“I didn't think this one job was gonna turn into this, but it was just such a blessing,” said O’Neal.

“We don't have like Tyra banks or Naomi Campbell coming from Cameroon,” she said.

Ahanonu initially thought she was too short to model but her talent as an illustrator caught the eye of a major agency.

"I definitely want to leave my mark on the world,” said Smith.  

Loving herself landed Saje Nicole in Sports Illustrated with Megan Thee Stallion.

"Wouldn’t I have to lose like a hundred pounds or something,” she asked the photographer who first suggested she try modeling?

Amarachi Odinma-Maduka’s path to the entertainment industry began in a church pew. While in church one Sunday morning, she was approached by an agent who was struck by her beauty. 

Nana Malone noticed the lack of representation in book modeling, so she decided to become one.

Jalisa Mosby entered a modeling competition in the mall and landed an agent that led to e-commerce and regional runway work. Now she is a contestant on The Thick House and owns a lash company that supports children's causes.

She demands that brands working with her show up for Black causes.

After facing exploitation and harassment the model is looking to call the shots in her own career.

“I saw myself more as a strategist, someone who had the ideas," said Campos.