Christina Grier | Bold And Beyond Mag

**Personal & Career Journey**

Meet our Model

Christina Grier

I’m Christina Grier, but most people in the industry know me as ChristinaThaModel. I’m a fashion and lifestyle model, creative director, and storyteller who believes deeply in the power of presence, representation, and showing up as your full self. My work spans editorial, commercial, runway, and creative concept development — but at the heart of it all, I’m someone who uses fashion as a language.

My modeling career started long before I ever stepped onto a runway. Growing up, style was my first form of self expression. I loved the way clothing could shift a mood, tell a story, or help you step into a version of yourself you hadn’t met yet. Over time, that passion grew into something bigger. I began collaborating with photographers, designers, and creatives who saw something in me — not just the look, but the intention, the emotion, the ability to transform.

What inspired you to become a model?

What inspired me to become a model wasn’t just one moment — it was a collection of experiences that showed me how powerful it is to be seen, to take up space, and to express yourself without saying a word. Growing up, fashion was always my creative outlet. I didn’t always have the language for confidence, but I understood how style could shift my energy, help me tell a story, or let me step into a version of myself I was still growing into.

As I got older, I realized modeling was more than posing or wearing beautiful clothes. It was about representation. It was about showing women — especially plus size women, women with curves, women who’ve been overlooked — that we deserve to be centered in the narrative, not just included on the sidelines. That realization lit something in me.

I was inspired by the idea that my presence could open doors for someone else. That my confidence could spark someone else’s. That my image could challenge outdated standards and redefine what beauty looks like in real time.

So modeling became purpose for me. It became a way to honor my own growth, to celebrate my body, and to stand boldly in spaces that weren’t always built with women like me in mind. Every time I step on set or walk a runway, I’m reminded why I started — to express, to represent, and to inspire.

Was there a defining moment that made you realize modeling was your true passion?

Absolutely — there was a defining moment, and it’s one I’ll never forget.

For a long time, modeling was something I loved, something I felt drawn to, but I hadn’t fully claimed it as my purpose. I knew I had a passion for fashion, storytelling, and self expression, but life has a way of making you question whether your dreams are “realistic.” I kept showing up, kept creating, kept pushing — but there was still a part of me wondering if I truly belonged in this industry.

Then came the moment that changed everything.

When Tyler Perry cast me as an extra on an episode of Divorced Sistas, something shifted in me. Standing on that set — surrounded by excellence, creativity, and people operating fully in their gifts — I felt a spark I couldn’t ignore. It wasn’t about the size of the role; it was about the environment, the energy, the reminder that I was meant to be seen. Being there gave me the courage I didn’t even realize I was missing. It showed me that I didn’t have to wait for permission, validation, or perfect timing. I just had to step into the space God was already preparing for me.
That day was the moment I said to myself, “This is it. This is where I’m supposed to be.” From that point on, modeling stopped being something I was trying — it became something I was committed to. Purposefully. Boldly. Unapologetically. And every time I walk onto a set now, I carry that moment with me — the reminder that sometimes all it takes is one opportunity, one room, one spark to ignite your entire path.

**Industry Experience & Challenges**

What has been the most exciting or memorable shoot you’ve worked on?

There absolutely was a defining moment — but honestly, it wasn’t just one. It was a series of moments that kept confirming, repeatedly, that modeling wasn’t just something I was good at… it was something I was called to. One of the first big shifts happened when Tyler Perry cast me as an extra on an episode of Divorced Sistas. Being on that set changed me. Watching a Black creative empire operate at that level, seeing people walk in their purpose with excellence and intention — it lit a fire in me. I remember standing there thinking, “I belong in rooms like this. I belong in front of the camera. I belong in my calling.” That experience gave me the courage to stop playing small and step fully into my gift.

But the confirmation didn’t stop there. When I collaborated with Mesh Dollhouse and Denim by Jente, something in me expanded even more. Those projects allowed me to tap into my creativity, my versatility, and my ability to transform. They weren’t just shoots — they were moments where I felt myself evolving as an artist. I saw how my presence, my energy, and my confidence could elevate a concept. It made me realize that modeling wasn’t just a passion… it was a purpose. And then came the moment that still gives me chills. My first billboard. Standing there with my billboard sisters — The Empowered 34 — was surreal. We called ourselves “Polished like never b4!” because that’s exactly how it felt. We weren’t just models on a billboard. We were women who had fought through doubt, fear, and life itself to stand tall in a moment that represented so much more than an image. It was empowerment. It was visibility. It was legacy.

Seeing myself up there, larger than life, made everything click. This is what I’m meant to do. This is where I’m meant to be. This is the impact I’m meant to make. So yes — there were defining moments. But together, they created the truth I walk in today: Modeling isn’t just my passion. It’s my purpose, my platform, and my way of inspiring others to step boldly into their own light.

Have you faced any challenges in the modeling industry? If so, how did you overcome them?

Oh yes — I’ve faced challenges, and being plus size in this industry meant I felt them early and often. For a long time, the fashion world had very clear ideas about who “belonged” in front of the camera, and curves weren’t always part of that picture. There were moments when I walked into rooms and felt invisible before I even introduced myself. Moments when opportunities slipped through my fingers simply because my body didn’t fit someone’s outdated standard. But here’s the truth: those challenges didn’t break me. They built me.

Being plus size meant I had to work twice as hard to be taken seriously, but it also meant I learned how to show up with twice the confidence. I had to create my own lane, my own voice, and my own presence — and that’s exactly what I did.

I overcame those limitations by refusing to shrink. I kept showing up. I kept evolving. I kept choosing myself even when the industry didn’t know how to choose me yet. And eventually, the right opportunities started aligning with the version of me that refused to give up.

Some of my biggest breakthroughs came from staying true to who I am:

• Being cast by Tyler Perry as an extra on Divorced Sistas reminded me that visibility matters and that I belonged in creative spaces at the highest level.

• Collaborating with Mesh Dollhouse and Denim by Jente pushed me creatively and proved the value of my versatility, and that journey led to a moment that still feels surreal — my very first billboard, standing proudly beside my billboard sisters, The Empowered 34, “Polished like never b4,” rewriting what representation looks like with every inch of that display.

Every challenge I faced became a stepping stone. Every “no” sharpened my purpose. Every limitation pushed me to expand.

Today, I walk into rooms knowing that my body is not a barrier — it’s part of my power. And I hope my journey reminds other plus size women that the industry doesn’t get to define you. You define you.

How do you prepare for a big shoot or runway show?

When I’m preparing for a big shoot or runway show, I treat it like a full mind body spirit alignment. Modeling isn’t just about showing up — it’s about being present, intentional, and ready to deliver the version of myself that the moment requires.

For me, preparation starts with prayer. I always take a moment to ground myself, thank God for the opportunity, and ask for confidence, clarity, and grace. That spiritual centering sets the tone for everything else.

From there, I shift into study mode. If the information is available, I research the designer, the photographer, the brand, and the creative direction. I want to understand their aesthetic, their storytelling style, and the energy they’re known for. That helps me show up as a true collaborator, not just a model.

Physically, I practice. I’ll run through different walks, depending on the vibe — soft and fluid, sharp and editorial, bold and empowered. I also rehearse poses, angles, and transitions so my body feels loose, confident, and ready to move.

And then there’s the inner work. I spend time in meditation, breathing deeply, visualizing the runway or the set, and imagining myself stepping into that space with full confidence. It helps me quiet any nerves and tap into the version of myself that’s meant to shine.

By the time I arrive, I’m spiritually grounded, mentally focused, creatively prepared, and physically ready. That’s how I honor the craft — and that’s how I make sure every moment counts.

**Creative Process & Style**

How would you describe your modeling style?

I would describe my modeling style as a blend of soft strength, intentional movement, and emotional storytelling. I’m not just modeling clothes — I’m embodying a feeling, a message, a moment. My style lives in that space where confidence meets femininity, where presence meets grace, and where boldness meets vulnerability.

On set or on the runway, I bring a style that is:

• Fluid and expressive — I move with purpose, letting my body tell the story the camera can’t capture in words.

• Versatile and transformative — I can shift from high fashion edge to soft lifestyle warmth without losing my essence.

• Confident and curve embracing — I honor my body, my silhouette, and the power of showing up fully as a plus size woman.

• Emotion driven — I tap into the mood of the concept, so the viewer feels something, not just sees something.

• Polished yet authentic — I bring professionalism, but I never lose the realness that makes my presence unique.

My style is rooted in the belief that modeling is more than posing — it’s storytelling. It’s energy. It’s intention. It’s stepping into a frame and leaving a piece of yourself there.

That’s the signature I bring as ChristinaThaModel.

Do you prefer editorial, commercial, or runway modeling, and why?

I don’t box myself into one lane because my gift shows up differently depending on the space — but if I had to describe my preference, I’d say I love editorial, commercial, and runway for different reasons. My true strength is my adaptability, and that’s what makes each lane feel like home in its own way.

Editorial feeds the artist in me. It lets me tell stories with my body, my eyes, my energy. I get to transform, tap into emotion, and create images that feel cinematic and intentional. Editorial work allows me to stretch creatively and show the depth behind the model.

Commercial taps into my relatability and versatility. I love being able to shift into a lifestyle vibe, connect with the everyday consumer, and bring a brand’s message to life in a way that feels warm, polished, and authentic. Commercial modeling is where my personality shines through the most.

Runway is where my power lives. There’s nothing like the adrenaline, the music, the lights, the energy of the crowd. Runway lets me take up space boldly and unapologetically — especially as a plus size woman. It’s a declaration every time my foot hits the floor.

But the truth is, I don’t choose one over the other because each one pulls on a different part of my gift. My adaptability is what makes me valuable in this industry. I can shift, transform, and embody whatever the moment calls for while still bringing my signature presence.

So my answer is simple: I prefer all three — because each one allows me to show a different dimension of who I am as a model and a storyteller.

What role do you think storytelling plays in modeling?

Storytelling is the heartbeat of my modeling. It’s the difference between a pretty picture and an unforgettable image — between walking a runway and commanding it. To me, modeling is never just about posing; it’s about translating emotion, intention, and narrative through movement, expression, and presence.

When I step in front of a camera or onto a runway, I’m asking myself: What story am I telling? What does this moment need to feel like? What does the viewer need to experience?

Storytelling shows up in everything I do:

• In my eyes — the emotion, the softness, the strength, the mystery.

• In my body language — the angles, the flow, the tension, the release.

• In my energy — the confidence, the vulnerability, the character I’m embodying.

• In my adaptability — shifting from high fashion drama to lifestyle warmth to runway power without losing my essence.

As a plus size model, storytelling also becomes a form of representation. Every time I show up fully, confidently, and unapologetically, I’m telling a story that challenges old narratives and makes space for new ones. I’m showing other women that they deserve to be seen, celebrated, and centered.

So for me, storytelling isn’t an add on — it’s the foundation. It’s how I connect. It’s how I communicate. It’s how I leave a mark.

**Influences & Inspirations**

Are there any models, photographers, or designers who have inspired you?

Absolutely — I’m inspired by so many creatives, and each one has shaped a different part of my artistry, my confidence, and the way I show up in this industry.

When it comes to fashion icons, Teyana Taylor is at the top of my list. Her boldness, her edge, her ability to merge streetwear with high fashion, and the way she commands a room with pure presence — that energy speaks to me. She embodies fearlessness, creativity, and authenticity, and that’s the kind of power I bring into my own work.

On the designer side, I’m deeply inspired by Christian Siriano and Max Alexander. Christian Siriano has always championed inclusivity, celebrating women of every shape and size with designs that make you feel powerful and seen. His work reminds me that curves belong in couture, on runways, and in every fashion conversation. Max Alexander, on the other hand, brings this imaginative, youthful, wearable art energy that pushes me creatively. His pieces feel like storytelling in fabric form, and that inspires me to elevate my own expression in front of the camera.

And of course, I’m inspired by photographers who know how to capture emotion, movement, and truth — the ones who see beyond the pose and into the story. Working with creatives who understand light, mood, and narrative has shaped the way I approach every shoot.

So yes, I’m inspired by icons, designers, and visionaries — but more than anything, I’m inspired by people who use their craft to shift culture, challenge norms, and create space for women like me to be seen and celebrated.

How do you stay motivated and continue growing as a model?

Staying motivated in this industry is a full body, full spirit commitment for me. Modeling isn’t something I do halfway — it’s something I pour into, grow through, and stay intentional about every single day. What keeps me going is a mix of purpose, discipline, and alignment.

First, I stay grounded in prayer. Before anything else, I talk to God. I ask for guidance, clarity, and the strength to keep showing up even when the journey gets challenging. That spiritual foundation keeps me centered and reminds me why I started.

I also stay motivated by constantly studying the craft. If I’m working with a designer or photographer and the information is available, I research them. I study their style, their past work, their creative language. I want to show up prepared, aligned, and ready to collaborate at the highest level.

Growth for me also looks like practice. I’m always refining my walk — trying new tempos, new energies, new characters. I practice poses, transitions, and expressions so my body stays fluid and confident. And because modeling is as mental as it is physical, I spend time in meditation, visualizing the woman I’m becoming and the rooms I’m stepping into.

And honestly, being a plus size model keeps me motivated too. Knowing that my presence challenges old standards and opens doors for other women pushes me to keep evolving. Every time I level up, I’m not just doing it for myself — I’m doing it for the next girl watching.

I stay inspired by the creatives I admire, the opportunities I’ve earned, and the ones I’m still praying for. Growth is a continuous journey, and I’m committed to showing up with intention, adaptability, and purpose every step of the way.

**Future Goals & Advice**

What are your biggest career goals for the future?

My biggest career goals are rooted in purpose, elevation, and legacy. I’ve already accomplished things that once lived only in my prayers, but I’m nowhere near finished — I’m just getting started.

One of my major goals is to be signed by a top modeling agency for print and commercial work. I want to partner with a powerhouse that believes in my versatility, my presence, and my ability to shift culture as a plus size model. I see myself landing national and international print campaigns — the kind you walk past in airports, malls, and magazines and say, “That’s her. That’s Christina.”

I’m also manifesting and working toward major TV deals. Whether it’s acting, hosting, or being featured in large scale productions, I know I’m meant to be on screen in a bigger way. Being cast by Tyler Perry as an extra was just the beginning — a seed planted. I’m ready for the roles, the visibility, and the storytelling that align with my purpose.

Beyond that, I want to continue building a career that blends fashion, storytelling, and representation. I want to walk international runways, collaborate with global designers, and be part of campaigns that shift the narrative around beauty and body diversity.

And most importantly, I want my journey to open doors for others. I want young girls — especially plus size girls — to look at me and see possibility, confidence, and a reminder that they deserve to take up space.

So, my biggest goals? To elevate. To expand. To be seen on a global scale. And to leave a mark that outlives the moment.

Do you have any dream collaborations or brands you'd love to work with?

Oh, I definitely have dream collaborations — and they’re not just about the name, they’re about alignment, artistry, and impact. I want to work with brands and creatives who understand storytelling, representation, and the power of a woman showing up fully in her skin.

At the top of my list is J. Bolin. His eye for transformation, drama, and elevated fashion is unmatched. The way he styles women — especially curvy women — with intention and excellence speaks directly to my spirit. A collaboration with him would be pure magic.

On the design side, I’m manifesting partnerships with Max Alexander and Christian Siriano. Max Alexander brings that youthful, imaginative, wearable art energy that pushes me creatively. Christian Siriano has always championed inclusivity and designs pieces that make you feel powerful, seen, and celebrated. Working with either of them would be a full circle moment for me as a plus size model.

I also see myself partnering with Reebok — specifically under Shaquille O’Neal’s leadership. His commitment to accessibility, empowerment, and community aligns with the kind of impact I want to make. A campaign that blends athleticism, confidence, and representation would be a dream.

And beyond the big names, I want to collaborate with any brand that aligns with my best interest — brands that value authenticity, diversity, storytelling, and the beauty of real women. I want partnerships that feel purposeful, not performative. Collaborations where my presence isn’t just included but intentionally chosen.

So yes, I have dream brands — but more importantly, I have a dream impact. I want to work with creatives who see me, align with me, and elevate the message I’m here to carry.

What advice would you give to aspiring models looking to break into the industry?

The first thing I tell any aspiring model is this: you don’t need permission to start — you just need intention, confidence, and consistency. The industry can be intimidating, but it becomes a lot less scary when you decide to show up for yourself first.

Here’s the advice I wish someone would have given me early on:

• Build your confidence from the inside out. Modeling starts long before the camera turns on. Speak life over yourself, practice self love, and don’t let comparison steal your momentum. Confidence is your currency in this industry.

• Study the craft. Learn poses. Study lighting. Watch runway shows. Follow designers, photographers, and stylists. Understand the language of fashion so you can walk into any room prepared and professional.

• Practice like it’s already yours. Work on your walk. Practice your angles. Take digitals often. The more you move, the more natural it becomes. Treat your body like an instrument — train it, stretch it, and take care of it.

• Build your portfolio with intention. You don’t need a million photos — you need the right ones. Clean digitals, a strong headshot, and a few versatile looks can open more doors than you think.

• Network and stay visible. Attend castings, fashion shows, workshops, and creative meetups. Connect with photographers and designers who align with your style. Sometimes the right opportunity comes from simply being in the room.

• Don’t fear rejection — it’s part of the journey. Every “no” is redirection, not defeat. I’ve heard plenty of them, especially as a plus size model, but each one pushed me closer to the rooms meant for me.

• Stay grounded in who you are. Your uniqueness is your power. Your story, your look, your energy — that’s what sets you apart. Don’t dilute yourself trying to fit into someone else’s mold.

• And most importantly: keep God, discipline, and purpose at the center. This industry will test you, but when you know who you are and why you’re here, you’ll move with a confidence that can’t be shaken.

So, my advice is simple: Start boldly. Grow intentionally. Show up consistently. And never forget that the world needs what only you can bring.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you started your modeling career?

What started as curiosity became purpose. I realized that modeling wasn’t just about being in front of a camera; it was about visibility, confidence, and creating space for women who look like me to be seen, celebrated, and centered. That’s what pushed me to take my career seriously and step fully into this industry with both passion and discipline. Today, I’m grateful to be building a career that reflects both my artistry and my advocacy. Every shoot, every runway, every project is an opportunity to tell a story — not just for myself, but for the people who see themselves in me.