GERTA CICI
Beyond the Image, the Identity of a Woman
- Who is the woman behind the image recognised by millions on screen?
I am far more grounded than my online presence might suggest. I am ambitious, creative, and exceptionally self-demanding, constantly exploring new ideas and envisioning the next project. The image I present to the world is merely one facet of who I am; there is a much broader dimension to my identity beyond what is visible.
- When did you realise that your influence could evolve into a profession, a voice, and an identity of its own?
It was when I realised that people were drawn to more than my personal style. They were engaging with my perspective on fashion, image, and aesthetics. That was when I began to understand that what I was building had the potential to transcend social media and develop into something more substantial: a distinctive creative identity.
- What does it mean to be a successful influencer in today’s cultural landscape?
It means cultivating an identity so distinctive that it becomes instantly recognisable, even in the absence of a name or a signature. Above all, it means earning the trust of an audience and understanding that genuine influence is not measured solely by visibility, but by the credibility and connection one establishes with others.
- Your personal style has become an integral part of your identity. How did you cultivate your signature aesthetic?
It was never the result of a prescribed formula or a set of rules. Over time, I developed a clearer understanding of what resonates with my personality and what feels disconnected from it. I am naturally drawn to clean lines, feminine silhouettes, monochromatic palettes, and maxi dresses. Occasionally, I introduce an unexpected statement element that redefines the entire look. For me, style is ultimately an exercise in self-awareness: knowing what represents you and expressing it with intention.
- What does elegance mean to you?
Elegance is the art of effortlessness. It is not about trying to impress, but about possessing an innate sense of composure, confidence, and self-awareness. Ultimately, elegance is expressed through the way you carry yourself, rather than through the garments you wear.
- In an era defined by constant exposure and digital oversharing, what do you deliberately keep private?
Far more than people might imagine. I believe that certain relationships, emotions, and personal experiences acquire an even deeper significance when they remain beyond the public eye. Not everything meaningful needs to be documented or transformed into content. Some things are most valuable precisely because they belong exclusively to us.
- How essential is authenticity when your image is intrinsically linked to your profession?
Authenticity is indispensable. An image can be aesthetically compelling, yet without a genuine identity underpinning it, its impact remains superficial. Audiences are increasingly perceptive and can distinguish between an image that reflects something real and one that has been constructed purely for public consumption. Authenticity is what gives an image substance, credibility, and enduring relevance.
- What has been the most defining challenge in your evolution as both a woman and a professional?
Starting over in a new country and rebuilding my professional identity in New York. It was an experience that demanded resilience, independence, and the willingness to embrace uncertainty. It taught me that I could not rely on others to create opportunities or define my place. I had to establish my own presence, create my own opportunities, and develop the confidence to navigate an unfamiliar professional landscape on my own terms.
- Was there a defining moment when you realised you had established a name and identity of your own?
There was no single defining moment; it was a gradual realisation. I began to recognise that people were approaching me not merely because of my appearance or the audience I had cultivated, but because they valued my creative perspective and my ability to shape a visual identity—or construct an entire world around a brand. That distinction was significant. It meant that my value was no longer confined to visibility; it was rooted in creative vision, aesthetic judgement, and the ability to translate ideas into a distinctive visual language.
- What principles guide your decision to associate your name with particular people and brands?
Authentic alignment is essential. A collaboration must reflect my personal values, aesthetic sensibilities, and genuine preferences. If I would not wear, use, or personally recommend a product, I see little justification for endorsing it simply because a commercial opportunity exists. I regard my name as an extension of my identity, and every association must be consistent with the standards and principles I uphold.
- What would you never compromise in pursuit of greater visibility or a larger following?
I would never compromise my identity by constructing a version of myself simply because it might be more commercially appealing or perform better online. There is always a temptation to conform to what attracts attention, but visibility without authenticity is ultimately unsustainable. Attention is transient; identity, when built with integrity, has the potential to endure.
- What message do you hope to convey to the women who follow you?
That femininity, ambition, creativity, and strength are not competing qualities, but complementary dimensions of a multifaceted identity. A woman should never feel compelled to diminish one aspect of herself to accommodate another. She can be graceful and assertive, sensitive and determined, feminine and powerful—all without contradiction. I want women to recognise that embracing the full complexity of who they are is not a limitation, but a source of strength.
- What is the ambition you have yet to fulfil?
I aspire to build something of my own on a substantially larger scale: a creative platform and a distinctive name that can transcend my personal image. I want to develop an independent vision with its own identity, purpose, and lasting relevance—something capable of evolving beyond my individual presence and creating value in its own right.
- How would you like to be remembered: for your beauty, your style, your success, or the impact you have made on others?
For what I have created. Beauty and style inevitably evolve with time, but the things we build and the way we make others feel can leave a far more enduring impression. I would like to be remembered for the ideas I brought to life, the opportunities I helped create, and the meaningful impact I made on the people around me. Ultimately, a legacy is defined not by the image we leave behind, but by what continues to matter long after that image has changed.
- What does EXCELLENCE mean to you?
Excellence begins with a refusal to settle for mediocrity or accept “good enough” as the final standard. It is a commitment to precision, intention, and the pursuit of quality in every aspect of one’s work, including the smallest details that may go unnoticed individually yet collectively define the outcome.
For me, excellence is not an abstract ideal or a pursuit of perfection for its own sake. It is a discipline—a way of thinking, creating, and working that reflects respect for one’s craft. Ultimately, the distinction between the ordinary and the exceptional lies in the details that others may overlook, but that make all the difference.