By: Alva Ree
My name is Lauryn Hendrix, and I am a 24-year-old petite Black female model from Ohio with a vision larger than any limitation placed on me. I have been modeling for six years, but my journey has never been just about fashion or visibility. Modeling became a turning point in my life, especially for my confidence, mental health, and self-worth. It became a space where I could grow, heal, and learn how to fully embrace who I am.
I grew up in Ohio, a place that is rarely associated with the fashion industry. Yet Ohio shaped me in ways I wouldn’t trade for anything. It grounded me, gave me perspective, and taught me resilience. Coming from a place that is often overlooked pushed me to work harder and dream bigger. I want people to understand that talent does not only come from fashion capitals. It comes from anywhere, from people with courage, discipline, and belief.
As my modeling journey progressed, I began traveling to different cities to showcase myself. Walking into unfamiliar spaces was intimidating at times. There were moments where I questioned whether I belonged. But every experience taught me something valuable. Traveling pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to trust myself and my presence. Each opportunity helped me grow more confident and more secure in my identity.
Modeling had a powerful impact on my mental health. There were periods in my life when anxiety, self-doubt, and emotional struggles made me feel small and invisible. Modeling forced me to confront those feelings rather than hide from them. Standing in front of a camera taught me how to be present and how to own my body. Slowly, insecurity turned into strength. Vulnerability became power. Modeling helped me learn how to love myself in ways I never had before.
Representation played a major role in my confidence. Watching other petite Black models, especially women at similar stages to mine when I was just starting out, changed everything for me. Seeing women who looked like me succeed showed me that representation matters. It reminded me that there was space for my story too. Instead of shrinking myself, I learned to embrace everything that made me different. My size stopped feeling like a weakness and started feeling like something that made me memorable.
Life has not always been easy, and the challenges I’ve faced shaped who I am today. I’ve experienced situations that forced me to mature quickly and adapt under pressure. Those experiences taught me resilience. They taught me that even when life feels heavy, you can still create something meaningful. Modeling became my outlet, my escape, and my proof that I could rise above my circumstances.
One of my deepest passions is inspiring other short Black models who feel discouraged or underestimated. I want them to know they are not alone. I want them to understand that the industry does not get to decide their worth; they do. Every time I step in front of the camera, I do it not just for myself, but for every girl who was told she was “too short,” “too different,” or “not enough.”
Modeling also taught me discipline, patience, and self-respect. I learned how to advocate for myself, handle rejection, and keep going even after setbacks. Every “no” made me stronger. Every challenge reminded me of why I started. Every success reaffirmed that stepping outside my comfort zone was worth it.
To anyone chasing a dream, my advice is simple but powerful: put yourself out there. Do not wait for validation or perfection. Growth happens when you take risks and believe in yourself, even on uncertain days. Be consistent. Be patient. Be authentic. I am living proof that confidence is built, not given, and that even the smallest figures can carry the biggest dreams.
