Cynthia Johnson
Cynthia Johnson (CJ) MODEL
I was born in Columbus, Mississippi. My father was stationed in the Air Force there and we moved to Washington, D.C. when I was a toddler. I’ve been living in the suburbs of DC ever since then. We didn’t have family in Mississippi, so I haven’t been back since birth, however I plan to visit soon.
I attended DC Public Schools and went to theUniversity of District of Columbia where I majored in Psychology and Sociology.
I discovered the love and thrill of fashion by observing my mother and her classy sense of style. When I was in elementary school and knew my Mom had to come to the school for one reason or another, I would ask her to wear her white fur stole. I didn’t care if it was 100 degrees, I would ask! I loved to watch the expressions of my teachers and classmates, and they would comment that she looked like a movie star. I’d like to mention that she gave me that fur stole, and I recently did a photo shoot wearing it, and it still looks amazing! I’m blessed to still have my Mom on this Earth with me. My father transitioned in 1985.
This is an easy one. My favorites are Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks, and Cynthia Bailey! The reason they are my favorites is obvious. The all started off as outstanding runway models and are now successful entrepreneurs withbusinesses and brands. They were able to capitalize on the opportunity and make themselves a household name with Super Model status.
My favorite designers have changed overtime mostly due to the changes in my body. One designer I still love is Donna Karan because of her wrap dresses that will NEVER go out of style and compliment any body type. My second favorite designer is Tracy Reese because of her classy and feminine inspired looks. My third favorite would be Rihanna for thetrendy side of myself. I’m also ecstatic that Rihannais body inclusive with her brand.
My first fashion show was in high school. There was a modeling troupe and I always wanted to join. However, I was insecure and lacked confidence. One day on my way to school, the modeling troupe instructor stopped me as I was entering the building and asked me to join the group and thought I’d be a good fit. I joined and was a nervous wreck during the show. I kept practicing and received good training and feedback, and the nervousness and insecurity waned over time.
It can be nerve-wracking being in front a photographer’s lens if you are unsure of your angles, or how to move with your hands or legs for example. I was blessed to have an extremely good photographer for my first photoshoot, and he coached me along with the designer that booked me for the shoot. I still have a picture from that first shoot over 40 years ago.
I would describe my personal style as classy and elegant. As I mentioned, I’ve been observing my Mom all of my life and have embodied her style, elegance, and grace.
I have started my own runway training boot camp Company called CJ’s Runway Strutters. My workshops are geared towards the novice and/or models that want to get back into the Industry. I teach the basics and every aspect of runway modeling. My workshops cover everything from how to work the runway with pivots and turn, how to remove a jacket, what to wear to an audition, backstage model etiquette and how land a booking and how to get call backs from clients. My sessions are also open to individuals looking to boast their self-esteem. Prayerfully, in addition to runway modeling, my future holds other aspects of the modeling industry including commercial, editorial, print, and promotional modeling. As you age in this industry you must constantly reinventyourself. I recently booked and completed my first three commercial print jobs and loved it. I ‘am currently a brand ambassador and would love to continue doing so because the perks are amazing.I’m also interested in doing commercials and working as a background extra. Ultimately, I’d like to take some acting classes and see what the future holds in that arena. My motto is to accept constructive criticism because that helps you to grow. Lastly, never stop learning, and by all means, NEVER stop making your dreams a reality.
I have landed two background acting jobs! The first is on a HBO mini-series called the White House Plumbers, based on the Watergate Scandal staring Woody Harrelson. The second is a Netflix series for an Obama-Backed Civil Rights Movie ‘Rustin’. Let’s just hope it won’t be a “blink and you will miss her” type thing! In all seriousness, I hope this is a stepping stone to more opportunities in the industry. Lastly, I have been asked to be a Brand Ambassador for a luxury on-line travel accessory and jewelry line.
- Where are you from?
I was born in Columbus, Mississippi. My father was stationed in the Air Force there and we moved to Washington, D.C. when I was a toddler. I’ve been living in the suburbs of DC ever since then. We didn’t have family in Mississippi, so I haven’t been back since birth, however I plan to visit soon.
- Which schools have you attended?
I attended DC Public Schools and went to theUniversity of District of Columbia where I majored in Psychology and Sociology.
- At what time did you discover the thrill of Fashion?
I discovered the love and thrill of fashion by observing my mother and her classy sense of style. When I was in elementary school and knew my Mom had to come to the school for one reason or another, I would ask her to wear her white fur stole. I didn’t care if it was 100 degrees, I would ask! I loved to watch the expressions of my teachers and classmates, and they would comment that she looked like a movie star. I’d like to mention that she gave me that fur stole, and I recently did a photo shoot wearing it, and it still looks amazing! I’m blessed to still have my Mom on this Earth with me. My father transitioned in 1985.
- Who are your 3 favorite models of all time and why?
This is an easy one. My favorites are Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks, and Cynthia Bailey! The reason they are my favorites is obvious. The all started off as outstanding runway models and are now successful entrepreneurs withbusinesses and brands. They were able to capitalize on the opportunity and make themselves a household name with Super Model status.
- Who are your 3 favorite Designers?
My favorite designers have changed overtime mostly due to the changes in my body. One designer I still love is Donna Karan because of her wrap dresses that will NEVER go out of style and compliment any body type. My second favorite designer is Tracy Reese because of her classy and feminine inspired looks. My third favorite would be Rihanna for thetrendy side of myself. I’m also ecstatic that Rihannais body inclusive with her brand.
- When did it you participate in your first Fashion Show and what was the experience like for you?
My first fashion show was in high school. There was a modeling troupe and I always wanted to join. However, I was insecure and lacked confidence. One day on my way to school, the modeling troupe instructor stopped me as I was entering the building and asked me to join the group and thought I’d be a good fit. I joined and was a nervous wreck during the show. I kept practicing and received good training and feedback, and the nervousness and insecurity waned over time.
- What was your first experience like working with a professional Photographer and how long did it take for you to develop the necessary chemistry to attain the right theme for the session?
It can be nerve-wracking being in front a photographer’s lens if you are unsure of your angles, or how to move with your hands or legs for example. I was blessed to have an extremely good photographer for my first photoshoot, and he coached me along with the designer that booked me for the shoot. I still have a picture from that first shoot over 40 years ago.
- How would you describe your personal ‘style?
I would describe my personal style as classy and elegant. As I mentioned, I’ve been observing my Mom all of my life and have embodied her style, elegance, and grace.
- What does the future hold for you in your FABULOUS world of Fashion & Style?
I have started my own runway training boot camp Company called CJ’s Runway Strutters. My workshops are geared towards the novice and/or models that want to get back into the Industry. I teach the basics and every aspect of runway modeling. My workshops cover everything from how to work the runway with pivots and turn, how to remove a jacket, what to wear to an audition, backstage model etiquette and how land a booking and how to get call backs from clients. My sessions are also open to individuals looking to boast their self-esteem. Prayerfully, in addition to runway modeling, my future holds other aspects of the modeling industry including commercial, editorial, print, and promotional modeling. As you age in this industry you must constantly reinventyourself. I recently booked and completed my first three commercial print jobs and loved it. I ‘am currently a brand ambassador and would love to continue doing so because the perks are amazing.I’m also interested in doing commercials and working as a background extra. Ultimately, I’d like to take some acting classes and see what the future holds in that arena. My motto is to accept constructive criticism because that helps you to grow. Lastly, never stop learning, and by all means, NEVER stop making your dreams a reality.
- What’s coming up in the next few months?
I have landed two background acting jobs! The first is on a HBO mini-series called the White House Plumbers, based on the Watergate Scandal staring Woody Harrelson. The second is a Netflix series for an Obama-Backed Civil Rights Movie ‘Rustin’. Let’s just hope it won’t be a “blink and you will miss her” type thing! In all seriousness, I hope this is a stepping stone to more opportunities in the industry. Lastly, I have been asked to be a Brand Ambassador for a luxury on-line travel accessory and jewelry line.