Rising Stars: Meet Jessica Kirkwood of Chicago

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Kirkwood.

Hi Jessica, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I would probably say that I got really introduced into modeling when I went away to college. I happen to attend Southern Illinois University-Carbondale ( SIUC ). There were three modeling organizations on campus and I auditioned for Vanity Fashion Fair Models and made the team. This helped me gain more experience with modeling while developing my skills plus the knowledge and also getting exposure to professional photographers, makeup and hair stylist and other potential collaborators.

Social networking and media allowed me to connect with other artists and influencers and I continued to grow my platforms and gained more exposure.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, of course not the road was definitely not a smooth one and the journey was not easy at all but honestly life tends to never go as planned but by the grace of God I always prevail.

I’m not the “typical “ model I’m uniquely gifted in the sense that I’m a full time wheelchair user and I have a neurological condition called Cerebral Palsy which causes me to have the inability to walk. Sometimes my body just doesn’t want to cooperate with me and I get tired quicker than others just because my muscles simply aren’t that strong. I have to really work hard to position my body, while posing and bringing out emotions and intensity to my photos. It can be difficult but I love what I do and I always make it work .

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m currently in school working towards gaining my Paralegal certification ( education wise).

I’m also currently a disability advocate and I model my true passion of course. In general I focus my work more towards my lingerie modeling. I consider myself to be more serious and I have a strong presence. I do other types of modeling like fashion, beauty and lifestyle. I don’t restrict myself to one category. It’s my dream to participate in New York Fashion Week and be featured in Vogue magazine maybe even on the cover.

In my opinion what separates me from others is that I’m very unique in the way that I’m a full time wheelchair user and I was born with a neurological condition called Cerebral Palsy and I’m also very confident and believe in myself so much .

I’m very blessed to have been able to model and live out some of my dreams and I’m still working towards many. I will always be grateful and proud of myself for getting my first publication ( Fashion Ignite Peoria ) it was a pleasure and in my own town. I’ll forever be grateful for the opportunity.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
This is a great question to be honest I consider myself to be very close to the Lord and I’m on this spiritual journey and I couldn’t be happier. God keeps me calm, guided and focused and I wouldn’t be able to get through life without him. I love to pray and have long talks with the Lord they’re very much the highlight of my day. Just God’s grace, love protection and favor over me and my life makes me feel so grateful and I’m so truly blessed .

Pricing:

• • depends on the job
• • No FREE Shoots / Work

Contact Info:

• Facebook: Disability Awareness-Living with Cerebral Palsy
• Instagram: ForeverJessica_xoxo
• Facebook: Jessica Lynn
• TikTok: Hotwheelssoboujee