JUNETEENTH NY
MODEL MASTERCLASS SERIES
JUNETEENTH NY
MODEL MASTERCLASS SERIES
SIGN UP FOR THE NEXT MASTERCLASS
MODEL MASTERCLASS #4
(Model Mastery: Elevating Style & Mental Wellness)
SIGN UP FOR THE NEXT MASTERCLASS
MODEL MASTERCLASS #4
(Model Mastery: Elevating Style & Mental Wellness)
Guest Speaker:
GucckiiDaGreat
born in Brooklyn and raised in the vibrant neighborhoods of Brownsville and East New York, GucckiiDaGreat has always been a creative force. Between the ages of 12 and 14, GucckiiDaGreat modeled professionally and honed her acting skills with Scott Powers.
In 2016, after enduring sexual harassment at her construction job, GucckiiDaGreat founded Living Life Apparel. Despite the challenges, she continued to work in various roles while pursuing her passion for fashion. Later, after experiencing sexual harassment again at her security job, she took a mental health leave of absence, sought therapy, and ultimately resigned. It was then that she decided to invest in herself full-time.
In 2022, GucckiiDaGreat began styling professionally.
GucckiiDaGreat continues to drive innovation in the fashion industry, committed to empowering models and promoting sustainable and upcycled fashion.
Date: Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Time: 5PM to 7PM
Venue Name:
TBD
Venue Address:
TBD
Guest Speaker:
GucckiiDaGreat
born in Brooklyn and raised in the vibrant neighborhoods of Brownsville and East New York, GucckiiDaGreat has always been a creative force. Between the ages of 12 and 14, GucckiiDaGreat modeled professionally and honed her acting skills with Scott Powers.
In 2016, after enduring sexual harassment at her construction job, GucckiiDaGreat founded Living Life Apparel. Despite the challenges, she continued to work in various roles while pursuing her passion for fashion. Later, after experiencing sexual harassment again at her security job, she took a mental health leave of absence, sought therapy, and ultimately resigned. It was then that she decided to invest in herself full-time.
In 2022, GucckiiDaGreat began styling professionally.
GucckiiDaGreat continues to drive innovation in the fashion industry, committed to empowering models and promoting sustainable and upcycled fashion.
Date: Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Time: 5PM to 7PM
Venue Name:
TBD
Venue Address:
TBD
PREVIOUS MASTERCLASSES
PREVIOUS MASTERCLASSES
MODEL MASTERCLASS #3
(Personal Branding)
MODEL MASTERCLASS #3
(Personal Branding)
Guest Speakers
Will Focus
Will has built a solid career as a visual aesthetician. Creating powerful conceptual images, he edges on the beauty and fashion of modern photography while meshing it with an intentionally dynamic futurist vision. Inspired by his own illustrative work, Will constantly fuels his own imaginative works by building out breathtaking ethereal concepts and striking quality for his clients.
Will’s most current passion lead project and brain child is “The Photo Takeover”. The Photo Takeover is a theme and challenge based, curated-experiential, event series. In this on going series, Will bridges the gap between various visual creatives by gathering photographers, videographers, models, muas, stylists, and designers together under one roof to create beautiful and catalyzing portfolio content.
Jeannie Ferguson
Plus Petite Powerhouse Jeannie Ferguson has over a decade as a fixture behind the scenes as a Buyer, Merchandiser, Allocator, and Product Development Coordinator. In her present position as Production Manager, she is an asset to the fashion biz. However, while taking notice of fashion industry standards in comparison to what society considers "real women", she recognized a desire to see something different. And as the go getter she is, Jeannie made the decision to be the difference.
Jeannie was thrown onto the runway as a last-minute replacement for a no-show model. As soon as the crowd laid eyes on the 5'3, size 14 strutting her stuff they took to their feet and the roar was deafening. At that moment, Jeannie knew there was no turning back. With her signature walk, Jeannie Ferguson
has gone on to grace the runways for numerous designers including Ashley Stewart, BGU, Marco Hall, Robert. E Knight, Monif C., Tru diva Designs, New Jersey Full Figured Fashion Week, Full Figured Fashion Week New York, Maryland Fashion Week; Plus Night Out.
Will Focus
Will has built a solid career as a visual aesthetician. Creating powerful conceptual images, he edges on the beauty and fashion of modern photography while meshing it with an intentionally dynamic futurist vision. Inspired by his own illustrative work, Will constantly fuels his own imaginative works by building out breathtaking ethereal concepts and striking quality for his clients.
Will’s most current passion lead project and brain child is “The Photo Takeover”. The Photo Takeover is a theme and challenge based, curated-experiential, event series. In this on going series, Will bridges the gap between various visual creatives by gathering photographers, videographers, models, muas, stylists, and designers together under one roof to create beautiful and catalyzing portfolio content.
Jeannie Ferguson
Plus Petite Powerhouse Jeannie Ferguson has over a decade as a fixture behind the scenes as a Buyer, Merchandiser, Allocator, and Product Development Coordinator. In her present position as Production Manager, she is an asset to the fashion biz. However, while taking notice of fashion industry standards in comparison to what society considers "real women", she recognized a desire to see something different. And as the go getter she is, Jeannie made the decision to be the difference.
Jeannie was thrown onto the runway as a last-minute replacement for a no-show model. As soon as the crowd laid eyes on the 5'3, size 14 strutting her stuff they took to their feet and the roar was deafening. At that moment, Jeannie knew there was no turning back. With her signature walk, Jeannie Ferguson
has gone on to grace the runways for numerous designers including Ashley Stewart, BGU, Marco Hall, Robert. E Knight, Monif C., Tru diva Designs, New Jersey Full Figured Fashion Week, Full Figured Fashion Week New York, Maryland Fashion Week; Plus Night Out.
Guest Speakers:
Will Focus
Will has built a solid career as a visual aesthetician. Creating powerful conceptual images, he edges on the beauty and fashion of modern photography while meshing it with an intentionally dynamic futurist vision. Inspired by his own illustrative work, Will constantly fuels his own imaginative works by building out breathtaking ethereal concepts and striking quality for his clients.
Will’s most current passion lead project and brain child is “The Photo Takeover”. The Photo Takeover is a theme and challenge based, curated-experiential, event series. In this on going series, Will bridges the gap between various visual creatives by gathering photographers, videographers, models, muas, stylists, and designers together under one roof to create beautiful and catalyzing portfolio content.
Jeannie Ferguson
Plus Petite Powerhouse Jeannie Ferguson has over a decade as a fixture behind the scenes as a Buyer, Merchandiser, Allocator, and Product Development Coordinator. In her present position as Production Manager, she is an asset to the fashion biz. However, while taking notice of fashion industry standards in comparison to what society considers "real women", she recognized a desire to see something different. And as the go getter she is, Jeannie made the decision to be the difference.
Jeannie was thrown onto the runway as a last-minute replacement for a no-show model. As soon as the crowd laid eyes on the 5'3, size 14 strutting her stuff they took to their feet and the roar was deafening. At that moment, Jeannie knew there was no turning back. With her signature walk, Jeannie Ferguson
has gone on to grace the runways for numerous designers including Ashley Stewart, BGU, Marco Hall, Robert. E Knight, Monif C., Tru diva Designs, New Jersey Full Figured Fashion Week, Full Figured Fashion Week New York, Maryland Fashion Week; Plus Night Out.
Date: Friday, June 7, 2024
Time: 5PM to 9PM
Venue Name:
PS 35
Venue Address:
272 Macdonough Street, Brooklyn 11233
MODEL MASTER CLASS #2
(Hair Care & Protective Care)
MODEL MASTER CLASS #2
(Hair Care & Protective Care)
Guest Speakers
Brieana Spriull
Brieana Spruill is a hair artist whose work crosses all boundaries in textures, complexions, ages, genders, and ethnicities. Her personal style reflects the uniqueness of her hair artistry. Her calm, yet encouraging demeanor makes you feel your absolute best. She is a confidant for her clients - passionate about contributing to the way they express themselves. Her experience and training spans 15 years.
Her braiding and textured hair tricks have all been self taught starting from her childhood - naturally having the patience and talent for the intricate practice. This, plus more skills obtained from cosmetology school, got her to further her career and do freelancing! Many photoshoots, music videos, and wig commissions later in her home state of New Jersey, she also created her own beauty and wellness brand called Luminous Mood Hair.
Her experience jumping right into working in the field has taught her how to interact with different types of personalities, being organized with all hair textures, and the responsibility to gain trust with her clients.
Carmen
Carmen Velazquez is an aspiring esthetician, certified Holistic Wellness Coach and Licensed Waxing Technician in the state of New York whos love for all things skincare, self sufficiency and esthetics has taken her on journey from makeup artistry to lash artistry to obtaining her license and becoming a professional waxer specializing in hard wax, Brazilians and Eyebrows and along the way taking a detour down the Holistic Wellness route that she realized have now merged into one path.
From the age of 14, Carmen has expressed a love for all things beauty! Hair, makeup, and nails of course, and along her own personal journey and in her professional experience was taught how proper skin care and internal health lead to flawless application, glowing skin and overall confidence. In highschool, Carmen started doing makeup for her friends, learning from studying the greats work like Pat Mcgrath, Hudson Kattan, Bobby Brown and watching youtube tutorials.
Overtime, word spread and her clientele grew from doing prom makeup, to bridal makeup, and developed into editorials and photoshoots, fashion shows and modeling events.
Brieana Spriull
Brieana Spruill is a hair artist whose work crosses all boundaries in textures, complexions, ages, genders, and ethnicities. Her personal style reflects the uniqueness of her hair artistry. Her calm, yet encouraging demeanor makes you feel your absolute best. She is a confidant for her clients - passionate about contributing to the way they express themselves. Her experience and training spans 15 years.
Her braiding and textured hair tricks have all been self taught starting from her childhood - naturally having the patience and talent for the intricate practice. This, plus more skills obtained from cosmetology school, got her to further her career and do freelancing! Many photoshoots, music videos, and wig commissions later in her home state of New Jersey, she also created her own beauty and wellness brand called Luminous Mood Hair.
Her experience jumping right into working in the field has taught her how to interact with different types of personalities, being organized with all hair textures, and the responsibility to gain trust with her clients.
Carmen
Carmen Velazquez is an aspiring esthetician, certified Holistic Wellness Coach and Licensed Waxing Technician in the state of New York whos love for all things skincare, self sufficiency and esthetics has taken her on journey from makeup artistry to lash artistry to obtaining her license and becoming a professional waxer specializing in hard wax, Brazilians and Eyebrows and along the way taking a detour down the Holistic Wellness route that she realized have now merged into one path.
From the age of 14, Carmen has expressed a love for all things beauty! Hair, makeup, and nails of course, and along her own personal journey and in her professional experience was taught how proper skin care and internal health lead to flawless application, glowing skin and overall confidence. In highschool, Carmen started doing makeup for her friends, learning from studying the greats work like Pat Mcgrath, Hudson Kattan, Bobby Brown and watching youtube tutorials.
Overtime, word spread and her clientele grew from doing prom makeup, to bridal makeup, and developed into editorials and photoshoots, fashion shows and modeling events.
MODEL MASTER CLASS #1
(Modeling 101: The Basics)
MODEL MASTER CLASS #1
(Modeling 101: The Basics)
Guest Speakers
Nyoki Potts
Nicole “Nyoki” Potts was born and raised in Brooklyn NY to Barbadian natives. Nyoki took an interest into arts from the early age of 6. Her favorite artist was Michael Jackson and she loved anything that involved arts and crafts. Her interest for arts grew deeper as she went to school for performing arts. She started off as customizing outfits for school talent shows as well as sang and danced. When she graduated school she ventured off into the modeling industry and have done print modeling, music videos and runway. As she is a talented ambitious individual, Nyoki wanted to explore her talents where she can express her creativity and started designing her own clothing since 2015. Nyoki is also a Life Coach outside of designing and loves to help individuals achieve and execute their dreams. She is living proof that dreams do come true.
Matt Tofel
Matt Tofel was born in Yonkers, raised on Long Island, lived in Indonesia, Saratoga Springs, New Paltz, Providence, Jersey City, Hoboken, Brooklyn, Boston and is now somehow back in Long Island with a studio in Brooklyn. Working as everything from a bartender to a stable hand to a QA Engineer, he’s had quite the curious journey from there to here. Always in love with art, he’s tried career after career until one day he realized he’d been carrying it with him this whole time in the Nikon 35mm he’d had since he was 10. Since then, he has dedicated himself to learning everything there is to know about photography, editing, props, set design, and turning people’s ideas into photos. He’s been shooting Portrait, Boudoir, Fashion, Editorial, Fantasy and Landscape with intention for 5 years. Imaginative, irreverent, flexible, friendly, and passionate, ain’t nothing gonna stop him.
Nyoki Potts
Nicole “Nyoki” Potts was born and raised in Brooklyn NY to Barbadian natives. Nyoki took an interest into arts from the early age of 6. Her favorite artist was Michael Jackson and she loved anything that involved arts and crafts. Her interest for arts grew deeper as she went to school for performing arts. She started off as customizing outfits for school talent shows as well as sang and danced. When she graduated school she ventured off into the modeling industry and have done print modeling, music videos and runway. As she is a talented ambitious individual, Nyoki wanted to explore her talents where she can express her creativity and started designing her own clothing since 2015. Nyoki is also a Life Coach outside of designing and loves to help individuals achieve and execute their dreams. She is living proof that dreams do come true.
Matt Tofel
Matt Tofel was born in Yonkers, raised on Long Island, lived in Indonesia, Saratoga Springs, New Paltz, Providence, Jersey City, Hoboken, Brooklyn, Boston and is now somehow back in Long Island with a studio in Brooklyn. Working as everything from a bartender to a stable hand to a QA Engineer, he’s had quite the curious journey from there to here. Always in love with art, he’s tried career after career until one day he realized he’d been carrying it with him this whole time in the Nikon 35mm he’d had since he was 10. Since then, he has dedicated himself to learning everything there is to know about photography, editing, props, set design, and turning people’s ideas into photos. He’s been shooting Portrait, Boudoir, Fashion, Editorial, Fantasy and Landscape with intention for 5 years. Imaginative, irreverent, flexible, friendly, and passionate, ain’t nothing gonna stop him.
Guest Speakers:
Nyoki Potts
Nicole “Nyoki” Potts was born and raised in Brooklyn NY to Barbadian natives. Nyoki took an interest into arts from the early age of 6. Her favorite artist was Michael Jackson and she loved anything that involved arts and crafts. Her interest for arts grew deeper as she went to school for performing arts. She started off as customizing outfits for school talent shows as well as sang and danced. When she graduated school she ventured off into the modeling industry and have done print modeling, music videos and runway. As she is a talented ambitious individual, Nyoki wanted to explore her talents where she can express her creativity and started designing her own clothing since 2015. Nyoki is also a Life Coach outside of designing and loves to help individuals achieve and execute their dreams. She is living proof that dreams do come true.
Matt Tofel
Matt Tofel was born in Yonkers, raised on Long Island, lived in Indonesia, Saratoga Springs, New Paltz, Providence, Jersey City, Hoboken, Brooklyn, Boston and is now somehow back in Long Island with a studio in Brooklyn. Working as everything from a bartender to a stable hand to a QA Engineer, he’s had quite the curious journey from there to here. Always in love with art, he’s tried career after career until one day he realized he’d been carrying it with him this whole time in the Nikon 35mm he’d had since he was 10. Since then, he has dedicated himself to learning everything there is to know about photography, editing, props, set design, and turning people’s ideas into photos. He’s been shooting Portrait, Boudoir, Fashion, Editorial, Fantasy and Landscape with intention for 5 years. Imaginative, irreverent, flexible, friendly, and passionate, ain’t nothing gonna stop him.
Date: Saturday, May 25, 2024
Time: 2PM to 4PM
Venue Name:
PS 35
Venue Address:
272 Macdonough Street, Brooklyn 11233
THE HISTORY OF MODELING AND ITS CONNECTION TO
THE EVOLUTION OF MODELING
The profession of modeling has evolved significantly since its inception. Modeling as a recognized profession began in the mid-19th century. The first known professional model was Marie Vernet Worth, who worked for her husband, Charles Frederick Worth, a renowned Parisian fashion designer. In the early 20th century, modeling became more structured with the establishment of modeling agencies, the most famous being the Ford Models agency in 1946.
The role of models evolved from simply showcasing garments to embodying fashion trends and ideals of beauty. The 1960s and 1970s saw the rise of supermodels who became celebrities in their own right. However, this history often overlooked the contributions and challenges faced by African American models.
AFRICAN-AMERICAN MODELS
THE STRUGGLE FOR INCLUSION
African American models have historically faced significant challenges due to racial discrimination within the fashion industry. In the early 20th century, black models were largely excluded from mainstream fashion. It wasn't until the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s that the doors began to open, albeit slowly.
Trailblazing models like Dorothea Towles Church, the first successful black model in Paris, and Naomi Sims, considered the first African American supermodel, paved the way for future generations. Despite their success, they often faced racism and limited opportunities compared to their white counterparts.
CONNECTING TO JUNETEENTH
Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Texas were finally informed of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day symbolizes the end of slavery in the United States and the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality.
The history of African American models connects to Juneteenth through the broader narrative of the fight for civil rights and equality. Just as Juneteenth represents liberation and the quest for true freedom, the journey of African American models reflects the struggle against systemic racism and the pursuit of representation and acceptance in the fashion industry.
The inclusion and success of African American models are a testament to the progress made since Juneteenth, but also a reminder of the ongoing challenges in achieving racial equality. Their stories of resilience and triumph resonate with the spirit of Juneteenth, highlighting the importance of visibility, representation, and breaking barriers in all spheres of society, including fashion.
INCORPORATING HISTORY INTO WORKSHOPS
Understanding the history of modeling, especially the contributions and struggles of African American models, adds a rich layer of context to our Juneteenth NYC workshops. By incorporating this history, we celebrate the achievements of black models and acknowledge the barriers they overcame, thus honoring the spirit of Juneteenth.
Our workshops will include discussions on the evolution of the modeling industry, the pivotal figures in African American modeling history, and the ongoing challenges and triumphs in the fight for equality and representation. This holistic approach not only educates but also inspires, drawing parallels between the past and present struggles for equality, and celebrating the progress made since Juneteenth.
THE HISTORY OF MODELING AND ITS CONNECTION TO
THE EVOLUTION OF MODELING
The profession of modeling has evolved significantly since its inception. Modeling as a recognized profession began in the mid-19th century. The first known professional model was Marie Vernet Worth, who worked for her husband, Charles Frederick Worth, a renowned Parisian fashion designer. In the early 20th century, modeling became more structured with the establishment of modeling agencies, the most famous being the Ford Models agency in 1946.
The role of models evolved from simply showcasing garments to embodying fashion trends and ideals of beauty. The 1960s and 1970s saw the rise of supermodels who became celebrities in their own right. However, this history often overlooked the contributions and challenges faced by African American models.
AFRICAN-AMERICAN MODELS
THE STRUGGLE FOR INCLUSION
African American models have historically faced significant challenges due to racial discrimination within the fashion industry. In the early 20th century, black models were largely excluded from mainstream fashion. It wasn't until the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s that the doors began to open, albeit slowly.
Trailblazing models like Dorothea Towles Church, the first successful black model in Paris, and Naomi Sims, considered the first African American supermodel, paved the way for future generations. Despite their success, they often faced racism and limited opportunities compared to their white counterparts.
CONNECTING TO JUNETEENTH
Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Texas were finally informed of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day symbolizes the end of slavery in the United States and the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality.
The history of African American models connects to Juneteenth through the broader narrative of the fight for civil rights and equality. Just as Juneteenth represents liberation and the quest for true freedom, the journey of African American models reflects the struggle against systemic racism and the pursuit of representation and acceptance in the fashion industry.
The inclusion and success of African American models are a testament to the progress made since Juneteenth, but also a reminder of the ongoing challenges in achieving racial equality. Their stories of resilience and triumph resonate with the spirit of Juneteenth, highlighting the importance of visibility, representation, and breaking barriers in all spheres of society, including fashion.
INCORPORATING HISTORY INTO WORKSHOPS
Understanding the history of modeling, especially the contributions and struggles of African American models, adds a rich layer of context to our Juneteenth NYC workshops. By incorporating this history, we celebrate the achievements of black models and acknowledge the barriers they overcame, thus honoring the spirit of Juneteenth.
Our workshops will include discussions on the evolution of the modeling industry, the pivotal figures in African American modeling history, and the ongoing challenges and triumphs in the fight for equality and representation. This holistic approach not only educates but also inspires, drawing parallels between the past and present struggles for equality, and celebrating the progress made since Juneteenth.
© 2024 by JuneteenthNYC
© 2024 by JuneteenthNYC