Today we’d like to introduce you to Sierra Johnson.
Hi Sierra, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Sierra Johnson, and I am a Chicago-based fashion model whose journey began with a desire to express my personal style and create a life in fashion.
In 2024, I initially set out to become a fashion influencer on Instagram. I began collaborating with local Chicago photographers, styling outfits, and creating content that reflected my personality and love for fashion. While building my social media presence, I was also working as an accounting assistant at a nonprofit organization. After about a year, however, I experienced an extremely difficult and unhealthy workplace environment that ultimately led me to leave my position in November 2024. I walked away feeling defeated and uncertain about what was next.
But what felt like an ending became the beginning of something much greater.
As I continued creating content, I realized that my photos looked less like traditional influencer content and more like professional modeling work. I decided to take a chance on myself and explore what it would actually take to become a professional model.
Only two weeks after leaving my accounting position, I discovered an open house for FashionBar Chicago on Eventbrite. With nothing to lose, I attended on a freezing evening in December at Water Tower Place. I arrived nervous, uncertain, and completely unaware that I was walking into the opportunity that would change the direction of my life.
At the open house, I met Tony Long, founder and CEO of FashionBar Chicago. He introduced me to the organization, explained how they could help develop my career, and gave me a roadmap for building my portfolio, learning runway technique, and getting booked for fashion shows. I was actually the only person who attended that evening, which made the experience feel even more significant.
In January 2025, I officially began my modeling career with FashionBar Chicago. From completing my first professional photoshoot and receiving runway training from Tony Long and supermodel Sharaun Brown to being booked for multiple Chicago Fashion Week shows, I quickly immersed myself in the fashion industry.
I also had the opportunity to collaborate with talented Chicago designers, including Jermikko, Symphony Love, and Muse Chicago. One of my most memorable moments came when Marisol Cruz of Muse Chicago named a custom two-piece set after me that I wore during Chicago Fashion Week. That moment reminded me that I was no longer simply dreaming about becoming a model—I was creating a presence within the industry.
Then, life tested me again.
On August 10, 2025, my father passed away unexpectedly, just one day before his 61st birthday. He passed away in the same apartment where my family and I had lived for 20 years—a place that I still call home today. Losing my father was the most painful experience of my life. At the same time, I was navigating grief, financial challenges, and the uncertainty that comes with building a new career in modeling.
There were moments when I did not know how I would keep going. But through it all, my faith carried me. By the grace of God, I found the strength to continue.
I continued pursuing modeling throughout the remainder of 2025, even when life felt incredibly heavy. Then, in 2026, everything began to accelerate. I started attending more casting calls, booking more opportunities, collaborating with more designers, and becoming increasingly active within Chicago’s fashion community. Watching Chicago’s fashion industry evolve has been incredible, and I am grateful to be growing alongside it.
Today, I am preparing for Chicago Fashion Week in October and looking forward to every opportunity ahead. My journey has taught me that rejection, setbacks, heartbreak, and uncertainty do not have to be the end of your story. Sometimes, they are the very experiences that push you toward the purpose you were meant to pursue.
My ultimate goals are to sign with an amazing modeling agency, expand my work into television and national campaigns, and travel across the country for modeling opportunities. I know there is still so much ahead of me, and I am excited to see where this journey takes me.
I didn’t plan for my life to lead me into modeling. I simply took a chance on myself when I had every reason to give up.
Now, I am walking boldly into the future I once only dreamed about.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest challenges I have faced throughout my modeling journey has been learning how to navigate uncertainty while continuing to pursue my goals. Since leaving my previous position in 2024, finding consistent income while managing financial responsibilities and investing in my modeling career has been difficult. At the same time, I experienced the heartbreaking loss of my father in 2025, and navigating that grief while continuing to build my career has been one of the most challenging experiences of my life.
Grieving him has been especially difficult because I still live in the home where he passed away, a place filled with years of memories and moments with my family. Despite the financial challenges, personal loss, and uncertainty I have experienced, I have continued to show up, pursue opportunities, and move forward.
My faith in God has been my greatest source of strength throughout this journey. These experiences have taught me resilience, perseverance, and the importance of continuing to believe in myself even during difficult seasons. I am proud that, despite everything I have faced, I am still standing, still pursuing my dreams, and still moving forward. I believe the challenges I have overcome are preparing me for the opportunities and success that are ahead.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a fashion model that does editorials, commercial work and runway. I have collaborated with many designers in Chicago during runway presentations, photoshoots and adverting. Alongside working with designers, I’ve also created a photography series called “Thee baddest in the Chi”. “Thee Baddest in the Chi” is a lifestyle photography series created by me that celebrates Chicago women, fashion, confidence, and unapologetic self-expression. Rooted in Chicago pride, urban streetwear, and bold “baddie” energy, each installment captures the beauty and individuality of women who embody the spirit of the city. More than just a photography series, “Thee Baddest in the Chi” showcases what it means to be a fashionable, confident woman in Chicago while highlighting the city’s unique culture and style. The series invites anyone to appreciate and connect with the energy, creativity, and fashion-forward spirit that Chicago brings to the fashion world. Volume one of “Thee baddest in the Chi” was created in 2024 and volume two will be released soon. I believe this photography series is what sets me apart from other models.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
The Calm app has really been helpful for me to manage stress and relax after a busy day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thesierrajohnson.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sierrajay3000
