brittany mason. model.
A
an embodiment of perseverance and compassion, brittany is much more than a pretty face. text + photographs by polina osherov Brittany Mason and I crossed paths in September of 2008, predictably, on a photo-shoot. I don’t remember who reached out to whom, but I do remember the stunning home in Old Northside that served as a backdrop to the shoot, and that those were the days before I met Nikki Sutton, which meant that it was Brittany who brought an array of gorgeous dresses. The shoot went off without a hitch. Brittany, statuesque, lovely, and already a complete pro, radiated the quiet confidence of someone comfortable in her own skin and focused on building a serious career after her yearlong reign as Miss Indiana. I would have liked to get her in front of my camera many more times, but a couple of days after our shoot, she was off to gallivant around the world, modeling and pursuing an array of charity work. Although Brittany spends the majority of her time working outside of Indiana, her family and friends continue to bring her back to her home state on a regular basis. When the editorial team began brainstorming for the best cover model to represent our sophomore issue, I knew right away that Brittany would be a perfect fit in more ways than one. Polina: How were you discovered? Brittany: It’s hard to really pinpoint when I was discovered. I was always drawn to the industry, and made the decision this is what I would do with my life when I was only 13 years old. It has taken me a long time to get to where I am now in my career. But I guess they say it takes seven years to make an overnight success! When I was 14, I entered a model search; an agency wanted to send me to Tokyo, but my parents said, “No way!” Then, when I was 16, I signed with an agency, and was sent to NYC to live in a model apartment with seven other girls. The agency turned out to be a flop, so I returned to Indiana to finish high school through homeschooling, and then entered a pageant after my dad persuaded me. I told my parents to enjoy it because I would never ever compete in a pageant again. Ironically, I actually ended up winning the state pageant (wearing a used bridesmaid dress, and an old swimsuit). I went on to compete at Nationals, won Nationals, and then traveled to Germany representing the USA against 52 other countries. I was 17 at the time, and finished in second place. That opened several opportunities. It was really the beginning of everything. My life totally changed in the space of only four months. Polina: What was the best thing about winning Miss Indiana USA? Brittany: Probably all of the people I got the opportunity to work with! I dedicated my year to working with students across the state of Indiana because I am a firm believer 26
pattern issue no. 2
in giving back to the community. I did a lot of mentoring, and worked with all different size groups and ages of students. I focused on anti-bullying, promoting unity in the classroom, and encouraging kids to believe in themselves. I wanted to set an example that no matter who you are, where you are from, or what you do or do not have, all things are possible with faith, dedication, and perseverance. I also got an opportunity to dabble in politics! I have always admired Hillary Clinton. I publicly endorsed her for the Presidential Primaries in 2008, and went on tour with Chelsea Clinton to several town meetings, events, and schools. Eventually, I joined President Obama’s campaign. While working with the Democratic Party, I was honored to be invited to attend the Official Inauguration and several Presidential Balls in Washington, DC. It was an amazing experience and honor to be part of history! Polina: From following you via social media, I know that the last four years have been a whirlwind of travel for you. What’s been your most memorable trip? Where and why? Brittany: It’s so hard to pick just one! I did live in China for a little while, and if people think NYC is a shock...go to China! It is a completely different world! I worked in several cities but lived in Guangzhou, which is part of the Communist area of China. It was a very difficult adjustment, but I worked a ton, and my eyes were opened to so many different things that are going on in the world. It was difficult being cautious with certain things, and strange having all of my news censored. It definitely made me extremely grateful for the freedoms we have here in America. You don’t realize how good you have it until you travel. I also willingly ate the weirdest thing ever, a chicken foot!! My booker talked me into it. Polina: So, your family is still here in Indiana. When your modeling career took off and you started traveling so much, and ended up moving to NYC, did your parents give you any advice that you’ve since put to use? Brittany: They just always told me I could do it, if I really wanted it. I could do anything and be anything I set my mind to, and that is just what I believe. They were, of course, always worried whenever I was traveling alone as a teen. My mom would constantly say things like, “Lock your doors, look both ways before you cross the street, don’t walk around at night by yourself.” To this day, she still says all of those things every time we speak on the phone. (laughs) But I guess that is part of being a parent, making sure that your kids are safe. Someday, when I have my own, then I will really understand!