Untamed Magazine
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Model. Creative Director. Storyteller.
Christina
ChristinaThaModel
Grier
An Interview with
Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you started your modeling career?
I'm not just
showing up for myself —
I'm showing up for every woman who needs to
take up space.
""
I’m Christina Grier, widely recognized as ChristinaThaModel. I’m a fashion and lifestyle model, creative director, and storyteller who thrives in spaces where bold glam and empowered femininity meet. From editorial and commercial work to runway and creative concept development, I use fashion as my language — a way to communicate presence, purpose, and the beauty of showing up unapologetically. My modeling journey began long before I ever stepped onto a runway.
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**Personal & Career Journey**
What inspired you to become a model?
As a child, fashion was the one place where I felt completely free — a world where I could shift my mood, rewrite my story, and step into a version of myself I hadn’t met yet. Clothing didn’t just change how I looked; it changed how I felt. It gave me permission to be expressive, powerful, and imaginative in ways I didn’t always have words for.
As I grew older, that quiet love for style became something deeper. Photographers, designers, and creatives started to see something in me — not just a face, but an energy, an emotion, a way of transforming in front of the camera that felt almost instinctive. What began as curiosity slowly revealed itself as purpose.I realized modeling wasn’t just about being photographed. It was about visibility. It was about confidence. It was about creating space for women who look like me to be seen, centered, and celebrated.
What inspired me to become a model wasn’t a single spark — it was a series of moments that taught me the power of being seen. Growing up, fashion was my escape, my armor, my magic. I didn’t always have the words for confidence, but I understood how slipping into the right look could shift my entire world. Style let me transform, reinvent, and step into versions of myself I was still learning to believe in.
As I got older, I realized modeling was so much more than posing or wearing beautiful clothes. It was a declaration. It was representation. It was standing in the spotlight and saying, women like me belong here. Plus size women, curvy women, women who’ve been pushed to the margins — we deserve to be centered, celebrated, and seen in all our power. That truth hit me hard, and it lit something in me that hasn’t dimmed since.
I became inspired by the idea that my presence could shift the narrative. That my confidence could ignite someone else’s. That my image could challenge outdated standards and redefine beauty in real time. Modeling became my purpose — a way to honor my own evolution, to celebrate my body, and to walk boldly into spaces that weren’t always built with women like me in mind.
Every time I step on set or walk a runway, I feel that purpose rise in me again. I’m not just showing up for myself — I’m showing up for every woman who needs to see what it looks like to take up space with power, softness, and undeniable glam.
Was there a defining moment that made you realize modeling was your true passion?
There was absolutely a defining moment — 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 — yet a part of me still wondered if I truly belonged in this industry.
Then came the moment that changed everything.
In 2020, right in the middle of a global pandemic, I made a decision that felt both terrifying and electrifying: I entered the Ms. Full Figured GA Pageant. I had never been in a pageant before — even though I’d been on stages all my life — but something in me knew I needed to step into a space that demanded visibility, confidence, and courage. The world was shutting down, but I was choosing to show up.
Walking into that pageant felt like stepping into a dream. The glitz, the glam, the gowns, the lights — it was everything I never knew I needed. I didn’t win a top title, but what I gained was far more powerful: a sisterhood for life, a community of women who celebrated each other fiercely, and a reminder that I was meant to take up space in ways I had once been afraid to claim.
That experience cracked something open in me. It showed me that my presence mattered. That my voice mattered. That my body, my confidence, my story — all of it deserved to be seen. It was the moment I stopped questioning whether I belonged and started walking boldly in my purpose.
The pageant didn’t just introduce me to a crown; it introduced me to myself.
How do you prepare for a big shoot or runway show?
When I’m preparing for a major shoot or runway show, I treat it as a full alignment of mind, body, and spirit. Modeling isn’t just about arriving — it’s about being present, intentional, and ready to embody the version of myself the moment calls for.
My preparation always begins with prayer. I take a quiet moment to ground myself, thank God for the opportunity, and ask for confidence, clarity, and grace. That spiritual centering becomes the foundation for everything that follows.
Then I move into study mode. When the information is available, I research the designer, the photographer, the brand, and the creative direction. I want to understand their aesthetic, their storytelling, and the energy they’re known for. That knowledge allows me to show up as a true collaborator, not just a model.
Physically, I train. I run through different walks depending on the vibe — soft and fluid, sharp and editorial, bold and empowered. I rehearse poses, angles, and transitions so my body feels loose, confident, and ready to move with intention.
And then comes the inner work. I meditate, breathe deeply, visualize the runway or the set, and imagine myself stepping into that space with full assurance. It quiets any nerves and helps me tap into the version of myself that’s meant to shine.
By the time I arrive, I’m spiritually grounded, mentally focused, creatively tuned in, and physically ready. That’s how I honor the craft — and that’s how I make sure every moment counts.
Do you prefer editorial, commercial, or runway modeling, and why?
As ChristinaThaModel:
I’m drawn to editorial, commercial, and runway for different reasons — but if I’m being bold and honest, I don’t just “prefer” them… I claim them. Each lane activates a different part of my power.
Editorial is where I become art. It’s the space where I can stretch, transform, and pour emotion into every frame. Editorial lets me be cinematic, surreal, soft, dangerous, divine — whatever the story demands. It’s where my emotional depth and intentional movement take center stage.
Commercial is where my influence expands. It’s the lane that connects me to everyday people, everyday moments, and real world brands. Commercial work lets me show my versatility, my warmth, and the relatability behind my presence. It’s where representation becomes impact.
Runway is where I dominate. The runway is adrenaline, power, and presence. It’s the moment where I take up space boldly as a plus size woman and shift the atmosphere with every step. Runway allows me to be both the message and the movement.
So what do I prefer? I prefer the fullness of my range. I prefer every lane that allows me to show up unapologetically. I prefer any space where I can shift the narrative, elevate the moment, and leave an imprint that feels unmistakably mine.
That’s why I move through editorial, commercial, and runway with intention — because each one reveals a different facet of ChristinaThaModel.
**Influences & Inspirations**
Are there any models, photographers, or designers who have inspired you?
My inspirations come from creatives whose work carries intention, artistry, and undeniable presence — the kind of energy that pushes me to elevate every frame I step into.
Teyana Taylor inspires me on a soul level. Her movement, her direction, her ability to merge raw emotion with precision — she embodies the kind of storytelling I strive to bring into my modeling. She reminds me that strength and softness can coexist and still command a room.
I’m also deeply inspired by Justin Haynes, whose craftsmanship turns fashion into architecture. His attention to detail, structure, and narrative pushes me to show up with the same level of intention — to treat every pose, every angle, every shift as part of a larger story.
And Harvey Star Washington — Consultant to the Stars fuels my love for transformation. His eye for drama, elevation, and character-driven styling aligns with the way I approach modeling: not just as an image, but as a performance. His work reminds me that fashion is a stage, and presence is the headline.
These are the creatives who influence my artistry — visionaries who understand that fashion is storytelling, movement is language, and representation is power. Their work inspires me to show up boldly, intentionally, and unapologetically as ChristinaThaModel.
**Industry Experience & Challenges**
What has been the most exciting or memorable shoot you’ve worked on?
There wasn’t just one defining moment for me — there were many. A series of experiences that kept rising up, again and again, making it impossible to ignore that modeling wasn’t just something I could do… it was something I was called to.
Every time I stepped in front of a camera, something inside me shifted. Working with photographer Sean Vincent on the sandy beaches of Pensacola, wrapped in the drama of a flying dress that caught the ocean wind like it was choreographed just for me, I felt myself step into a new realm of artistry. The sun, the shoreline, the movement — it was a moment that didn’t just capture beauty, it captured transformation.
Then came my collaboration with Derrick Means in downtown West Virginia, surrounded by scenery so cinematic it felt like the world was framing me on purpose. The architecture, the textures, the atmosphere — all of it pulled something bold and expressive out of me. Those shoots weren’t just creative projects; they were confirmations. Proof that I could embody emotion, presence, and story in a way that felt instinctive and undeniable.
Each experience kept telling me the same truth: modeling wasn’t a hobby, or a side passion, or a “maybe.” It was purpose. It was representation. It was the language I was meant to speak.
Every shoot, every runway, every collaboration continues to remind me that I was made for this — and that I’m only stepping deeper into the woman, the artist, and the force I’m becoming.
Have you faced any challenges in the modeling industry?
If so, how did you overcome them? Absolutely — I’ve faced my share of challenges, and being plus size in this industry meant I felt them early. Fashion long held a narrow view of who deserved to be seen, and curves weren’t part of that vision. I walked into rooms where I felt invisible before I even opened my mouth, watched opportunities slip away because my body didn’t fit someone’s outdated idea of beauty.
But those moments didn’t break me — they refined me.
I learned to stand taller, work harder, and carry a confidence that couldn’t be dismissed. I built my own lane, my own voice, my own presence. I kept choosing myself even when the industry wasn’t ready to choose me.
My breakthroughs came from staying anchored in who I am. Every collaboration, every creative moment reminded me that my presence has weight — that I belong in spaces where beauty, confidence, and representation intersect.
Every “no” sharpened my purpose. Every limitation pushed me to rise.
Now, I walk into rooms knowing my body isn’t a barrier — it’s part of my brilliance. And I hope my journey reminds other plus size women that the industry doesn’t define you. You define you.
**Creative Process & Style**
How would you describe your modeling style?
My modeling style is all about presence. I move like a woman who knows exactly who she is — intentional, grounded, and fully connected to the moment. I bring a blend of power and softness, switching effortlessly between commanding the frame and inviting the viewer in.
I’d describe my style as:
• Bold in posture — I take up space with confidence, letting my curves speak without apology.
• Graceful in movement — every shift, every turn, every glance is deliberate and fluid.
• Emotion forward — I don’t just pose; I translate feeling. You can read my energy before you read the outfit.
• Adaptive and intuitive — whether it’s high fashion, lifestyle, editorial, or commercial, I know how to shift my tone without losing my identity.
• Rooted in authenticity — I bring the real me to every set, every runway, every frame.
My style is about more than aesthetics — it’s about impact. I want people to feel something when they see my work. I want them to sense the story, the confidence, the intention behind every shot.
That’s the essence of how I show up. That’s the signature of ChristinaThaModel.
What role do you think storytelling plays in modeling?
Storytelling isn’t just part of my modeling — it’s the engine, the fire, the force behind everything I do. It’s what separates a pretty picture from an image that stops you in your tracks. It’s what turns a runway walk into a moment that shifts the entire room. I don’t step into a frame to be looked at — I step in to make you feel something.
When I’m in front of a camera or stepping onto a runway, I’m already asking myself: What truth am I carrying? What emotion needs to hit the viewer? What story does this moment demand? I’m not performing — I’m transmitting.
Storytelling shows up in every part of my presence:
• In my eyes — the softness, the fire, the mystery, the command.
• In my body language — the angles, the flow, the tension, the release, all intentional.
• In my energy — the confidence, the vulnerability, the character I choose to embody.
• In my adaptability — shifting from high fashion drama to lifestyle warmth to runway dominance without ever losing myself.
And as a plus size model, storytelling becomes even more powerful. Every time I show up fully, boldly, and unapologetically, I’m rewriting narratives that were never built for women like me. I’m showing other women that they deserve to be centered, celebrated, and seen — not as an exception, but as the standard.
For me, storytelling isn’t a technique. It’s the foundation, the language, the impact, the signature. It’s how I connect. It’s how I communicate. It’s how I leave a mark that lingers long after the flash fades.
That’s the storytelling power I bring as ChristinaThaModel.
That understanding pushed me to take my craft seriously — to study it, honor it, and step into this industry with both discipline and heart.Today, every shoot, every runway, every creative project is more than a job. It’s a chance to tell a story — my story, yes, but also the story of anyone who has ever needed to see themselves reflected in beauty, in art, in possibility. Modeling has become my language, my advocacy, and my way of showing up fully in the world.
How do you stay motivated and continue growing as a model?
Staying motivated in this industry is a mind–body–spirit commitment for me. Modeling isn’t something I do halfway — I show up with purpose, discipline, and alignment.
I stay grounded in prayer. That’s my foundation. I ask God for clarity, strength, and guidance so I move with intention, not ego.
I stay motivated by studying the craft — researching designers, photographers, and creative direction so I walk into every room prepared and aligned.
I stay sharp through practice — refining my walk, exploring new energies, and keeping my poses fluid and confident.
I stay centered through meditation and visualization, seeing the woman I’m becoming and the spaces I’m stepping into.
And being a plus size model fuels me. Knowing my presence challenges outdated standards and opens doors for other women keeps me evolving. Every level I reach is for me — and for the next girl watching.
I’m inspired by the creatives I admire, the opportunities I’ve earned, and the ones I’m still praying for. Growth is ongoing, 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 simple: stop waiting for permission. Start with intention. Stand in confidence. Show up with consistency. The industry gets a lot less intimidating once you decide you belong in it.
Here’s my straight to the point advice:
• Confidence is your foundation. Build it internally. Protect it fiercely. Comparison will kill your momentum — don’t let it.
• Learn the craft. Study poses, lighting, runway movement, and fashion culture. Walk in prepared, not guessing.
• Practice like you’re already booked. Refine your walk, angles, and expressions. Treat your body like the instrument it is.
• Create a clean, intentional portfolio. Strong digitals and a few versatile looks can open real doors.
• Stay visible. Go to castings, shows, workshops, and creative meetups. Half the battle is being in the room.
• Take rejection with your chin up. Every “no” is direction, not defeat — especially in plus size modeling.
• Stay rooted in your identity. Your uniqueness is your leverage. Don’t shrink to fit someone else’s vision.
• Keep God, discipline, and purpose at the center. When you know who you are, the industry can’t shake you.
My message is bold and clear: Start with courage. Grow with intention. Show up relentlessly. The world needs your presence, not your perfection.