About Me

Gelyssa Rankin is a Caymanian born artist who holds a tremendous love for acting, modeling and fashion. In 1999, Gelyssa’s first performance debut was a dance duo at the Harquail Theatre in her hometown Grand Cayman at the early age of 7.

Two years later, aged 9, she joined a gospel group by the name of FOCUS where she was able to gain singing experience for a couple of years. During a lot of her childhood Gelyssa was engaged in dance, gymnastics, and Girls Brigade where her love for the arts continued to grow.

Gelyssa’s stage performances continued and she did Drama at Miami Jackson Senior High for three years (2006-2009) where she couldn’t get enough of performing. Throughout those three years, Gelyssa performed amazing plays such as Ntozake Shange’s “For colored girls who considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf” in front of other classes at her high school. She was also granted the opportunity to travel out of town with her high school drama teacher, Nzingha Alexander, who seemed to have taken interest in Gelyssa’s talent allowing her to watch a state national acting competition amongst other Florida high schools.

In 2009, Gelyssa entered Miss Teen Cayman Islands, where she was able to experience dancing, modeling and showcase her number one love for the talent segment of the pageant, taking the stage.

After Miss Teen, Gelyssa attended The University College of the Cayman Islands to pursue her Associates in Arts in Literary Studies while engaging in voiceover announcements for music groups on island such as Money Train and broadcasting for radio.

Gelyssa enrolled in Columbia College Chicago in 2015 where she pursued her Bachelors in Theatre. She was cast in multiple theatre and film productions during her studies. Following graduation she independently pursued opportunities in the Chicagoland area and landed a role in a film named Skin Deep which was later nominated for the Los Angeles Film Awards 2020.

Since 2019, Gelyssa has been a guest panelist for the My Dear Melanin Conference highlighting colorism in the Cayman Islands and has been featured in promotional media for Cayman Islands Häagen Dazs.

Gelyssa continues to produce content on her YouTube channel which focuses on beauty, fashion and lifestyle. Gelyssa continues to pursue her career professionally in the Cayman Islands and United States varying in different film, modeling and theatre productions. Gelyssa’s eye for fashion has inspired her to design women’s wear for her company, StyledbyGelyssa. Prior to creating her company, Gelyssa worked with international models such as Nik Stewart, Zane Petty and Nico Millado. She also styled contestant #3 Mariah Tibbetts in 2019 for the formal gown segment of the Miss Cayman Islands pageant. She continues to be hired as a personal stylist for weddings, parties and other various events.