We recently connected with Shawniece Carter and have shared our conversation below.
Shawniece, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Being the only one in the room has never discouraged me, it’s fueled me. As a model who’s a mother, with stretch marks, curves, and skin that tells a story, I’ve defied the industry’s narrow standard. I’m not the tallest, the youngest, or the ‘ideal sample size,’ but I’ve still walked international and domestic runways, appeared on billboards, and been published in magazines like Vogue. I’ve done it with charisma, relentless drive, and the kind of personality that leaves lasting impressions. I don’t wait for doors to open, I create opportunities through passion, connection, and showing up as my full self every time.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a model, a full-time postal worker, a mother to a beautiful autistic, epileptic child, and above all, a christian woman whose faith carries me through everything. I’ve been modeling for five years now, and while I haven’t yet reached my greatest heights, I’ve already accomplished more than many thought possible: I’ve walked major runways both nationally and internationally, been featured on billboards, and published in magazines I use to read as a younger girl.
What sets me apart is that I never let the industry’s standards define my worth. I have stretch marks, I’m not the tallest model nor the youngest, but I carry something stronger: presence, drive, and authenticity. Every day I balance a 9–5 job, caregiving, and a demanding modeling career, and I still show up with purpose, poise, and passion.
I want my journey to be proof that your dreams are never too big, even when your circumstances feel too heavy. If I can live out my dream of becoming a supermodel while navigating all that life throws at me, then someone else out there might take that leap and believe in themselves too. Modeling is my art, but inspiring others like me, that’s my mission.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been resilience, relationship-building, and faith. Resilience kept me going when life felt overwhelming, whether it was long days working at the post office, caring for my child’s unique needs, or hearing “no” in the modeling world more times than I can count. Relationship-building helped me grow in an industry where who you are behind the camera matters just as much as how you look in front of it. And faith? That’s been my foundation. God has guided every step, especially when I didn’t know how I’d take the next one.
My advice to anyone just starting out: strengthen your inner world as much as your outer goals. Stay grounded in who you are, connect with people genuinely, and don’t underestimate the power of showing up, even when it’s hard. You don’t have to be perfect, just passionate. And remember, if someone like me, imperfect, stretched thin, and deeply determined can make it this far, so can you.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was show me, in their own way, what strength and survival look like. My childhood wasn’t a fairytale, my parents were stern, and life was serious early on. But through that, I learned how to be resilient. I learned that when life hands you lemons, you don’t just make lemonade, you learn how to grow the whole tree.
Their way of loving me taught me that I’d have to work harder to be seen, to be valued, and to create a different path. It made me realize I have a bigger responsibility to break the generational cycles that held us back and to be the light for my daughter and those who come after her.
I love my parents deeply. And while things weren’t always easy, I now understand that those experiences gave me the fire to never settle for less and to always aim for more. In that, I found purpose. And for that, I’m truly grateful.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @that_model_shawny
- Facebook: @Shawny Marie
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