Meet Trailblazer Shante Johnson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shante Johnson.

Shante, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Modeling has always been a passion of mine! My parents were models and I took on the same trait. My parents weren’t very supportive of my dreams, so I really didn’t start successfully modeling until 2014 but that just made me go even harder to become a successful model. Previous years, I was indifferent beauty pageants one of them I was a state finalist for Miss teen Colorado, 2014 is the year everything just really skyrocketed. I moved to Denver and became a part of a modeling group. From there, I landed my first publication and have had many other publications ever since you can literally google “Shawnii J” LOL, it’s so crazy seeing myself and all my accomplishments that were made by myself! I have been in multiple fashion shows and music videos for local artists as well as a photo shoot to build my portfolio. My goal is to be a vessel for our women showing body positivity through my photos as well as women empowerment.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, it honestly hasn’t, I am considered plus size, I have tattoos and piercings. I’m not your average traditional model, so the modeling industry can be difficult when it comes to that. I want to model high-end fashion and walk big and beautiful runways and become a part of a well-known agency, but I don’t have the “look” they want, so I end up doing mostly urban type shoots that I’m trying to get away from. My advice would be is to just be YOU! You can be discouraged but don’t stay that way keep a positive mindset continue to grind! Your dreams won’t work if you don’t!

Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
A little insight into who I am and what I do. I am a highly skilled multi-published professional model that specializes in photo shoots, video shoots, hosting parties & promotional modeling.

I was born in Germany, raised in New Orleans and landed in Colorado. I believe what sets me apart from others is that I have the power to stand with elegance in the classiest pieces and the personality to rock the diversity of today’s urban swag. I treasure diverse experiences as well as representing and promoting the rise of Curvaceous beautiful ebony women.

Which women have inspired you in your life?
Wazzam Supa and Tyra Banks. I chose them because Supa is self-made, she got everything she has now out the mud, the rose that grew from concrete, we share so many similar struggles, it’s like I really know her, she’s soo real and I chose Tyra because she is the best supermodel that really gave young women a chance on her show and showed you beauty comes in all shapes and sizes and her runway walk slays my entire life!! So, these women are like my personality, 100% real and professional on both ends.

Contact Info:

• Email: shawniij2k19@gmail.com
• Instagram: Shawnii_j_

Image Credit:
Cristina Bukowski photography, DZ3creative, PicsNLipstick modeling group

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