From the Runway to the Page: A Glimpse vs. a Legacy

When I was 19, I modeled in a fashion show. I even modeled my own outfit.
It was a long-held dream of mine, especially being only 5’1. I wanted to prove that modeling wasn’t limited by height. The date was March 10, 2012, and it truly was a fun and exciting day.

But even with all of that, that day is still incomparable to the day I became a book author.

The day I became an author was a day of power. A day of reign. A day that didn’t come from my own strength, abilities, or talents alone—it came from the power of God.

Here’s the thing about modeling: it’s ultimately less about the models and more about the person who puts the show together. The designer, the visionary, the one whose legacy is being carried forward. In my case, the show was put together by Joe Farris, a known designer from Project Runway. We were, in essence, working for him. The spotlight was on his name, his brand, his dream. As models our names weren’t even known at all, even with the designers, it wasn’t known who designed what outfit!

Even though I modeled my own outfit, I was surrounded by other women on that runway. Their designs, their presence, their moments of shine naturally shared the stage. We even had to pay to be a part of the show. And models walk fast—people only get a glimpse of what you’re wearing. A few seconds, and then it’s gone.

A book is different.

A book isn’t a glimpse.
A book can be read again and again.
Words linger. They sit in hearts and minds. They leave a lasting impact in a way clothes never can.

My book represents me building something of my own—my own legacy. People don’t pay to see me pass by for a moment. They invest their time and money to sit with my words, to enter my world, to hear my voice.

Looking back, I realize I was dreaming small.

I remember being dismissed from fashion school. I had two warning dreams around that time. Not every dream is evil—sometimes they are warnings. Sometimes they are God saying, “I have something bigger. Something better. Don’t be afraid. Trust Me.”

With my book, I am the main star—not in pride, but in purpose. I am no longer carrying someone else’s vision. I am walking in the one God gave me.

The day I became a fashion model doesn’t compare at all to the day I became a book author. That day was deeper. More powerful. More joyful.

In modeling, I wasn’t being my true self. I was dressed in someone else’s idea of who they wanted me to be. Before the show, they straightened my curly hair. We couldn’t wear nail polish. There were rules, filters, and expectations.

With my book, I am 100% free to be me.

No filters.
No changes.
All real.
No fake.