“Be. Feel. Walk Confident”: The Philosophy Behind Canada’s Leading Runway Coach and Her Mission to Empower Through Movement

At first glance, it’s the confidence that captivates you—the way she speaks, the way she moves, the way she commands a room without ever needing to raise her voice. But that confidence wasn’t always there. In fact, it was born in the shadows of bullying, self-doubt, and shoes she didn’t even know how to walk in.

Today, Jessica is hailed as Canada’s top runway coach, shaping the walks and the confidence of models who’ve gone on to grace runways for designers such as Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton. But the path to this spotlight wasn’t paved with glamour. It was forged through grit, heartache, healing, and the unshakable belief that every woman deserves to "Be. Feel. Walk Confident."

Jessica started with no experience in heels, only an unrelenting desire to help others see the power in themselves. That desire has since evolved into a movement, one that transforms not just how models walk, but how they show up in every aspect of life.

This article is a journey through the pivotal moments that shaped a bullied little girl into a runway force, a mentor, a businesswoman, and a beacon of empowerment. From the bold philosophy behind Jessica’s signature slogan “Black Is Beautiful” to her reflections on identity, confidence, and growth, we’ll walk with her heel to heel through the transformation that continues to inspire hundreds across Canada and beyond.

Models of Canada: From a bullied little girl to becoming the top runway coach in Toronto and Canada, can you walk us through the key moments that shaped this incredible transformation?

Jessica: Growing up, I faced bullying on so many levels—not just for my appearance, like my acne, awkward walk, and crooked tooth—but also for the color of my skin. Being called horrible names left emotional scars that ran deep. For a long time, I carried shame that didn’t belong to me. I remember trying to shrink myself just to avoid being noticed. Confidence? I didn’t even know what that felt like. But deep down, something in me always believed there was more to my story.

The real transformation began when I started discovering my worth—through faith, through family, and through resilience. I found strength in the support systemaround me and slowly began to reclaim my confidence. That was the first majorshift.

The second? Getting hired by the owner of a local modeling agency I wasmodelling for at the time. With no experience knowing how to walk in heels, shesaw potential in me that I hadn’t yet recognized in myself. The third was taking abold leap of faith and applying to be a runway coach at one of Toronto’s biggestmodeling agencies — I was nervous, unsure if I was "qualified enough,” no fancyresume, just passion and determination. I got the job!

But the biggest moment of all was when I walked away from it all to start my ownrunway coaching business. That’s when it became real—when I had the freedomto make decisions that truly transformed lives.Those were the turning points—the personal and professional moments thattaught me that transformation isn’t just about technique or image. It’s aboutbelieving in who you are and showing up powerfully, even when the world oncetold you not to.

That little girl who was once bullied? She’s now “The Transformer,” known forsculpting fierce walks and even fiercer confidence—and I wear that title with pride.

Models of Canada: You mentioned having no experience walking in heels whenyou first started coaching. What was it like to go fromdoubting your own abilities to confidently teaching others?

Jessica: Words truly can't describe how unsure I was when I first stepped into coaching. I had no experience walking in heels, no formal training, and definitely no confidence in my ability to lead others in this space. I was uncomfortable—and not just a little, I mean completely out of my element. But as they say, good things often come from uncomfortable places. I leaned into that discomfort, and I prayed about it. Deep down, I knew this was my calling, and I couldn’t let fear or self-doubt hold me back.

When I started coaching, there were no YouTube tutorials, no TikTok hacks, noInstagram reels to guide me. All I had was television—and Fashion Television becamemy university. I watched it religiously, studying every model’s walk, every movement,the way they turned, held their posture, and carried presence. I’d jot down notesobsessively and replay runway shows over and over. My mom used to say, “You’re watching that again?” But I wasn’t tired of it—I was fascinated by it.

Naomi Campbell was the first model who truly captivated me. She was confident,graceful, powerful—and she looked like me. Seeing a Black woman own the runway insuch an iconic way planted a seed. She became my inspiration, and from there I toldmyself, I’m going to create my own signature walk. And I did. I practiced on my ownfirst—trial and error—so I could better teach others in a way that made sense and felt authentic.

That’s how it all started. From feeling completely lost to building something meaningful—something powerful. Now, every time I coach, I see parts of that journey reflected in my students, and I’m reminded why I started.

I’m so confident in what I do. What once felt foreign has become second nature. Teaching has become effortless because it's no longer just something I do—it's part ofwho I am. And yet, I’m always evolving. I stay open, constantly learning, and adaptingto the ever-changing trends and energy of the runway world. Coaching has becomemy purpose, and it’s a gift I’m proud to share every day.

Models of Canada: As someone who has coached models for major brands like Marc Jacobs and LouisVuitton, what has been the most rewarding part of helping someone find their unique walk on the runway?

Jessica: Honestly, the most rewarding part of being a runway coach is witnessing the models transformation. It’s not just about teaching a model how to walk; it’s about helping them discover their power. That moment when their shoulders drop, their head lifts, and they step with confidence like they own the runway—that's everything to me.

I remember what it felt like when I first started. I was unsure,uncomfortable, and completely out of my element. So now, when I coach models, it’s not just about technique—it’s about pulling out that inner confidence, that presence, and helping them realize it’s been in them the whole time.

We all have a gift in this lifetime—mine is being of service.Supporting and guiding the models I coach is what I was builtfor. And every time I see one of them shine, it’s a powerful reminder that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

Models of Canada: Your focus on building confidence in models is inspiring. How did your personal journey with self-esteem influence the way you approach coaching?

Jessica: My own journey with self-esteem plays a huge role in how I coach. I’m very mindful of how models feel, because I know what it’s like to struggle with confidence. I approach each session with a mix of logic, technique, patience, and kindness. I make it my mission to ensure every model feels like someone—not something. I share my own experiences so they understand we’re more alike than different. My goal is always to build them up, not tear them down. Because I know first-hand, confidence isn’t taught—it’s nurtured.

Models of Canada: What is the philosophy behind “Be.Feel. Walk Confident,” and how doesit extend beyond the runway into other aspects of life for the models you work with?

Jessica: The philosophy behind “Be. Feel. Walk Confident” is more than just a runway mantra— it’s a full-circle approach to personal empowerment. It begins with learning to Be—being present, self-aware, and grounded in your own worth. Then it moves into how you Feel—nurturing a healthy lifestyle, embracing your body, and aligning your energy from the inside out. Finally, it’s about how you Walk—and not just on the runway.

The “walk” also represents the journey each model takes in their career. It symbolizes the steps they take toward growth, resilience, and becoming their most authentic self.Whether it’s facing rejection, building a portfolio, or finally landing that dream fashion show or campaign—every step is part of their personal walk.

I created this philosophy through my own lived experiences, and even now, I stillpractice what I preach. That’s why I know their success is possible—because I’ve walked in their shoes, both literally and figuratively.

Today, I get to help models build not just confidence in their walk, but also in their voice,their presence, and their belief in what’s possible for them.

“Be. Feel. Walk Confident” isn’t just a philosophy—it’s a mindset, a lifestyle, a career path,and a powerful reminder that the journey is just as important as the destination.

Models of Canada: You’ve said that your training transforms a model’s walk and theirconfidence. Can you share a particular success story where youwitnessed this shift firsthand?

Jessica: One of the most powerful transformations I’ve ever witnessed—and one that truly affirmed my purpose—was with a young model named Kayla Clarke. At just 15 years old, she had no idea what was ahead of her.

I still remember how it all started. My assistant at the time, Jaskirat, was shopping at Zellers when she spotted Kayla. She called me and said, “There’s this tall girl here who looks like a model. Should I give her your card?” Without hesitation, I told her, “YES!” The next day, I met Kayla in person—and the moment I saw her, I knew she had it.

I introduced her to Cynthia Cully, owner of Spot 6 Management to get her placed, and Kayla was signed right away. From there, I coached her relentlessly. Back then, Kayla could barely walk in heels and was still discovering how to carry herself—but she had that spark. Week after week, we trained, and with time, her walk improved—but more importantly, her confidence grew. You could see it in her posture, her energy, and the way she began to own every step she took. That confidence became the foundation for everything that followed. I havethe before-and-after footage to prove how far she came.

But like many aspiring models, Kayla hit a point where things felt stagnant. She hadn’t booked anything major yet and felt like giving up. I remember having a heart-to-heart and telling her, “You are closer than you think. Don’t stop now.” Just two months later, she landed her first major show—walking for Marc Jacobs in New York.

That moment changed everything—for her and for me. She went on to walk for Givenchy, close Louis Vuitton, and even grace the cover of ELLE Magazine, being named fashion’s new runway star. Watching her grow from unsure to unstoppable was the kind of transformation that still gives me chills. Her confidence was seen and she become more .

It was also the moment that birthed one of my mottos: “I transform walks from basic to fierce.” Because I’ve lived it. Kayla and I still keep intouch—she’s family now. And her journey continues to remind me that I’m living in my purpose: to serve, to support, and to walk with others as they find their light.

Models of Canada: How do you maintain your own sense of confidence and drive, given the ups and downs that come with running your own business and coaching high-profile clients?

Jessica: Maintaining my confidence and drive, especially while running my own business and coaching high-profile clients, comes from staying deeply connected to my why. For me, this is more than a career—it’s a calling. I truly believe that I’m walking in my God-given purpose, and that belief keeps me grounded and fueled, even on the toughest days.

God is at the center of it all. My faith is what gives me strength, direction, and peace. It’swhat I turn to when things feel overwhelming or uncertain. And my family—oh, they’re myanchor. They keep me humble, remind me of where I came from, and are my biggest supporters. Their love and encouragement are the quiet strength behind everything I do.I’ve come to understand that confidence isn’t something you arrive at and stay in forever—it’s something you cultivate daily. I’ve had moments of doubt, of fear, of wondering if I’m “good enough.” But instead of letting those moments define me, I let them refine me. I stay in prayer, I stay focused, and I trust that what’s for me won’t miss me.

I’m always evolving, always learning. I adapt to the ever-changing industry, new styles of walking, new generations of models—but one thing never changes: I remember the girl I used to be. The one with the awkward walk, the bad acne, the crooked tooth. And I think,if she can become this woman today, so can every model I coach.

That’s what keeps me going. Helping others step into their confidence while staying rooted in mine—that’s the most rewarding walk of all.

Models of Canada: Getting more personal, how has your identity evolved over the yearsfrom being a top runway coach to a multifaceted entrepreneur and individual?

Jessica: Getting personal, my journey from being a top runway coach to a multifaceted entrepreneur has been nothing short of transformative—and deeply humbling.

In the beginning, I was laser-focused on mastering the art of the walk. I poured everything into coaching, building confidence in my models, and creating a name for myself in this industry. But as I grew, both professionally and personally, I realized that I was so much more than the runway. My purpose extended beyond the heels, the poses, and the castings.

Today, I wear many hats—I'm a loving mom, a devoted wife, a proud twin, and one of four siblings. I’m a jack of all trades, someone who’s not afraid to be vulnerable, to laugh, to cry, and to grow. I’ve learned that success isn’t about titles or accolades—it’s about who you become in the process.

My identity has evolved into one rooted in compassion, resilience, and service. I’m educated, disciplined, and driven, yes—but I’m also kind, honest, and deeply human. I’m not just coaching walks anymore; I’m building lives, nurturing dreams, and walking alongside others as they discover who they are and what they’re capable of.

Faith has guided every step of that evolution. God remains the center of everything I do, and my family keeps me grounded and inspired. They remind me daily that the most important roles I play aren’t just in studios or on runways—they’re in the quiet, meaningful moments at home and in the hearts I get to impact every day. This journey has made me more whole. I’ve embraced every layer of who I am, and that fullness allows me to pour intoothers with clarity, intention, and love. That’s the most beautiful part of this evolution—I’ve become the woman I once needed.

Models of Canada: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from coaching models and being in such a forever changing industry for the last 18 years? How have your experiences influenced your approach?

Jessica: The biggest lesson I’ve learned in 23 years of coaching and growing in this ever-evolving industry is this: one person can make a powerful impact in someone’s life. It only takes one voice, one moment, one act of belief to spark real change — and that reminder keeps me grounded every day.

Credit must be given where it's due—I didn't achieve this on my own. Having a mentor like Cynthia Cully, owner of Spot 6 Management, has been one of the greatest blessings in my career. Her unwavering belief in me, her wisdom, and her commitment have profoundly shaped my journey.

I've learned is the importance of authenticity and adaptability. Trends may come and go, butstaying true to oneself is timeless.

My experiences have taught me that every model has a unique story, and it's my role to help them express it with confidence and grace. By focusing on individual strengths and fostering a supportive environment, I've seen models transform not just on the runway, but in their personal growth as well.

And perhaps the most powerful part of this journey is knowing that I'm walking in my God-given purpose. That’s the real reward.

In essence, the journey has reinforced my belief in the power of mentorship, authenticity, and unwavering support. These elements are the cornerstone of my coaching philosophy and continue to drive my passion for empowering the next generation of models.

In the end, what I’ve learned is simple yet profound: when you lead with heart, you create lasting change. And that’s the legacy I hope to leave behind.

Models of Canada: The slogan “My Black Is Beautiful”. Tell us about it?

Jessica: “Black is Beautiful” is more than a slogan—it’s a declaration, a celebration, and a movement that reclaims and honours the richness of Black identity. In an industry that has often overlooked or marginalized Black beauty, embracing this mantra is an act of self-love and defiance.

That’s why, during Black History Month, I launched the “My Black is Beautiful” initiative where Black models across Canada were celebrated and highlighted to ensure they are seen and heard. It was an opportunity to shine a light on their artistry, strength, and impact in the fashion world and as individuals.

It’s important to me that the fashion industry continues to recognize that Black beauty is not a trend but a timeless truth. Every shade, texture, and feature tells a story of heritage, struggle, and triumph.

As a community, we continue to break barriers—not to conform, but to stand fully in our authenticity. Our presence paves the way for future generations to see themselves reflected and celebrated. Instead of asking for a seat at the table, I created one for my community.

Models of Canada: Looking ahead, what drives you now? Are there any newgoals or passions that you're eager to explore as youcontinue to grow and evolve both personally andprofessionally?

Jessica: Looking ahead, what drives me now? Honestly, it's the same unwavering passion that ignited my journey from the very beginning. My mission has always been to empower models to Be. Feel. Walk Confident—to embrace their authenticity and own every step they take.

I’m not chasing new goals; I’m deepening my commitment to the ones that have always fueled me. At the heart of it all, I'm walking by faith ,not by sight, allowing God to guide my steps.

While I’m exploring personal ventures like real estate investment, professionally, my focus is on growth— to say what’s ahead, I guess we’ll just have to wait and see!

Written by: Models of Canada