BIO
I am so grateful for the opportunities I had in life. I had a dream and I pursued it with full force. Growing up, I was teased and taunted by a lot of people. Some were strangers, friends, and even family members but for some reason, even at that young age, amongst all the negativity – I felt I had something special. I did not know at the time what it was but I knew I was getting a lot of attention and I could take that and turn it into whatever I wanted. Don’t get me wrong, all the criticisms hurt like hell growing up and still do! I decided however that I was not going to let it get to me! I have my destiny in my hands; I can do anything I want in life if I put my mind to it and work hard for it. If I can do it SO CAN ALL OF YOU! Here’s my story….
When I was six years old my sister came to visit us in Jamaica for the Christmas holidays. I took the magazine she brought from the plane and began to go through it when I came across an odd looking couple. The man had on a crazy black outfit with bleached blond hair and the woman had on a white wedding dress and a biker jacket. I asked my sister to read the article to me, when she was finished I learned that the man was a famous designer name Jean Paul Gautier who was designing clothing for the woman in the picture. The woman was a famous singer named Madonna. I decided right then and there that I could do whatever I wanted to, no matter what people thought of me. I did not have to be the typical beauty, I did not have to look and act like anyone, I knew I could just be myself and be successful just like this odd looking couple.
That day I decided I would become a successful Model and I also decided that I would live and breath fashion. I trained myself how to pose by doing facial expressions in front of the mirror. I taught myself how to walk by “borrowing” my moms heels (even sneaking and wearing them to school). When my mom decided to hide her heels from me I would practice by walking on my tip toes.
My mother and I moved to Canada and right away I began to make moves. I was in grade school when I first visited the agencies in Toronto. They all said NO right away! I did not let that get to me, and continued until I was in high school. I would visit all the agencies and when I did not get signed I would wait a week then go back to the same agencies again with a different hairdo or outfit. I was determined to do whatever it took to make them see my potential.
I continued to try my luck in Canada but realized I needed to take a trip to New York. I researched all the agencies in NYC calling them to find out what day of the week they have walk-ins to see potential models. Some of the agencies I wanted to see required an appointment but to make an appointment an agent had to call on your behalf. I pretended to be an agent in Jamaica calling on behalf of Stacey McKenzie. It worked and I got many appointments thanks to my “agent”- who just happened to be ME!
During this time, I had a job after school and on weekends and worked to save up money to take the Greyhound bus to New York to go to all the appointment I had arranged for myself. I had only one day to see all the agencies and had to be back home to go to school the next day.
As with most things, I was not successful on my first trip. I waited until the following month then got back on the Greyhound to New York; I saw the same agencies again and got the same reply from everyone – NO! The last agency I saw was Elite Model Management. Karen Lee took a look at me and liked me right away. She decided to try and convince her boss to sign me. She did and I was given 3 months to prove myself!
I went back to Canada packed my bags, dropped out of high school (not a good thing) and left to pursue my dream as a Model.
Not long afterwards I returned home to Toronto. I did not know what I was in for being so young and on your own in the fashion world. I was not prepared to live with a bunch of girls in a beautiful apartment, no supervision, and no guidance. We were free to do what we wanted, go anywhere, hangout with anyone, dress any which way…I decided to walk away from this major opportunity go back home, finish school and pursue modeling again when I am mature enough to be out in the world on my own.
This time I decided to take the advice of a local Canadian agent and go straight to Paris. I took the plane to Holland and from there I took the Greyhound bus to Paris (I should be a spokes model for Greyhound!). I arrived not knowing where to go until I met a girl name Dawn. She happened to be a Model on her way to see her Photographer boyfriend Vincent at an agency! It could not have been more perfect and meant to be! I followed her and while waiting some of the bookers spotted me waiting in the hallway. I got signed the day I arrived in Paris; I could not believe how “easy” it was. Too bad it did not last! Ha ha. Within a couple of weeks I was dropped from the agency. I had 1 week to find an agency and get a new portfolio (which was ripped up by the owner who did not like me/ my look at all!) so I could attend castings for the Prêt a Porter shows.
Vincent took some quick pictures of me for free and right away I went to see all the agencies. It was terrible! They were so mean to me and I was turned down left right and center in the most hurtful ways. For once I felt defeated and by the time I got to my last agency I was finally giving up and beginning to believe what people were saying of me. I walked into the agency not being the upbeat, outgoing, smiley Stacey, the agent basically told me to come back the next day. I don’t know what came over me, I stood up and looked him in the face and said “No, I’m here right now, I do not have enough money to stay another day, either you take me now or not, Let me know right now”. Gaspard said he was happy to hear that I had a voice and right away he signed me.
I was sent to meet with a famous designer name Jean Paul Gautier but I missed the appointment and while walking down the street, a lady came up to me and gave me her card and address to her office. She happened to work for Jean Paul Gautier and wanted me to come to the casting for his fashion show the following day.
I will never forget the day I walked into the casting. Hundreds of models waited patiently while Jean Paul and his associates saw them one by one. When my name was called, I walked up to present myself and portfolio to Mr. Gautlier. The first thing he said to me was “Elle est belle”. I looked at him and said What? ” I don’t understand a word of French, I only speak English.” He laughed and said it again this time in english ” She is beautiful”, I almost cried! That was the first time anyone had ever said “I was beautiful”. He had me try on a well tailored man’s suit and walk for him. I did it and left. When I got outside I call my booker Gaspard to tell him how everything went. He waited until I was finished to tell me that Jean Paul’s people had already called and booked me for his show right after I left! There I was, in the middle of the street jumping and screaming my head off like a mad woman!
That season in Paris I walked the runway for some of the top designers including, Christian Lacroix, Veronique Leroy, and Kenzo. However, my ultimate show moment was Jean Paul Gautier. In what can only be described as a magical moment, I walked out on that runway right after Madonna with the biggest smile on my face remembering that picture from so long ago.
Since then I have continued to walk the runways for some of the top designers in the world including Todd Oldham (who treated me like a princess). I have been photographed by some of the most prestigious photographers including Richard Avedon (who gave me my breakthrough campaign Calvin Klein CKbe even though I crashed the Callback!). I’ve graced the pages of magazines and covers of magazines including Vogue, Harpers Bazaar and Essence. I’ve even had the opportunity to be in movies like The Fifth Element and recently TV shows including MTV Stylissimo and Canada’s Next Top Model.
I strongly believe I was given this opportunity for a reason and with that in mind I felt I had to create a company that would help guide aspiring or established models on the right path to make it in the modeling world.
When I was on my journey to becoming a model I did not have anyone to tell/show me and my mother what to do. I did it on my own and it was VERY hard. Creating Stacey McKenzie’s Walk This Way Workshops was the best thing that I did with this amazing experience and continues to be a great reward.
I hope that my story can inspire you to not be afraid to go for what you want in life.
April 30th, 2009 at 8:20 pm
You have a beautifully inspirational story and are a true role model.
May 8th, 2009 at 2:38 am
I love this – very inspiring. I wish to be a model too, but I don’t think I have what it takes. I’m only 5 ft high and my looks is very much of a typical asian. Filipina, I shall say. I watched all of Canada’s Next Top Model’s episodes – it’s so amazing. Oh wow. Stacey, I like you. Very amazing. You’re stunningly gorgeous.
May 13th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Your story is very inspiring; thanks for sharing!
May 16th, 2009 at 12:29 am
Thank you Stacey for your story. You inspire me. Just to let you know, I am a fan of you. You are an awesome woman, and I love your style.:)
May 18th, 2009 at 9:16 pm
Hello Stacy,
I was really touched by your story.I have a daughter who 11years old she is 5′9.She is a little ackward,but to me she is beautiful. I asked her to read your bio and look at some of your photos. She now wants to be a fashion model. Thanks for your story and inspiration.God Bless you !!
Dwayne
May 22nd, 2009 at 10:15 pm
Hi guys!
Thank you so much for the love, I really appreciate it. The struggle continues and I hope you continue to follow me on my journey, cause there’s more to come!
Love
Stacey M
May 23rd, 2009 at 2:20 am
This is one of the most inspiring story with a fairy tale ending. I found myself misty eyed after reading your story. It truly touched my heart and soul. The more I am determined to pursue my dream, which is being an actor, after reading your story. I am trying and trying and will never give up. I feel this is my calling and I feel I was born to be an actor. Ever since I was a kid, I have always been passionate about acting. I am 42, but that doesn’t stop me from fulfilling my long time dream… kudos to you, Stacey. You truly are beautiful, inside and out! May you inspire more people, and touch more lives in your own unique way… Success is always sweeter, esp if you have to work twice as hard as the others…
Love,
Rod
May 24th, 2009 at 6:28 am
Stacey! How are you my friend! I remember all the teasing you took in high school gurl, but I remember how strong you were against the adversity even more. I am soooo happy for your success because that is the best revenge (even though I know that was not foremost in your mind). I think about the people in High school that used to give you such a hard time and what they must think when they see where you are now. But, in retrospect, they were a blessing were they not? You perservered in spite of it all and it gave you an inner strength that has helped you get to where you are. Again, I am soo proud of you and your achievements, your story is inspiring thousands of people, and somewhere out there is a girl who doesn’t look the “type” and because of you she will pursue her dreams anyways!
I Love You Gurl..you have inspired me and transcended all odds.
Peace and Blessings Always!
Love
Jackie
May 25th, 2009 at 11:41 pm
Very inspiring Stacey, it just goes to show that no matter what your circumstances are if just work hard to accomplish your dream, then the sky is the limit. As a Jamaican myself I can truly say how much proud I am of the strides you have made in an industry that can either make you or break you.
June 19th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Hey Stacey!The new website is amazing and is so much a reflection of you! So excited to see you getting your message out. Keep it up – girls everywhere need to hear it!
June 27th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
Hi! Stacey! That was a very inspiring and touching story and I am glad to hear that everything came through for you. I’m an upcoming model and with your story in mind I will keep moving forward. I hope many other females hear your story it will inspire them as well.
June 28th, 2009 at 4:28 pm
I saw you on made the other day.. and I was like whoaaa – you’re such a inspiration to lots of people.
Your pictures are also very very awesome..you must be my favorite model
July 30th, 2009 at 5:25 pm
your from the caribbean !!!!
sick me too. Your story is very inspirational. You had a dream and you never gave up no matter what stood in your way, amazing.(standing ovation)
August 1st, 2009 at 11:14 pm
hey stacey!!! my boyfriend and i really like you!!!
you are not just a top model but an inspiration and a role model as well!!!
keep it up!!!
we love you!!!
mabuhay from the philippines!!!
August 29th, 2009 at 8:32 pm
Beautiful woman and certainly an inspiration for young women, no matter what race, in pursuit of their dreams. Much Love to Stacey!
September 14th, 2009 at 1:43 am
Thanks for sharing, your story was beautiful and inspirational. It is so amazing to see you take all that negativity and turn it into something positive and beautiful in not only your life but also sharing it with others to uplift them.
Kudos SM!
From a fellow Jamaican and aspiring model.
October 2nd, 2009 at 3:37 pm
Your story is very inspirational. May you continue to be blessed and enlightend in all that you do.
October 20th, 2009 at 9:36 am
This is a great story Stacy. From the days at Weston to now,you have always been the same upbeat person. All the best to you. You are beautiful:)
November 3rd, 2009 at 1:30 am
Stacie YOU ARE THE BOMB! I love your look and think you are absolutely beautiful and a total inspiration! Growing up in the northwest, there were very few people of color…beauty was defined by the girls in Ambercombie ads! During the 90’s you and so many others inspired me! Not only for your beauty, but for your strenght to be your own person in your own skin! Very proud of your and glad your are still modeling today! All the best and blessings from the most high!
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:26 pm
Hey Stacy I remember when you use to model back in the day for the local dress maker in I remember one the last time I saw you was when we were on the Markham 102 bus coming from a local fashion show that we were in and that day in the bus you said to me that “mi a go mek it big” that was one of the last times I saw you about a year later I was in Florida and watching TV and there your were in a Todd Oldman show I was not schoked but I was happy that you did what you said you were going to do.. I remember coming back home to Toronto and seeing you on Yonge Street for Caribana and having a quick laugh girl you make me proud keep doing what you do
November 7th, 2009 at 1:06 am
Hey Stacey
You are such an inspiration. You traversed all odds and never gave up on your dream. That’s absolutely amazing. I don’t know what was up there ass cuz you are drop dead gorgeous and your bubbly energetic attitude is so contagious, even thru the TV haha. Keep doing what your doing and don’t ever change.
Love ya Hun.
November 13th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
I am so happy that you were put on this earth. You are amaizing to me in every essence of the word, I love how you hold yourself together and are clearly a very strong person. Hands down your my favorite model, your unpredictable
. I am working on getting into modelling too, I too have something working against me (my height) but I feel that your story has inspired me with enough morale to go for it.
Much love!
Jarid
November 17th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Truly inspiring….demonstrates the indomitable human spirit, determination, perseverance and self-assuredness. If one can conceive and believe, they will achieve! Stacy, i know the best is yet to come
December 10th, 2009 at 11:47 am
December 16th, 2009 at 11:09 pm
Hey Beautiful, I just want to say that I know what it was like to be called names, black, ugly, weird, stupid, rejected cause you are too skinny, short, raped, molested, and told that I was not gonna be nothing,simply because you had a Dream. I want to congratulate you on your success. I guess since I am not tall or young enough my Dreams don’t matter so you keep doing what you do for the rest of us. I know that you are going to go far. Keep your head up know matter what even if not for yourself than do it for those of us that are still fighting trying to find our way through. Love You girl….. read your myspace.
Sincerely, Queen Marieya Antoinette
December 24th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
What a RAHTID story! sooooooooooooo incredibly INSPIRING! Good for you Miss Stacey Mckenzie!!!!!!!!!!!
December 27th, 2009 at 9:02 pm
you are such an inspiration i met you at englinton and dufferin i couldn’t believe some of the things you told me ppl said about you, u stike me as a beatiful stong phenomenol women and has also inspired me to pursue my career in modeling regardless of the no i may get
January 13th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Your a truly beautiful individual. So inspiring.
January 15th, 2010 at 1:45 pm
I stacey that is a beautiful story, i am also a jamaican living in Canada have four boys, i am 45. I went to hair school because growing up i always love to do hair now i am working at a salon right now and one day i would love to own my own but don’t have the money to do so.I remember you from a long time ago when you and also me lived in the same area and i always see you never have anything bad to say because we never really get the chance to talk its also hi and bye and do hope one day get to meet you
January 15th, 2010 at 4:41 pm
Dreams do come true…. from a child in Jamaica to a Diva of the Runway, I could visualize your story as a documentary some day – I look forward to working with you on your Walk This Way project on Saturday.
January 24th, 2010 at 6:17 pm
I can remember seeing you in Toronto when I was 15 and thinking “wow..stunning!” You have a look that sets you apart from the rest. Truly stunning. Big fan!
February 12th, 2010 at 1:43 pm
Stacey I would LOVE to know when your next workshop is in Toronto. My 16 year old daughter is an aspiring model, and I want to know how she can attend. I told her about your fabulous personality (We went to High School together
March 6th, 2010 at 11:24 pm
It’s funny how things come to you when you need them and when you’re ready for them. and I’m glad, I’ve been able to read your story. I’m still figuring out what I want to do with my own life, and it’s so important to be reminded that you can achieve what you want if you’re willing to put in the work – and not let your own fear of defeat stand in the way. Thanks for sharing, Stacey.
March 13th, 2010 at 10:34 am
Amazing journey. Very proud of your accomplishments. Not sure if your remember me but we lived in the same neighbourhood in Toronto and went to the same middle and high school. I saw you in 5th Element, Fashion Television and now Canada’s Next Top Model. I said to myself and others around me “I know that face, I know that girl, I went to school with her” and since researched your bio. My kids are now on that same path you ventured years ago. They are very new, like months new to this industry and keeping our fingers crossed. Wish them luck. They are 14 and 4. They’ve been seen by “CMTC and ITS”. So far so good. You are now a hometown sucess story in thier eyes.
March 14th, 2010 at 11:09 pm
Stacey, it was so nice to meet you and “talking shoes” with you. Your bio is wonderfully inspirational and I hope that it will inspire little girls around the world to follow their dreams whatever they may be. Thanks for being you!
March 15th, 2010 at 3:11 am
When i saw the 5th element …I rewound your scene 5 times……..I never saw anyone like u before….i was smitten…!!!
Congrats on all your success……….
March 29th, 2010 at 9:29 pm
It was so nice reading this and so nice you made it to where you felt you wanted to be.
I’m not into modeling i can’t even keep my weight ha ha but i watch these shows and i enjoyed your story cos myself i have always been called all kinds of names because i have freckles and because my face is kinda long/oval and i have been told i’m a man and all kinds of stuff but i know i was born as a female. At time all their bad words did get to me and now a days that i’m 26 yrs old i don’t really pay attention cos i grew and learned that there is people who like different things so whats ugly for someone, can be beautiful for someone else but when i do bump into someone n they say bad words to me again it does hit me but i’ll just continue living my life n appreciate what god gave me and that i am a healthy person.
Keep it up Stacey God Bless.
March 30th, 2010 at 6:08 pm
Everytime I’ve watched “The Fifth Element” (at the very least 30 times) …the movie is over and I’m still wondering who that VIP Flight Attendant was…now I know. Your comic timing is superb…I would say you have some additional careers to persue!
May 1st, 2010 at 10:44 am
i fell in love with you the first time i saw you in the fifth element
May 27th, 2010 at 3:26 am
…geez stacie you have me speechless…i’ve seen you, heard of you and met you in passing during Toronto Fashion week but did not know much about you until now…congrats darling and cheers to the universe for choosing you to set such an example!
June 30th, 2010 at 12:24 am
Hi Ms Stacey McKenzie!
My name’s Andreas, and I have a familiar story. I’m 23 and I’ve admired your work for the past several years. I’m of a Creole/mixed-Latin descent. My family’s Caribbean so I have quite a weird look, I could pass for a cousin of yours maybe haha
Anywho, I remember in your StarTV/Walk this Way video, you said “even if 5 million people say no, one person will say yes, and that’s all you need.”
I’m in school to be in the medical field, but I work for a casting agency in Los Angeles for fun. and I few months ago, I saw that the famed/talented/genius photographer David LaChapelle was having a casting call.
I remember your words, and your story, and despite my fear of not being good enough, I just took that chance and went for it. A few days later he booked me for his project, and it was a dream come true!!!
Since then I worked next to the pop icon Kylie Minogue in her music video and have done other cool modeling projects and commercials, I’m going to do a major commercial tomorrow actually, and honestly all thanks to you! I have a collection of your pictures and interviews. Your words and story are something that I treasure and use. I’m glad that you work to inspire people.
In life, even if you don’t think you’ll score what you want in a million years, you still have to take a chance…
July 5th, 2010 at 10:47 am
i really look up to you even as a guy i find you inspiring, conventional beauty isn’t always appealing but different is good !
August 29th, 2010 at 11:36 pm
One day your true beauty will be seen by the whole planet… and NO… you don’t look and or sound anything like a man…
September 8th, 2010 at 9:06 am
Thank you for sharing your story … I’m sure a lot of people (especially young women) will find it inspirational, realize their potential, and seek it.
Secondly, it was great to meet you last night at the CaribbeanTales launch party.
Clarence
September 14th, 2010 at 3:17 pm
I remember you Stacey – from Lawrence Heights primary school (no, we didn’t hang out together). We were in the same homeroom class and you hanged out with a girl named Dione. Remember Mrs. Gallant ant Mrs. Todd? Anyhow, I’m pleased that you’ve succeeded and overcome adversity, specially in the highly competitivie world of fashion. Congratulations.
September 25th, 2010 at 6:24 pm
Stacey-you are absolutely unique. Just saw an old MTV Made episode with you in it…I’d seen it before, but had forgotten. You are gorgeous. Glad you’re out there to break modeling barriers and stereotypes. Congrats!
October 16th, 2010 at 3:04 pm
I am IN LOVE with your story. You and I have two things in common, we are both Jamaicans and we’ve both been rejected countless times! But your story is truly a fairytale. You deserve EVERYTHING that came to you on your journey, you are truly an inspiration to me. This is the kind of story that deserves a standing ovation. I applaud you Ms.Mckenzie
(P.S. I’ll be seeing you at Teen Vogues Fashion University Seminar!)
November 2nd, 2010 at 11:58 pm
Your story is so inspiring! You ARE BEAUTIFUL! INSIDE AND OUT, I’m glad you are able to overcome the mean insults. Most people have 1 or 2 types of beauty all the time, I see pretty people who are models but I wanted to see something different and someone I can actually call beautiful. I would love to model but I’m horrible and have bad teeth, until I can fix them; I hope I can meet you and maybe I will try to model as well. You’re my hero.
November 4th, 2010 at 10:20 am
Stacey,
I use to see you in the halls in high school (Eastern). We never spoke but I was always impressed with your confidence and presence. I am proud of you!
April 15th, 2011 at 3:02 pm
Hey stacey,
I just wanna say. I am a jamaican as well and a fan of yours . I am inspired by your story. Growing up I was always tease by othera for the way I look, and was constantly told both infront and behind my face that I wouldn’t become anything in life. Thank god I defy all the haters and own my own accessories line.
Thank you for sharing your story.
July 14th, 2011 at 6:58 am
What an amazing story. One I wish had been available to me 20yrs ago. I shared your passion and dream as a young woman. Unfortunately, the teasing a ridicule in addition to the abuse I suffered as a young woman lead my down a very different path. I too had the dream of walking that runway and admired those beautiful woman in the pictures, but being a metis woman in an all white community, being told my “unique appearance” was ugly and not desired inspired me not to pursue my dream, but begin looking outside of myself to feel beautiful and feel good about self. After a horrible motorcycle accident in my 21st year I began abusing substances and the pursuit of my dream ended. I am now 41yrs old and in recovery from addiction, the streets and horrible abuse. I still struggle horribly with my self-esteem, but at least I do it without the use of substance. Please, please keep sharing your story, it may save some young woman from taking the path that I took. Thank you and God Bless….Leah (Edmonton, Canada)
August 1st, 2011 at 1:29 am
Very, very inspiring story Stacey! Thank you for sharing, and be blessed as you continue to blow the wind of inspiration, one run-way step at a time:)
October 17th, 2011 at 12:23 am
Im fascinated by your journey. I was an ethnic model of the 90s and too faced weirdness and overcame perceived weaknesses when I started blasting them around as my strengths.
The greatest gift GOD gives us to to be ourselves and to many in this world it seems to be the LAST thing they want to do.
I hope to meet YOU one day, and Im sure we will be delightful friends.
Colin Mathura-jeffree
TWITTER: nztopmodelcolin
October 22nd, 2011 at 11:23 am
[...] see as beautiful becomes a star because of her imperfect beauty. Success stories like Alek Wek or Stacey McKenzie prove that the standard ideas of what beauty is can be broken. I’ll never forget when I was [...]
October 25th, 2011 at 11:53 pm
[...] I could go on but I’m not going to sit here and paraphrase her words, read them here. She is also the force behind the Walk This Way Workshops, helping and supporting aspiring models [...]
December 30th, 2011 at 6:32 pm
A wonderful story with a happy ending! Stacy is truly beautiful!