“My journey has been interesting”
Justin Stewart
Photographed in New York City by Khary Simon
above: sweater byWales Bonner, coat by Dries Van Noten (Women)
Can you share a bit about your journey and how it shaped your perspective on life and your career in fashion?
My journey has been interesting. It feels like yesterday. I was just in high school, making posts on social media, and I made posts sharing my story on social media. I was desperately looking to create some sense of community because I was having such a hard time in school. Fast forward a few years to having a career in this industry and making a name for myself.. It has just been absolutely incredible. I have grown so much as an individual, and being in this industry has changed how I view myself; I have come a long way. But I still have so much more work to do.
How do you balance your passion for sports and fashion, and do you find that skills from one area complement the other?
As a young professional, I still am trying to find that balance. My education is important to me, as I’m currently in school getting my degree in Social Work. So, working in sports and still in school is at the forefront of my life. At some point, I would love to reverse that and make some strides to become more of a full-time creative, and use my degree and my knowledge and experiences to create a business geared towards mentorship for underserved youth that will specialize in these areas of sports, education, and fashion. The skills you need to perform in both are complementary. Confidence is essential in both fields. A coach needs to exude confidence to lead and motivate their team, while a model needs to feel confident on the runway or in front of the camera to showcase the clothing or products effectively. You also need attention to detail. As a coach, you analyze game films of your own and opponents to correct mistakes or to look for weaknesses, develop game plans, and make split-second decisions during games. At the same time, a model needs to pay attention to posture, expression, and styling details during photo shoots or runway walks. Both professions also require adaptability. A coach needs to adjust strategies based on the team’s and opponents’ strengths and weaknesses, while a model must adapt to different environments, photographers, and clothing styles. Changes occur at the last minute, and you will always have to be able to adjust and adapt to any situation working in fashion and sports.
What has been one of the most rewarding experiences coaching young women in basketball?
This season has absolutely been the most rewarding. I just finished coaching at a 2 Year college program, and we had six players graduate with their associate degrees and go on and transfer to Division 1 and 2 programs to continue their education and basketball careers. We also won our district and conference championships! But the relationships I have been able to cultivate have just been incredible. Seeing these college students grow into adults and pursue careers and life interests has just been so fulfilling, and I am proud to have been able to coach them this season. I still keep up with them as much as I can. Seeing continuing to grow has just been priceless. Along with winning, of course, I will chase that feeling forever.
How has your background in sports influenced your approach to modeling and fashion?
My approach in both fields goes hand in hand. When playing sports and in coaching, you have to be the ultimate competitor to see some results in your favor. To win. In athletics you compete against teams. In the fashion industry you compete against other models. But the most important competitor is yourself.
blue leather jacket byWilsons, shirt by The Leather Man
Could you tell us when you felt your self-confidence helped you overcome a challenge?
Self-confidence has always been something that I have had a funny relationship with. But I do believe that my self-confidence helps me overcome challenges each and every day. Especially in my modeling career and work on social media, I find myself in comparison mode to others. But I have stayed and remain grounded and half that belief in myself and my abilities. You have to remind yourself sometimes that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Being a model with a facial difference will always be challenging. However, I truly believe that I am “one of one,” and I will be the one to take some huge strides in this industry while representing the facial difference community.
As someone who believes strongly in empowering others, what message do you hope to send through your work in fashion?
Representation is everything. I came into this industry not even thinking or believing there would be space for me to thrive or be myself because I hadn’t seen anyone who looked like me in these spaces. I hope that people can see me and my story and believe they can do it if their heart truly desires it. I would have loved to see a Justin Stewart, a Jeyza Gary, or a Bri Scalise, a Yaya Sinai; it would’ve made all the difference. Seeing people who look like you in the modeling industry can be empowering. It conveys that beauty comes in all forms and encourages individuals to embrace their unique features and identities rather than conforming to narrow standards.
How do you handle moments of doubt or challenges in your career?
I have moments of doubt all of the time in my career. Sometimes, I’m unsure if I can even have a space in this industry.
However, I have learned that the space that I am looking for is something that I have to take. It’s something that I have to create for myself. Whenever you’re one of the first to be a part of something, you will face challenges. I have been blessed enough to be able to overcome a few obstacles so far. I just want to continue to push through and break as many barriers as I can in the process. When dealing with these moments of doubt and uncertainty, I just look back at how far I’ve come, and it just keeps me grounded and fills me up with so much gratitude. I am a young black kid from the inner city who used to walk around with his head down to avoid interactions with strangers. I’m not even supposed to be here, but God and the universe have ordered my steps, so I am actually right where I am supposed to be.
What hobbies or interests do you pursue outside of your professional life that might surprise people?
I really enjoy reading. I’ve been an avid reader since I was a child; my favorite book is The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store. When I was a kid, my favorite gift from family members was a Barnes and Noble gift card. I collect records as well. I know I work in sports, but coaching at this level really is something that I enjoy, and it’s somewhat of an escape from the troubles of everyday life. Modeling can do that for me as well. Shooting is such a great feeling in the right moment and atmosphere. I feel like I transform into a completely different person, like an alter ego.
Who has been your most significant influence or mentor in your sports and modeling careers?
I would definitely have to say my family, my mom, my brothers and sister, grandparents.. My dad has been a basketball coach my entire life. So, I was able to be around him as a kid at a lot of his practices and games. As a coach, I feel like we have similar mannerisms on the court. It’s actually interesting to see. I feel like when I was growing up, it was me just watching him. He led by example. Now, as an adult, I am able to. There’s a certain dialogue that we have that wasn’t there when I was a kid. Which I appreciate. He gives great advice. I’m glad I can follow in his footsteps but still have my fingerprints on it all. I have been blessed to have great men in my family. Who have all raised me, and I truly believe that I have parts of them within me. I really feel that my dad, my grandfather, my Uncle Steven, and Uncle Keith are all a part of my makeup. One mentor who was also imperative in my sports career was Joseph Brooks, who really put me under his wing during my college days as a student assistant coach. He is someone I still talk to today, and he has helped me tremendously.
In my modeling career, I have had a few people help me along the way. Back in 2019, Khrystyana Kazakova was actually the model who discovered me and gave me a huge push in my career. This was before I had a belief that I could become what I’m becoming today. But she saw something in me that I definitely didn’t see in myself at the time. She has shown so much support over the years, and I’ll forever appreciate all of her guidance and friendship. My friend Jeyza Gary also comes to mind. She has been there every step of the way, providing unwavering support and encouragement. She played a pivotal role in my journey, and it was her belief in me that gave me the confidence to sign with my first agency. I am deeply grateful for her friendship and the inspiration she continues to provide.
What are some dreams or goals you aim to achieve in the next few years?
One of my goals would definitely be to graduate with my license in Social Work. But also continue to advocate for change in the communities that I am a part of. There are so many different ways to create change, and I want to explore some of them. As far as modeling, in the next few years, I can take some major strides in that. I have a lot of work to do. I have some brands on my list that I hope to work for one day. I won’t name them, but they are written on my wall! Also, segwaying into acting is one of the things that I have on this list of things to achieve. Growing and excelling, not just in my professional life but also in my creativity, is incredibly important.
