Today we’d like to introduce you to Nelly Ferguson.
Nelly, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Hey! My name is Nelly Ferguson, I am a fashion and beauty model. I started modeling shortly after graduating high school when a friend invited me to walk in her show. That experience introduced me to runway and sparked a passion that quickly grew into something much deeper. As I continued, I became more intentional about my purpose. As a dark-skinned, curvy woman, I didn’t always see myself represented in the fashion and beauty industry. That pushed me to show up confidently and authentically- not just for myself, but for others who may feel overlooked by traditional beauty standards. For me, modeling is about more than just being in front of the camera or walking the runway- it’s about representation and impact. I want people to see me and feel seen. God said that we are all beautifully and wonderfully made, and I truly believe that; Beauty isn’t something we have to earn- it’s something that already exists within us. Today, I continue to grow in my career with that same mindset. Every opportunity I step into is a chance to inspire confidence, challenge outdated standards, and remind others that they belong in every space they aspire to be- in just as they are.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been a wild ride ! Always interesting though and Im always up for a challenge. One thing this journey has taught me is to always bet on myself, I look at challenges through the perspective of just learning how to move confidently and how to pivot into always finding a solution and at the end of the day pray on every decision and move with God; with that formula you cant lose. One of the challenges I face is being one of the darkest in the room; I often have to show up with my own makeup and hair done; you’d be surprised at the amount of makeup artists that still don’t know how to beat a face of darker tone much less carry foundation to match darker skin tones of models at shows; the same struggle occurs with hair and makeup. Its made me become more versatile in my craft though, I no longer have to pray and hope that production hired an artist that knows how to work with my shade. I now gain the skill of learning to perfect my own beat/ be my own MUA, so that way no matter the space/show/project I’m confident on how everything will come together before hitting that runway and getting in front of the camera, and I can even help other models with similar skin tones as me as well to look and feel their best. At castings you may not always fit the mold, especially when it comes to finding representation through agencies. Girls that look like me physically-Darkskin African features, alil more meat in the butt, hips and waist than industry standards allow-aren’t necessarily what they’re looking for. To overcome you just have to believe in yourself and rely on God, He placed you in this space and time for a reason. Even though despite being in the industry for some time, I have no agency backing, luckily for me though, I have been blessed with the opportunity to work with and seen by brands like Fenty Beauty. I love to create and collaborate on projects with other creatives, so that has allowed me to create a lane for myself and express my creativity agency or not. It all feels worth it though when you find others that tell you they’re inspired or empowered by your work and to even be recognized by media platforms in the industry and featured in this article, so thank you for having me it means so much.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a fashion and beauty model, and I specialize in runway and editorial work that highlights bold , expressive beauty. Im especially drawn to projects that celebrate natural features and push beyond traditional beauty standards . What I’m known for is my presence- both on the runway and in front of the camera. I bring confidence, intention, and a strong sense of identity to every look. As a dark skinned, curvy model, I rake pride in representing a version of beauty that hasn’t always been centered in this industry. What I’m most proud of is the impact my work has on others. When people see themselves or apart of themselves reflected in me and feel more confident in who they are, that means everything. That’s what keeps me grounded in my purpose. What sets me apart is that I don’t just model the look; I embody the message. Everything I do is rooted in authenticity, representing the beauty black curvy queens around the world like me, and reminding people that beauty is one standard- its diverse, its powerful, and it already exists within each and every one of us.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I think anything can happen in fashion the sky is not even the limit its really just the beginning. With the introduction of such heavy use of AI in media and fashion I think it’ll make creatives push the envelope and put alot more meaning and work into their craft so it stand south amongst the computerized/digital work. Alot of companies are using AI models and even actors so I think it’ll force us to create a new niche for ourselves where HUMAN creatives will still be valued and work will have more meaning. There’s really nothing new under the sun; trends and styles repeat themselves throughout the years, so AI will be the new trendy thing now but with the damages it poses to the environment and just humans a s awhile it’ll eventually phase out… sorta like NFTS lol.
Pricing:
- My standard rate for shows and appearances are 1500
- All projects and future collaborations are always negotiable.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanein.__
- Other: https://boldjourney.com/meet-nelly-ferguson/
Image Credits
BIG HAIR BIG ENERGY Shot: Photographer – Michael Martin Jr. @capture.myworld (Instagram)
Studio : Ardency House @ardencyhouseny (Instagram)
Designer credits : Zuri Nation @zuri.nation, NayburhoodKoolKat @koolkatnyc, Naked Xscape @nakedxscapellc
Photographer credits: Toni Smalls- Verneau @toni.creations , Te Tay @fotaygraphy, Ukay @ukayhip
