The gothic aesthetic is something Junior Brielle Gilliland is renowned for. She takes alternative fashion to the next level with her makeup and outfits.

Gilliland recalls how she has always been into alternative fashion and the scene itself, even when she was little. 

“I don’t think anything really necessarily ever got me into it,” Gilliland said. “I’ve always been me.”

While she may not have been able to express herself when she was younger, her freedoms in expression have some drawbacks. 

 “it’s affected how I see the world, in a sense of as I start to express myself more the negative comments and feedback I would get from other people has affected the way I see other people”, Gilliland said.

She’s had struggles with other people bullying her for her style, but she looks at it in a positive light. 

“If I didn’t go through the harassment I did, I would not be the person I am today,” Gilliland said. 

Gilliland continues to express herself despite the challenges, and wants to pursue a job inspired by it as well.  

“For the first half of my life I would go to people, show the emo like bangs, and I would get a Karen Cut,” Gilliland said. 

She is looking to be a cosmetologist – someone who cuts hair and does makeup – in her future. She wants to help those like her who can’t get the haircuts they ask for. 

“I can open up my own shop and eventually teenagers can actually get the haircuts they want,” Gilliland said. “We need more of that.”