INTERVIEW: Fitness & Runway Model, Eric Brisbane Talks Youth Mentoring, Surviving Cancer, Consistency, Culture, Wellbeing, and More…

Meet 30 years old Brooklyn raised of Liberian and Nigerian descent , Eric Brisbane. A big Dallas Cowboy fan and as a passion for cooking his a model, fitness enthusiast, youth mentor and also a colon cancer survivor.

Check out my interview with him below:

Hey Eric! Would you like to introduce yourself to our readers?

Hey everybody my name is Eric Brisbane from Brooklyn, New York of Nigerian and Liberian descent.

Talk me through an average day in the life of you? 

An average day consists of waking up and being thankful for my life. Going to my 9-5pm. Then focusing on my passion which includes personal training and modeling.

What institution(s) did you attend and what did you study?

I went to John J. College of Criminal Justice in New York and later furthered my studies at Howard University majoring in criminal studies.

How were you discovered and what inspired you to go into modelling?

I was discovered on Instagram. Social media influencers reached out to me and asked if I was interested in a modeling career. After I beat my Colon Cancer I felt unstoppable and decided to give modeling a try.

You were signed on to “PROOF Modeling Agency”, how did that working out?

Unfortunately the agency and I decided it was best to part ways and now I’m signed with a new agency.

Looking at your photos from 2011 till now, there as been massive changes and improvements. What will you say motivated/inspired you to go into fitness and stay dedicated in it?

In 2011 I didn’t fully understand the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. It wasn’t until I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease in 2014 that forced me to learn how to manage the disease through healthy eating and weight training. After being diagnosed in 2017 with Colon Cancer, it reinforced the need for me to further my efforts in weight training and eating the proper foods in order to remain healthy.

You do alot of youth mentoring, what does that entail and how as the experience been so far?

Youth mentoring is about looking at your past self and wanting to make a conscious effort to see youth move in a positive direction. I enjoy bringing a positive influence to the youth. I know this is my calling.

What will you say are your 5 Dos and Don’t when it comes to being a runway model?

Dos:

1. Walk with confidence
2. Pace yourself as you walk down the runway
3. Wear comfortable shoes
4. Arrive early to a show
5. Make sure your model bag is always ready to go with all of the necessities

Don’ts:

1. Don’t be bashful
2. Don’t mistreat the clothing
3. Do not be scared at the end of the runway
4. Ladies, don’t break your new shoes on the runway
5. Don’t bug the designers

What do you do to stay in shape, do you go to the gym? 

Absolutely. I workout everyday.

Do you think we are taking our health and wellbeing seriously? 

As an entity we are not. We need to do more to educate ourselves about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. It’s not about looking good on the outside. What you’re consuming is 10x more important.

For someone trying to start out eating healthy, what meal plans will you recommend?

1. Low carbs
2. High protein
3. Healthy fats
4. Reduce dairy and sugar intake,
5. Drinks lots of water.
   

How do you balance your professional and personal life?

You have to always create time for things that are important to you.

What do you consider the most common public stereotype about the fitness trainers?

That personal trainers always flirt with their clients.

What aspect surprised you the most once you started as a model?

It’s not as easy as you think. People assume all you have to do is walk down a runway or stand in front of a camera. It’s all about angles and telling a story through your photos.

Looking back to when you started, is there anything you would like to change?

There’s currently nothing I want to change for modeling. Each photo shoot and runway I’m learning new skills that I can bring with me to the next assignment.

Which brands, clients, photographers, models, etc, have you worked with?

I’ve worked with a wide range of talented photographers, models, and designers throughout the DC, Maryland, and VA area.

What do you consider your biggest professional success so far?

Being featured in my first magazine this year.

Who do you want to work with that you haven’t yet? 

Adidas Y3

What has been your biggest challenge?

Continuously being comfortable in front of the camera.

Tell us two things people don’t know about you?

1. I know random facts about everything. I do really well in trivia contests.
2. I can see myself running for political office one day.  

Do you think its important to be active on social media and if so why?

Yes. It’s free personal marketing. There’s a chance I wouldn’t be modeling had I not been discovered through my social media page.

You are originally from Nigeria/Liberia but now based the the Washington D.C. area, how as the city been working out for you?

Being in the DMV Metropolitan area, there are different cultures you’re exposed to. I enjoy being around a diverse group of people.

What are your must visit travel destinations?

1. Greece
2. Italy
3. Cape Town
4. Indonesia

Name 5 things we should take seriously about our style choices?

1. Comfort/ Athleisure

2. Clean Shoes

3. Good quality cologne

4. Maintain a fresh haircut

5. Make sure your accessories are on point

How would you describe your style?

Athleisure.

Name your five must have accessories/essentials?

1. Watch/ Bracelet
2. Lint roller
3. Brush for my hair
4. Cologne
5. Wall charger.

What are your favourite fashion trends?

1. Athleisure
2. Suit and Tie
3. African men’s wear.

What is your favourite dish?

Seafood platter and jollof rice.

What songs are currently on your music playlist?

I would say more to Genre then song and that is Afrobeats of all kind that currently on my playlist.

Apart from fitness, modelling, mentoring, what other projects are you currently working on?

These three take up so much of my time it’s hard to focus on other pastimes.

Seeing you’re doing your dreams, what advice can you give others to pursue their dreams?

Consistency is key.

Any specific plans for the future? 

Staying on my purpose and taking it one day at a time.

Any final words?

I just want everyone to be the best version of themselves.

Where can we follow you online and on social media?

Follow me on Instagram: king_bris_