Meet Cynthia Johnson:

 Model

                                       Washington, DC | Maryland

 

It’s hard to believe that Cynthia Johnson has been modeling for over 25 years and still going strong. Cynthia is known as the model with the “Golden Legs” and for her runway one-of-a-kind signature turns and stop-on-a-dime kick spins!!

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From the start, Cynthia give all thanks to GOD, to a supportive family, and an industry that embraces seasoned and curvy models!  “I would like to thank the King and I (KNI) Production Nomination Committee for selecting me to be featured in the KNI Model Spotlight, I am truly honored.”

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Cynthia started modeling in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia (DMV) area during the boom of African American Designers hitting the runways with the likes of her beloved Ed Burke (deceased), Kevin Dickens, Washington & Mobley, Edouard, Victor Hou, Akin, and Lapinski (to name a few) who have all hailed from the DMV area.  She was there when they started and to this day still have a few of Ed Burke’s garments that she looks at and reminisce about regularly.  She is thankful for several opportunities to model in the Congressional Black Caucus Fashion Shows (CBCFS), produced and directed by the late Dwight Byrd from Wilmington, Delaware.  Walking for Dwight Byrd and Katherine Cook pushed me to another level …their professionalism and strict discipline taught me that modeling is more than just putting on a garment and walking….it takes passion, concentration, body awareness, cuing, movement, listening and synchronizing with music and other models. 

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Cynthia credits her success to the birth of these awesome designers and talented Fashion Show Producers like of Alvin King of KNI Productions and Ron Cooke of Rouge Productions, both of whom are still producing innovative, creative and topnotch fashion shows she’s currently walking in today. In addition, she’s had the extraordinary pleasure of sitting in the make-up chairs of Derrick Rutledge and Kym Lee when both first began their incredible careers in the DMV area.  Derrick and Kym are now Celebrity Make-up Artists to the powerful and elite like Oprah Winfrey, Cicely Tyson, and Michelle Obama.

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As a result of these vast experiences, Cynthia had the opportunity to have been featured in local magazines and newspapers along with several fashion segments on local daytime television programing.

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Approximately 2 years ago in March, she retired from the Federal Government after over 30 years of Federal Service and have never regretted that decision.  After retiring she wanted to continue her passion for modeling and becoming a “Home Stager.”  Cynthia feels overwhelmed how the modeling industry is embracing curvy and seasoned models and happy to say that she has been working pretty consistently.  While waiting the process for training to become a Certified Home Stager, Cynthia has started her own Runway Training Bootcamp Company called CJ’s Runway Strutters.  Her workshops are geared towards the novice and/or models that want to get back into the Industry.  She teaches the basics of runway modeling.  Her motto is “I can get you in the door, however it’s up to you to get called back”.  The “CJ Runway Strutters” workshops cover everything from how to work the runway, how to remove a jacket to what to wear to an audition, backstage model etiquette etc. Her sessions are also open to individuals looking to boast their self-esteem.  Her most recent achievement, she was offered the opportunity to become a Brand Ambassador for two clothing and accessory companies.  According to Cynthia, “what model doesn’t like to receive freebies and the only requirement is to take a picture, post them on social media while receiving a percentage of the sale!?”

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At present, Cynthia Johnson is reviewing a contract offer from a major Washington DC based modeling agency and in addition to modeling for the agency, she’s been approached by the agency to teach runway modeling to new up and coming models!

 

Cynthia wants everyone to know, “I can truly say that I am living my best life and encourage everyone to pursue their dreams and passion.  I am living proof, that it’s never too late!”