Today we’d like to introduce you to Lynnsey Harris.
Hi Lynnsey, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Well, it all started when I relocated from Baton Rouge to Dallas four years ago. After many years of pursuing a nursing career, I found myself working various warehouse jobs. I never imagined I’d be working in a warehouse. The days started super early, lasted long, and were repetitive and monotonous. I felt like a fish out of water, the only feminine girl in an environment filled with heavy lifting and fast-paced work. It was a physically demanding role traditionally dominated by men.
To pass the time, I would plot, brainstorm, and think about what I wanted to do next. In those moments, I prayed constantly, saying, “Lord, You’ve got to have more for my life than this.” Although I have a memory of being about eight years old, standing in front of the TV, watching America’s Next Top Model, and telling my mom I was going to be on the show, I never actually thought it would come to pass.
That is until I found myself sitting on the floor of my bedroom, unemployed, once again asking, “What in the world am I going to do with my life?” I remember looking around the room and thinking, “What do I have that I could do something with?” I didn’t have much, so I began to look within, and that’s when it hit me. People had always told me I was pretty and that I should model, and I had dabbled in it a bit before.
Initially, my first thought was that I needed to find a photographer, start taking pictures, and create content on Instagram. Around that time, I met another creative at work who designed clothes. We would dress up, go out, take pictures of each other, and hang out. However, the process eventually became stressful for me because I wasn’t confident or comfortable behind the camera. The very first time we did it, I went out and bought an entirely new outfit and accessories. But the next few times, I couldn’t afford to buy a new outfit just for Instagram to get a couple of likes.
It was in that moment that I knew I wanted to truly invest and take this seriously. I didn’t just want to take pictures. I wanted to learn the craft, build confidence, become a professional, and start a real career in the industry.
That’s where Bella Modeling School comes into play. Honestly, it’s all a blur, but I know it was nothing but the Holy Spirit that guided me there. I didn’t want to be classified as just an Instagram model or content creator. I wanted to learn how to be a professional and build a real career in the industry.
There were several modeling school options, but I chose Bella because, upon completion of their program, there was an agency meet and greet. I started at Bella in January 2023 and graduated in November. I never missed a class or an open studio session. Whenever instructors or industry professionals asked questions about signing or goals, I was always the first to raise my hand and give an in depth answer. For once in my life, I was sure. I spoke life from the beginning. I was confident God led me there, and I stood on that.
On the day of graduation, I met with about six different agencies. The very first agent I spoke with, Rachel from Brooke Modeling Agency Group, was the one I signed with. I remember feeling a sense of peace after speaking with her and thinking, “That was easier than I thought.” Two years later, she is still my agent at Brooke Modeling Agency Group and has also become a great friend of mine.
I would like to point out that from graduation to signing day, the process took almost six months. During that time, I gained attention from other well known agencies via Instagram. These were agencies with established clientele such as Gucci, Nike, and Vogue, just to name a few. It was a difficult decision, but I’m so thankful I chose the agency that brought peace from the very beginning.
So, if you ever find yourself having to choose between different options, choose the one that brings peace. I had other offers, but I chose Brooke Modeling Agency Group out of obedience to the Lord. That decision, the sign of peace and obedience, is the only reason I am still modeling three, going on four, years later.
All glory to God.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Absolutely not. Although I’ve had my fair share of rejection and failure, my struggles run much deeper than what meets the eye. Modeling has been a never-ending rollercoaster of self-discovery, identity crises, failure, self-sabotage, pride, conflict resolution, healing, and the ultimate balance of grace and advocacy for myself, the God I serve who called me to this industry, and the people coming after me.
Y’all see the final product, the glam, the brands, and all the never-before-seen excitement behind the scenes, but the parts of me that aren’t selling a product or posing for a brand have been at war on the inside. It has been the greatest challenge of my life to show up and model. When you hear “model,” I know you’re probably thinking happy-go-lucky in front of the camera, but that’s not what I’m here for. You see, my beauty may get me in the door, but my spirit has been sent to connect, love, plant seeds, spread the gospel, and shift the atmosphere.
I used to be extremely shy, but I now credit life experiences and finding my true identity in Christ for pulling me out of my shell. I am responsible for modeling what it looks like to be a follower of Christ in the modern day. My struggles have been rooted in intention and purpose, shaping me into a better model for Christ. The camera is just the cherry on top.
Would you believe me if I told you I cried like a baby before 85 percent of my shoots because of the war raging inside of me? I struggled to accept versions of myself I had never seen or even imagined I was capable of becoming, while being publicly celebrated for growth and privately misunderstood, judged, and envied for it.
I almost quit my job one day after attending a very large casting call for Ford Models, one of the top modeling agencies in the world. I went in big-headed, thinking I was better than others, unwilling to help, and I learned the hard way. I felt exposed and incredibly low after that casting. I needed time to process what I felt and what had just happened.
Do you know how hard it is to put your pride aside and help others in an environment that’s all about self? Do you know how difficult it is to remain loving, patient, and a light in an environment full of ridicule, hate, and competition? Balancing the slippery slope between confidence and arrogance, between owning who you are and becoming entitled, is no easy task.
And let’s not forget juggling the logistics and business side of things. I am very involved in the process, even with an agent. Navigating people with vastly different beliefs and personalities than my own, and learning when to extend grace and kindness and when to be firm, will drive you crazy.
Living below my means and trusting the process in a microwave society is a struggle. It’s hard to trust God and keep the faith when it feels like you’re always one decision away from “the dream” after signing. Remaining humble, staying true to myself, and fully owning and accepting who God created and called me to be has been my ultimate struggle on this journey.
And let’s not forget the trials and tribulations of life. They don’t stop when you step on set. Let’s just say I’ve been in character development from the very beginning.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a professional fashion and commercial model signed with Brooke Modeling Agency Group. I specialize in beauty, lifestyle, and brand-driven storytelling, with a strong emphasis on presence, professionalism, and purpose. My work primarily specializes in beauty and lifestyle modeling, which focuses on shoulders-up imagery that highlights skin, hair, makeup, and natural expression, while lifestyle work captures authenticity, personality, and real-life moments that feel relatable and lived-in. While my look may open doors, what I’m known for is the depth I bring into every room and on every set. I don’t just pose. I connect, listen, adapt, and elevate the atmosphere.
What sets me apart is that I view modeling as both a craft and a calling. I take the business seriously, studying the industry, showing up prepared, and remaining deeply involved in the process, while also understanding that my role extends beyond the camera. I am intentional about how I represent brands, people, and myself, always aiming to create work that feels authentic, impactful, and respectful.
I’m most proud of my resilience and growth. Modeling has challenged me far beyond aesthetics. It has required humility, discipline, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness. I’ve learned how to balance confidence without arrogance, advocate for myself with grace, and remain grounded in environments that can be competitive and ego-driven. I’ve also learned how to lead quietly by example, whether that’s on set, at castings, or behind the scenes.
At my core, I am known for my professionalism, my presence, and my ability to bring heart into my work. I believe my purpose in this industry is not only to model clothing or products, but to model character, integrity, and excellence. That combination is what truly sets me apart.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned thus far is the importance of alignment. Knowing who I am, what I want, and standing firm while only accepting opportunities that align with my character, values, and long-term career goals in this industry has been essential. It’s about knowing what I want and staying true to it, no matter how long I have to wait or how many offers I may need to decline due to misalignment.
I’ve learned not to do things simply because others want me to or think it’s good for me. Not following trends, what’s popular at the moment, or going along with the crowd has been crucial. The saying “stand for nothing, fall for anything” truly applies here and can easily break you in this industry.
Although I’ve gained more clarity and refined my goals over the years, I’ve always had a general sense of what I wanted and where I was headed from the very beginning. I see many peers and colleagues wasting time on opportunities that don’t fit them personally or professionally, simply for the sake of opportunity or aesthetics.
There’s nothing wrong with exploring different lanes to see where you fit best and what you enjoy, but it’s also important to be realistic about your goals and intentional with your choices.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brookemodelingag.com/lynnseyharris
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnseydanae/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@xoxolynnsey?_r=1&_t=ZP-92glzNGZlhn
Image Credits
Images courtesy of Brooke Modeling Agency Group
Photographer(s): @dreamingthevision, @zam.photo, @stephgleng, @lannas.photography, and @magnusdiv
Makeup: @jaymumubeautyofficial and @jazziluxebeauty
