Meet Jenny: The Black Model Finding Her Path in Montreal’s Fashion Scene

From breaking down industry barriers to celebrating her artistic identity, Jenny is reshaping the meaning of belonging in the fashion world.

For Jenny, the runway has always represented more than just a stage; it’s a space where she finds belonging, strength, and the freedom to express herself. Growing up, she was captivated by the fashion world and how models commanded attention with their presence and poise. However, as she admired the industry from afar, she often wondered where she fit in.

The fashion industry has long been selective in defining beauty, and as a Black and queer model in Montreal, Jenny has had to carve out her spotlight. She knew the road wouldn’t be easy, but she held onto her dream, inspired by those who came before her—women who broke barriers, challenged norms, and redefined representation. Now, as she steps onto the runway, it’s not just about the clothes; it’s about claiming her place, standing tall, and showing others that they, too, belong.

Just a Girl with a Dream

Born in Sierra Leone and raised in Canada, Jenny’s journey into fashion has been shaped by both passion and resilience. Like many Black girls navigating high school, she faced bullying—an experience that continues to inspire her journey. Her love for fashion began at a young age. As a teenager, she practiced her walk, mimicking the runway models she watched on Netflix and YouTube. Designers like Balmain and Jacquemus weren’t just inspirations; they were reflections of the world she longed to be a part of.

 

 

Modeling became more than just chasing a dream; it was about reclaiming her confidence. “I used to get bullied for not being on-trend or well-dressed,” she shares, reflecting on her journey from those early struggles to her current life in downtown Montreal. “So I promised myself that one day, I’d be fashionable.” That promise became her driving force, transforming past pain into a vision for the future.

Navigating Identity in the Industry

Identity has always been a significant topic in the fashion world, and Montreal is no exception. As a Black and queer model, Jenny has constantly battled with her identity. Despite the industry’s claims of diversity, she has experienced firsthand the preference for lighter-skinned models. “Agencies say they’re inclusive, but when you go to castings, it’s clear they’re not,” she says. “If you’re mixed or have curly hair, you have a better chance. But if you’re dark-skinned, it’s much harder.”

Instead of conforming to outdated industry standards, she is determined to carve out a space where beauty is defined on her terms.

This exclusion has not only affected her career but has also taken a toll on her mental health. “I went through depression. I even hurt myself because of it,” she shares candidly. “It’s painful to be shut out of something you know you should be a part of.” Nevertheless, Jenny refuses to let the industry define her worth. “I know I belong here, and I’m not changing myself to fit into someone else’s idea of beauty.”

The pressure to belong is something she has fought for throughout her journey, prompting her to rethink her physical appearance. “I’ve thought about changing my teeth, my nose, even removing my breasts—just to fit in,” she admits. However, over time, she has come to embrace the features that make her unique. Instead of conforming to outdated industry standards, she is determined to carve out a space where beauty is defined on her terms.

On one hand, being part of the LGBTQ+ community has enabled her to connect with others who share similar experiences. “You meet a lot of people who are bisexual, gay, or transgender, and you don’t feel alone,” she says. However, she acknowledges that her race presents more obstacles than her sexuality does.

Finding Belonging on the Runway

Despite the challenges, Jenny has found moments that reaffirm her passion for modeling. One of her most defining experiences was walking the runway for the Signature of College LaSalle. “It was magical,” she recalls. “Having professional makeup artists, assistants, and all that attention reminded me why I work so hard. It felt like haute couture.”  “It was incredible—so professional. It felt like a Parisian runway, like true haute couture,” Jenny recalls. “You couldn’t tell the difference. We even had models from major brands—people who have walked for Vogue, Miu Miu, and Versace. They shared their experiences about modeling on the other side of the industry.”

 

 

Another standout moment was at a runway show organized by Amashika, a Black designer of Espace Urbain. “She always includes me in her shows and celebrates me,” Jenny says. “Before her runways, I had never worn traditional African clothes. Now, I embrace them, and I love how they look on me.”  I modeled her designs during Montreal’s famous MAD Festival.

Whether she’s designing her next outfit or exploring a new dance routine, Jenny’s creativity is always in motion […].

“It was incredible—so professional. It felt like a Parisian runway, like true haute couture,” Jenny recalls. “You couldn’t tell the difference. We even had models from major brands—people who have walked for Vogue, Miu Miu, and Versace. They shared their experiences about modeling on the other side of the industry.” The event’s inclusivity left a lasting impression on her. “There were so many different people—LGBTQ, Black women, brown skin, light skin—everyone was there. For once, I felt normal,” she says. “It gave me courage. Honestly, it was the best one I’ve ever been part of.”

Crazy Fact About Jenny: A Creative Force at Heart

Despite the challenges Jenny faces in the fashion industry, her motivation goes beyond just her modeling career. When she’s not strutting down the runway or posing for photoshoots, Jenny channels her creativity into various artistic pursuits. From painting and designing to sewing and dancing, she explores it all. Her creativity knows no bounds.

“I love to draw and design my clothes,” she says with a smile. “When I’m not working, you’ll find me sketching a new dress or experimenting with colors and fabrics. It’s my way of expressing myself differently, outside of modeling. I get to be both the creator and the model.”

Whether she’s designing her next outfit or exploring a new dance routine, Jenny’s creativity is always in motion, demonstrating that her talents extend far beyond the catwalk.

Representation matters because it gives people the confidence to pursue their dreams.

The Importance of Representation & Looking to the Future

For Jenny, representation isn’t just about visibility—it’s about creating opportunities and empowering others. Growing up, she often did not see many Black lesbian models in magazines or on television, which made her journey even more challenging. Now, as she steps into the spotlight, she hopes to pave the way for the next generation of aspiring models who can see themselves reflected in the industry.

“I want to be that model who someone looks up to and says, ‘She made it, so I can too,’” Jenny shares. “Representation matters because it gives people the confidence to pursue their dreams. When they see someone who looks like them, they feel like they belong.”

 

 

Her advice to aspiring models is simple yet impactful: “Know what you’re getting into. Be confident, promote yourself, and build your brand. The industry is tough, and not everyone will be kind, but if you remain strong and consistent, you can carve out your own space.”

“I want my legacy to be that I inspired others and showed that being true to yourself and breaking through barriers can lead to success. I want people to remember that I helped build a community where everyone—regardless of race, gender, or sexuality—feels like they belong.”