In three short years, small-town Alabama native Gilda Joelle has gone from attending her first casting call in Miami to posing for a slew of beauty and fashion brands including Lily Pulitzer, Oribe, Bandier and Fruit of the Loom. With a master’s in occupational therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Joelle’s dreamy mix of beauty and brains will no doubt help her continue to grow an already-established modeling career.
Learn Joelle’s mouthwatering dream meal, biggest turn-on and more below:
How can someone catch your attention?
Someone can catch my attention by having confidence, making me laugh, and being able to hold a good conversation. Asking questions and being interested in what I do is important to me!
What’s the worst pick-up line you’ve ever heard?
I can’t think of a specific pick-up line, but I’ve definitely had my fair share of interesting DMs!
How do you let someone know you’re interested?
If I’m interested in someone, they’ll know.
Tell us about your dream date.
Dinner at a highly-rated restaurant with lots of red wine, followed by changing into comfy clothes and watching TV!
What turns you on the most?
When my man makes me feel like I’m the only girl in the room!
When do you feel sexiest?
It doesn’t matter what I’m wearing. I feel my absolute best when my diet and exercise routine are on point…and a good tan never hurts!
Who’s your biggest celebrity crush?
My biggest celebrity crush is definitely Chace Crawford, especially when he starred in Gossip Girl.
What’s on your fave music playlist?
“September” by Earth, Wind, and Fire would be No. 1. I love Latin Music…J Balvin and Bad Bunny are two of my favorites. Any music that I can dance to is going to be on my playlist.
Do you have a favorite athlete or sports team?
My alma mater, Auburn. War Eagle!
What fashion brands do you like to rock?
I love a classic Louis Vuitton purse. I’m a big athleisure girl, so I love any brands that Bandier carries. Free People, Lovers + Friends, and Zimmermann are some of my favorite brands.
What’s your absolute favorite food or meal?
If I could have one meal that included all my favorite dishes from different restaurants, that would be a dream! I’d start with the tuna tartare toast from Cru in Nantucket, followed by miso-marinated black cod from Nobu in Malibu and lasagna from Don Angie in NYC. For dessert, I’d have the panna cotta from Estela in NYC and coconut cake from Chez FonFon in Birmingham. To drink, I’d have Mi Novia Fea from The Broken Shaker in Miami. Unfortunately, that drink isn’t on their menu anymore, so I’ll just have to dream about it.
Favorite travel destination?
It’s hard to pick just one! I love St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. They have the most beautiful beaches, and I love going to a super casual destination. I’ve always loved Paris. It’s the most magical, romantic city I’ve visited. Portland, Oregon is also at the top of my list. I’m a sucker for a foodie town, and the vibe there is so laid-back.
What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
My guiltiest pleasure is eating my favorite foods in the bed. I have a major sweet tooth, so eating dessert in my pajamas is a big yes!
For more, follow Gilda on Instagram.