbug Toys, and National Education Association. I have continued to model for brands like J Crew kids and Ivivva on Fox 4News and Good Morning Texas. I performed on stage for the SoSo Def Summer 17 tour. Recently, I danced professionally for the NFL’s first and only kids hip hop crew the Dallas Cowboys Rookie Squad. I have also been seen on America’s Got Talent and the Disney channel as a dancer for a popular music video. Recently, I booked a voiceover job, and I am happy to say I am the voice for a character on a new educational game coming out soon.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Being in the entertainment business has its rewards but it has not been an easy road. My parents have definitely made a lot of personal and financial sacrifices that people don’t see. I miss a lot of social events with family and friends like birthday parties, holidays, and just hanging out. Trying to balance school and working as an entertainer is not easy. A lot of people don’t see how much hard work you put in. Late-night rehearsals, private lessons, constantly training to perfect your craft, doing school in the car or at the airport, tutoring sessions to catch up with school work, and memorizing lines for auditions. In this business you get 100 no’s and 5 yes’s. You have to be fearless, strong, and confident.
Actress, Dancer, Model – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
As I build my brand, I want to be known as a young entertainer who works to inspire others to never give up on their dreams.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I believe success is when you accomplish your goals, no matter what they are. I think you are successful when you can be proud of the work you’ve done and impact the lives of others in a positive way with your gifts and talents.
Contact Info:
- Email: Gabbie.pauline@gmail.com
- Instagram: @gabbiepauline
Image Credit:
Jazmynraymay Photography
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