My name is Tae Johnson and I am a model, actress, and all around performer.

“I initially had no interest in modeling or being apart of this industry. At the time, I was a struggling college student and someone suggested that I create an account on AllCasting.com because I may get lucky and get a paid gig like her daughter. I did, because hey why not! Someone reached out to me regarding acting in a documentary and from there it sparked my interest in modeling. I began doing fashion shows and photoshoots and I feel like I was embraced wholeheartedly.

My biggest inspiration just in the industry as a whole, would be Zendaya. Anyone that knows me, knows that I am probably one of her biggest fans. As an actor, an activist, a designer, a model, a signer, a director and producer, she does it all and she does it completely flawless. In addition, we are around the same age which motivates me even more. I aspire to be on her level of elegance and level of entertainer as a whole.

I think what sets me apart as a model is, to me, modeling is not just about looking pretty for a camera. There is a history behind modeling as an African American woman, starting at the Battle of Versailles. Leaving a legacy of women like Bethann Hardison, Iman, Naomi Campbell, Grace Jones, etc. who really fought for our right to do what we enjoy doing today. They used their bodies, the color of their skin, their hair, their lips, as art to get Black women the recognition of being beautiful. I use this inspiration to be seen as more than a model. I want to be seen as a type of art that has a message to tell and this motivates me to push even harder each.