CYDNEY JOHNSON
Photography: IRVIN RIVERA
Styling: PHIL LIMPRASERTWONG
Hair & Makeup: SIFA SITANI
Photo Asst: ALANA POWELL
Agency: Niya Models Management
Hometown: Whittier, CA
Current Location: Los Angeles, CA
Nickname: Cyd
Instagram: cydrus_
Tell us about your story. Who is Cydney?
I'm 19 years old! I am 5’9, of African American decent (and so much more), and honestly in awe of who I have become and who I am becoming.
I am the 4th child and 2nd girl out of 5 children. I am so lucky to have my sister haha. I was born in Whittier, CA but I have moved around almost my whole life.
I've never lived outside of California but today looking back at who I was in each particular place I have lived at in the past with family and friends, I realize that each place has helped to shape me into who I am today. I've always been very thin and tall. As a young girl I never saw anything wrong with the way that I looked until I began going to school and daycare. I was constantly made fun of everyday by classmates, and sometimes even my own siblings would join in or laugh at the jokes directed towards me.
You can only imagine how hurtful that was for me at the age of 4, and how well each comment made has stuck with me to this day. I also faced a hardship as a young girl dealing with the physical and emotional violence of my parents and their divorce years later, which became the primary factor of my own insecurities later on in life. The absence of any parent in a man or woman's life really does affect their potential relationships, friendships, self esteem, etc. It seemed like once my father was no longer around that life could only get much harder for myself and my family. I have my amazing mother, God, the universe, and my own faith to thank for overcoming every single hardship that tried to win each of us over. My mother never had the opportunities that she helped create for me when she was my age and even younger. She would always tell me that she has only ever wanted to be the opposite of what her mother was for her. Knowing what it is really like to have nothing and to feel like nothing, I can't ever complain again. I am so full of gratitude so I meditate everyday to stay in tune with the universe and to only resonate the trueness of love and happiness. I never thought I could be so in love with me and so confident with who I am. I own it all, flaws too.
Where are you based now? You think you'll stay there for a while?
I am now based in Los Angeles, CA. I wouldn't say no to moving somewhere extravagant outside of the country if asked tomorrow, but I want to enjoy this part of my journey here in LA. I came for a reason ya know! ;)
How were you scouted?
I was scouted through Instagram! Niya Suddarth, the founder of Niya Models Management, responded to me mentioning her and agency IG in on of my photos through my Instagram messages and has been amazing ever since.
What inspired you to be a model?
My experience being bullied as a young girl for the way that I looked really affected my self esteem in the past and my issues with abandonment had really brought on many insecurities. I was truly lacking self assurance and wanted to go out into the world without a clue. The realization that I needed to seek out self assurance, happiness, and peace within to be successful truly was my stepping stone to the confidence I hold within today.
How long have you been modeling?
I have been modeling for almost one year, but I have been signed with an agency now for a little over one month.
What's your favorite part of being a model?
The creativity that I am surrounded by every time I'm working. Everyone has something they are so amazing at that has helped to bring them there, including me. I am there because I own my uniqueness and I decided to share it with the world. I just think it's so beautiful.
Tell us about your most memorable experience in modeling so far.
I did an au naturale shoot at the beach with an amazing photographer, Thomas Wood, and I have never felt such a free and powerful feeling like I did during that shoot. I am so in awe that I am a woman. Women are so amazing! To see myself so natural and poised on the outside and to remember the infinite feeling I felt inside that day makes me feel it all over again.
How do you manage your time as a model?
I've recently been working part time (feels like full time) in Santa Monica so modeling isn't always the number one priority. Today I am turning it into my priority because I believe I need to go out and do what I love for a living. I am so thankful for my agency because they are always on the lookout for me as one of their models with meetings, shoots, projects, etc. I'd love to be able to get back into ballet and start going to yoga classes while modeling right now.
Your favorite food.
Mediterranean food all the way!
What else keeps you busy aside from modeling?
I work part time in Santa Monica during the week; I'm very much into meditation, spirituality, and astrology so I am sure to take head to each one each day. I just joined a yoga studio and I'm excited to add that to my days as well.
What comes next after modeling?
I dream of traveling just about everywhere, living in many places, possibly teaching dance, taking on other physical activities to keep active and more cooking! I love to cook but don't do it often enough.
Any advice you can give to aspiring models out there?
Just be you! Live your life for you; if you're second guessing what you're doing at any moment, you should not be attempting to do it. Be wise about who you decide to work with because not everyone can be or should be taken seriously in the industry. Have fun! After all you really should love what you do especially if you do it for a living. Last but certainly not least, you must accept you for you to truly survive in this business.
Dream Project:
Victoria's Secret
Dream Client:
Donatella Versace
Olivier Weinstein (Balmain)
Tell us a secret.
I only wash my natural hair three times a month. I use natural products like coconut oil, avocado oil, Shea butters, and coconut conditioners to keep up the moisture.
Currently binge watching____
I don't do much of TV watching or even watching things on Netflix. I have always been
obsessed with Friends so I watch reruns pretty much every time it's on.