Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariah Dunn.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Creativity was encouraged in my family household, we all were free to express ourselves, so my artist journey starts in the 3rd grade. I would trace My Little Pony drawing books and learn how to draw from that. Fast forward, I began animating and started a YouTube channel about 11 years ago, I gained 3,000 subscribers through animation then took a hiatus.
I came into modeling around 2024, before this I would often post pictures of my life and was already well adapted in the internet community. Modeling felt like an extension to what I was already doing and I began using it as another way for me to grow my creativity by expanding what I do with it. I started creating makeup looks, styling music videos, and modeling for photographers and since that, I’ve really clicked with the community of the modeling/social media world. Fashion is one of the biggest ways I expressed myself growing up too, I would do monochromatic looks, or cute makeup look with a themed outfit and do fashion shows for my mom whenever I got a bunch of new clothes. I get to help curate the vision of an artist and that’s special to me, the art of becoming something new is a median I get to express a lot in this environment.
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?
Getting into modeling was a rocky journey, it made me look inwards to understand the purpose of why I am in this field, I don’t want to be doing something I don’t truly connect with. There was some times that I was doubting myself and thinking maybe I’m not meant for this, however, when I was learning to animate when I was younger, I thought the same thing and I kept going and got better so I figure I keep going even when I feel doubtful and I’ve been able to grow in the art. Doubt is real but I like to think whenever I hit it I see it as a new threshold to break instead of a barrier. Modeling is full of surprises so honestly adapting through challenges is part of the package and I find beauty in it, that drive to fulfill a vision despite the many challenges is fabulous, it’s a statement in a world that can feel so weird. It’s like gracefully surviving everything while not losing sight of the beauty of life.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I create; I specialize in what I like. I paint, do makeup, dance, style, draw, animate, and if I want, I think I’d have a good time dj’ing, I like to dibble dabble. I also am a student; I am currently in the process of getting my C.P.A. and understand the world of business, I’d love to be an entrepreneur. My mom is her own boss, and she’s been my inspiration since the beginning of time for me, she’s a powerhouse and that work ethic spills into all aspects of my life. I think I am most known for my outfits and modeling, I was labeled best dress many times in life (bragging), and I jumped back into the creative scene through modeling and have been focused in that area. I plan to expand into films soon, one of the things I am most proud of is the campaign work I’ve gotten to do and also a fun video named “Big Poe”, which is the song title from Tyler The Creators “DON’T TAP THE GLASS” album, as my way of showing my excitement for the new album release.
How do you think about happiness?
Being able to wake up and create new memories is what makes me happy. Getting to do art with others is very fulfilling and I am grateful where it’s taken me so far. Doing what I love has been rewarding and I’ve gotten to connect with wonderful creatives around me. These connections feel so nourishing and has fueled my creative visions, the stories of the creatives around me are also gold.
Pricing:
- Simple Glam $50.00
- Full Glam $75.00
- Styling $50.00
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariahadunn/
Image Credits
INSTAGRAMS OF PHOTOGRAPHERS
Yellow/Green/Blue Outfit: @shotbydjwilliams
Make-Up photo: @kt_ttv
Green Dress w/ Florals: @toshaphotog
Florist: @charli.flowers3
Red Jersey Outfit: @paigeroberts0n
Pink Outfit: @Lex.soul
