Life & Work with Abbriella Farrah of Phoenix

Today we’d like to introduce you to Abbriella Farrah.

Hi Abbriella, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Well firstly, thank you so much for having me today – it’s an honor. I’m Abbriella Farrah: a social worker and model. I’ve lived in Arizona for a long time, but am actually from Virginia Beach, VA. I often travel back to the Appalachia to visit my family, who still lives there. I’m the oldest daughter of my blended family and a first-generation student, so you can imagine that I grew up with a lot of expectations and responsibilities. I’m lucky to have a family that believed in my potential and pushed me toward success.

When I entered high school, the school district asked me to join the International Baccalaureate Program – a program aimed at providing higher-level, international education to students across the world. This was huge for a kid like me because it meant that I actually had a chance at getting into a university with grants and scholarships. I worked extensively in high school and sacrificed a lot. To my delight, I was awarded full tuition for the entirety of my Bachelor’s degree.

Then came the hard question: What am I going to do with my life? For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a natural social worker: advocating, mediating, counseling, and more. So, that’s what I did – I graduated with my Bachelor of Social Work degree in 2023 and will be completing my Master of Social Work degree this Fall semester!

With my education, I’ve been able to practice art therapy with children and families, and it has been a truly exciting and wonderful experience. A few months ago, I felt a creative block and didn’t know what to do about it. My partner suggested that I try something new, so with the recommendation from an old friend, I began modeling. My amazing photographer helped me open doors and opportunities that I would have never thought possible! Before I knew it, I was published in six different magazines, networking with photographers and models, and accepted into my first runway audition. But most importantly, I freed my creative block. It was the rush of creativity that challenged and expanded my ability to think outside the box and find myself.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I don’t think anyone’s journey is perfect. As imperfect beings, we will always make mistakes and face hardships that force us to face ourselves and grow. Growing up as a first-generation student and the oldest daughter, there were plenty of expectations and responsibilities placed on me – by my family and by myself. In a lot of ways, I was harder on myself than anyone else. I just felt I had to be perfect so that I could live up to this idealized version of myself, and to make my family proud. Because I felt this way, I faced mental health concerns like anxiety and depression. I didn’t know how to really let go and ride the waves of life. When I finally got to University and transitioned to adulthood, I was actually able to work on my mental health and enjoy life. I faced my rigidity, perfectionism, and anxiety, and worked toward protecting my peace from myself and others. Being an art therapist really challenges me to find new outlets and ways to promote expression, healing, emotional clarity, and unity. Sometimes it feels like I’ve explored every avenue, but modeling and working with so many amazing creatives has really opened my ability to find newness in my work. Modeling has become something so freeing and fun in my life. I get excited to explore a new theme, a new setting – all of it!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Primarily, I am a child and family social worker and I specialize in art and play therapy. I’m extremely proud of the work that I do in the community because I am able to change the lives of the most important people in society: children. They’re our future and helping them find peace and healing in this crazy world is truly my destiny. As a dynamic and multidimensional person, I am also a model seeking new ways to express myself, portray complex themes and concepts, and collaborate with other creatives and brands that share my values. All of the publications and shoots that I helped produce are sources of pride and excitement for me. In each shoot, I don’t aim to just be the pretty girl with the cool ideas – I am to express something significant, and this sets me apart. I model because it helps me express myself, explore meaningful ideas, and provide purposeful content in this age of social media.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
One of the most inspiring stories I’ve ever read is Tuesday’s With Morrie by Mitch Albom, which describes anecdotes of a dying man told to one of his previous students. This book helped move me toward my career helping others and pursuing art – we only live once.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://msha.ke/etherealgirl
• Instagram: abbriella.pptx

Image Credits
Joseph Martins @commonborn.media
Marquis Campbell @marquisdiamondphotos
Levi Ybarra @leviticusmedia