Today we’d like to introduce you to Guapo Chloe.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
All roads lead back to self-expression for me. It really started in middle school. I was chronically online and heavily influenced by YouTube, anime, and video games. I also grew up attending a private school where we wore uniforms, so I always felt the need to find other ways to stand out and express who I was. Even if I was bullied for being different, I never wanted to be anyone else. I was that weird artsy emo kid in a school where everyone seemed to fit the same mold. Looking back, I cherish that part of myself.
Back then, I dreamed of becoming a YouTuber. I loved filming, acting, editing skits and short films, making gaming videos, and even reviewing airsoft guns. Around that time, I also came up with my username, GuapoChloe. It started as an inside joke because I’ll never call myself “ugly” but instead I’d always say I looked like a little boy, but a handsome little boy. Since guapo means “handsome” in both Tagalog and Spanish, the name stuck, and it’s been my online identity ever since.
One day, while driving home from school, I heard a radio ad about an open Disney casting call at the Baltimore Convention Center. My mom took me, and that became my first real introduction to the entertainment industry. I still remember the excitement of waiting for a callback. When I finally got one, I turned it down because I realized it was tied to what seemed like a “pay to play” program. Oddly enough, that experience didn’t discourage me, it just motivated me to keep pursuing the industry the right way.
In high school, a friend who was getting into photography asked me to model for them, and that’s when everything started to click. I realized I wanted to take modeling seriously. Since I had already been through castings before, I submitted my photos to a few local agencies and eventually signed with my first one. Since then, I’ve continued working to build my career and grow within the industry.
Along the way, I found my way back behind the camera. For a couple of years, I traveled with a touring band as their photographer and videographer, shooting album artwork, recording live sets, and documenting life on the road. That experience made me fall in love with photography again and reminded me that I enjoy being behind the camera just as much as I enjoy being in front of it.
Although I’m currently signed with an agency, bookings have been limited because there isn’t a large market for someone with my look. I’m considered an alternative or tattoo model, which can be more niche. For a long time, I resisted the idea of becoming a content creator because I wanted to succeed through traditional modeling alone. Eventually, though, I decided to invest in building my own brand on social media. That shift has opened more doors than I expected. Instead of waiting for opportunities to come to me, I’ve been able to create them myself, connect directly with brands, and build an audience that appreciates my style and personality.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. My biggest obstacle has always been self-doubt. Modeling is an industry where you’ll hear “no” far more often than you’ll hear “yes,” and it’s easy to start questioning yourself if you let rejection define your worth. I’ve realized that, more often than not, I’m the only person standing in my own way. The stories I tell myself or the fear of not being good enough can be a bigger obstacle than any rejection. Once I recognized that, I started focusing less on outside validation and more on believing in myself. Every “no” is just part of the process. It doesn’t mean you need to change who you are or give up on what you’re working toward.
Another challenge has been balancing ambition with burnout. I’m someone who always wants to be productive, and sometimes I put pressure on myself to constantly be grinding or chasing the next opportunity. When I start feeling overwhelmed, I’ve learned it’s important to step away for a bit. Spending time in nature or doing things that bring me peace helps me reset and come back with a clearer mindset.
I also think this industry teaches you humility. You can work incredibly hard and still not get every opportunity, and that’s okay. I’ve learned to focus on what I can control: showing up, improving my craft, and staying authentic. If something is meant for me, I’ll know because the opportunity will align. And if it isn’t, I’ve learned not to force it. That mindset has helped me stay grounded and enjoy the journey instead of measuring my success by every booking or rejection.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve always been drawn to visual storytelling. Whether I’m in front of the camera, behind it, or planning the creative direction of a project, I love bringing ideas to life. Acting introduced me to the industry, but over time my passion has grown into modeling, photography, content creation, and digital marketing. I genuinely enjoy every stage of the creative process, from developing a concept to seeing the final product come together.
Because I’ve experienced both sides of the camera, I have a deeper appreciation for the collaboration that goes into creating impactful work. I admire the production side of media just as much as being the one in front of the lens. Learning photography has helped me understand lighting, composition, and storytelling, while my experience in digital marketing has taught me how to create content that not only looks beautiful but also connects with an audience.
What I’m most proud of is building a career that’s authentic to me. As an alternative and tattoo model, I knew I wasn’t going to fit every traditional mold, but instead of changing who I was, I leaned into what made me different. That decision led me to build my own personal brand and create opportunities through social media, where I’ve been able to collaborate with brands and businesses in ways that feel genuine.
I think what sets me apart is my ability to see the bigger picture. I’m not just thinking about how an image looks, I’m thinking about the story it tells, the emotion it evokes, and how it will resonate with the people who see it. Whether I’m modeling, photographing, brainstorming creative concepts, or working on a marketing campaign, my goal is always the same: to create something meaningful that leaves a lasting impression.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is being unapologetically and authentically myself. For a long time, I felt like I had to tone down parts of who I was to fit in, but I’ve learned that the people and opportunities meant for you are drawn to the real version of you—not a version that’s trying to meet someone else’s expectations.
Even today, I still carry that weird, artsy, emo girl from middle school with me. She was creative, expressive, and unafraid to like what she liked, even when it made her stand out. Looking back, I realize there was nothing wrong with her. If anything, she taught me the importance of embracing what makes me different.
Whether it’s in my work, my style, or the content I create, I want people to see the real me. I’d rather be loved for who I truly am than admired for pretending to be someone I’m not. I think authenticity is one of the most valuable things a person can have, and it’s something I strive to protect in every part of my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aftalentmanagement.com/women-main/chloe-abesamis-1
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guapochloe
