Some say my gift is my vision. I just so happen to see things differently, almost like I’m living in another world. Ever since I was a kid there is one thing you could always expect from me. Whenever my vision finds something that I consider special or become particularly fond of I have to tell the world. If it gets me excited I’m going to tell you all about it in the hopes you find excitement in it as well. Here I am with Giselle Uyuni and I just want to tell the world about her.

As a little girl she was a very outgoing tomboy who, “loved playing with marbles and the kids in the neighborhood.”  I’m not sure what this means but what’s odd is she was “also very girlie and would often play with Barbies and put on my mom's high heels and lipstick.” A cross-dressing tomboy? No, I don’t think so.  

Giselle has a sense of culture to her that I certainly findrare. Her responses to my usual battery of questions are refreshingly smart as well as amazingly vivid; “School was a big part of my childhood and I was a very good student with an active and creative imagination.” She sounds like me only a hell a lot prettier.

Giselle has three characteristics that make her stand out. “Staying true to myself… The mix of the Incan ancestors and the European settlers has blessed me with a unique, elegant and exotic look… and my wild and adventurous spirit.” Where does such an exotic look come from? “I was born and raised in Bolivia; a smalland humble country in the heart of South America. I now live in the Bay Area and call San Francisco home.” I now see a reason to switch coasts.

“I grew up in Oruro- Bolivia but having a large family I was able to visit them and see and learn more of what my diverse country has to offer.” Home was where Giselle developed her uncanny disposition. “Growing up in a humble but nurturing home the love my mom and grandmother gave me was all I truly cared about. I am proud of my unique childhood and am thankful for the perspective that it now gives me on life,”she says honestly.

Now she lives in San Francisco which she declares is; “Scenically, one ofthe most beautiful cities I have ever been to: being located in the Bay with incredible architecture and landscape. It has great restaurants, nightlife andwith half an hour drive one can be out in the country.” She certainly has a way with words doesn’t she?

I wanted to know how she got into model with such humble beginnings. She calmly states, “At first it was just a hobby but soon after I realized that it was something I wanted to pursue as a profession. My biggest influence was my appreciation for photography. Being in front of the camera is exciting and a true passion of mine. It is also a good way for me to express my individuality.”

“I have been my own mentor. I love immersing myself in the character and concept. I find the creative process inspiring. There is also asense of accomplishment that's very valuable to me as an artist.” -Giselle Uyuni

“Prior to my modeling career, I used to manage a gift shop in Mill Valley, California,” She ventures. “I was also in charge of some of the buying and interior design for the store. My bosses and colleagues appreciated my creative side, the patience given to customers, and my fashionable way of dressing. Who would she love to work with today? “Aubade, beautiful French lingerie.”

Although she has told me so much about herself I crave more. Where could I take her that I know she loves? “I find New York city and San Francisco to be my favorite cities to party, shop and eat. Infusion Lounge in San Francisco is one of my favorite dance venues. The Slanted Door and Bix are great destinations in San Francisco for dining out. Balthazar and Casa la Femme in New York,”she discloses. Sometimes my job can be so rewarding.  

What is Giselle’s ‘Hidden Treasure?’ This is a question I always ask in pursuit of unexpected gems. “I have a down to earth personality and a very playful sense of humor,” she answers. I hope she does because I’ve a few games in mind. Ha…

But seriously what’s the one thing the Giselle would love to see happen in this world? “I would love to see the war in Afghanistan and Iraq comes to an end. Instead the money spent on war should be put into education and social infrastructure, to give the people of these war torn nations the ability to create their own destiny.” Beauty and Brains.

I really have a thing for Giselle Uyuni. A beautiful girl from another land that is as familiar to me as the girl next door. If by some chance, she comes along as I tell the world about this gem I found (secretly she'll know she is the gem I speak of), and we had to leave in a hurry, what’s the one thing she couldn’t live without? Oh so seriously she replies, “My sexy high heels.”