When I was in first grade, I walked in a runway show for my Catholic school’s uniforms (lol), and I remember thinking, “this is the most fun I could ever have.”
A lot of life has passed since then, and I’ve crossed several bridges and traveled many roads and have somehow looped back to where I started: realizing that life should be a little more fun. And maybe this is how.
So, here it is: for the past year or so, I’ve dipped my toes into modeling.
I’ve posed and walked and fake-laughed and sipped and cringed and real-laughed and have SO enjoyed the challenge of putting myself out there and not taking myself too seriously.
And, I’m happy to report, it’s been a lot of fun.
Edessa School of Fashion’s Crescendo
In addition to photoshoots (I’m working to build up my portfolio), I also had the opportunity to walk the runway in a local fashion show—the Edessa School of Fashion’s Haute List Crescendo.
First and foremost, I showed up to a model call on a random Saturday in November with little to no context for what to expect. It was a little chaotic and confusing, but involved wearing all black, pinning a number to my chest, taking a headshot, then walking a runway, while the designers assessed and recorded every step.
A few weeks later I heard back: I was chosen to walk in the show in January.
The show
The show took place on January 11 at Milwaukee’s Bradley Symphony Center. The themes were diversity, inclusion, protest, and resistance, involving live music and artist participation. As a model, it was a long and chaotic day of hard work, but also a wonderful and educational experience. I’ll never forget it.
I’m thankful to Edessa, the crew, volunteers, designers, other models, and every person whose hard work went into executing a vision of inclusion, empowerment, and storytelling. (And to everyone who has supported me throughout this process, especially my friends who bought tickets and came to watch: Chad, Kelli, Sam, Brittany.)
A special shoutout goes to designer Yolanda Ballard, who allowed me to wear her beautiful pieces and allowed me this opportunity to walk on the runway.
Onward
As I keep going and pursuing modeling, I feel nervous and excited and hopeful. It’s another form of art and storytelling, and I believe it’s adding the right dose of fun, right where I need it.
Looking to hire a model? I might know just the person.
Established in 2018, Sunshine with Savannah is a catch-all blog with an emphasis on weekend travel, millennial-style marriage and fun, reflection-based musings, outdoor adventure, home design, and all things lifestyle.
Though the content is diverse and varied, the heart of this space stays true to a single, guiding principle: a simple pursuit to find sunshine, wherever I go.
My wife worked with Tyra Banks for a few years and is still friends with her…she loved to talk about modeling, especially the “angles” for photo shoots….looks like you had a blast!
I love this piece of “lore” and all of the stories you and your wife have from working in the industry. The Tyra insight is so fun! Thanks for reading, John!
Yes, to strutting confidently on the runway of life! 💖💖💖
Thank you so much for your support!