Chicago-based model and Creative Director Aisha Jackson has been a fixture on the Chicago fashion scene for more than two decades. First coming on the scene in the early 2000’s as an in-demand model, Jackson spent countless hours doing freelance modeling, in front of fashion photography cameras, and working runways near and far.
After taking time off to start a family, Jackson not only jumped back into the world of fashion, but the wife and mother of two found a new passion in working behind the scenes as well. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Fashion Group International (FGI) Chicago and has worked as Model Director with MODE Creative Productions, including productions during Chicago Fashion Week. Known for her eye for talent and her belief in the power of presence, Aisha brings a perspective shaped by both sides of the industry—in front of the camera and behind it.
N’DIGO recently caught up with the fashion dynamo to learn more about her start in the business, who inspires her, and her very best advice to aspiring models looking to get in the game.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is Aisha Jackson?
Aisha Jackson: I always say, ‘I am that I am.’ I’m a mother, a wife, a lover of art, beauty, fashion, and style. I’m a Model, Model Director, Creative Director, and a corporate woman who has built a career while continuing to make space for the things that creatively fulfill me. More than anything, I believe you don’t have to be just one thing. I’m still discovering new parts of myself, and I love that.
What are three words family and friends would use to describe you?
Authentic. Confident. Resourceful and authentic. And if I can cheat and add a bonus word – Passionate.
When did the world of fashion capture your attention and make you know you wanted to be a part of it?
I’ve loved fashion and beauty for as long as I can remember. As a little girl, Jody Watley was one of my first beauty muses. I also remember watching Diahann Carroll on Dynasty and being captivated by the glamour, elegance, and presence. Those images stayed with me.
As a teenager, Aaliyah became another huge influence. Her style was effortlessly cool and sensual without looking like she was trying too hard.
Then I discovered fashion and beauty magazines and the world of the runway—Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks, Yasmeen Ghauri—and I was hooked. When Tyra created America’s Next Top Model, something shifted for me. I was a slim but curvy girl, and seeing different possibilities within modeling made me think, “Maybe there really is a place for someone built like me.”
How did you begin your career in the world of modeling?
I officially began pursuing modeling around 2008. I joined Model Mayhem, which was a major networking platform for models, photographers, and creatives at the time, and things started moving pretty quickly.
I began getting castings and booking work almost immediately. My first modeling experience was a runway show, and from there I started booking print shoots, including work for makeup and accessories designers.
I was freelancing and learning the industry as I went—building relationships, getting in front of the camera, and gaining runway experience. What started as something I had dreamed about for years suddenly became something I was actually doing.
Can you talk a little about your experience as curvy/plus size model?
As a curvy model, I experienced a lot of praise and rejection at the same time. I could walk into one room and be celebrated for my shape, and walk into another and hear that my body wasn’t right for what they were looking for. That can be disheartening, especially when you’re young and trying to find your place in the industry.
I eventually learned that not being right for someone’s vision doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you. You don’t have to change yourself to fit every room. Find the people and the opportunities that can see what you bring—and love yourself through all of it.
Please tell us about Mode Chicago and your role as Model Director?
My journey with MODE Chicago really started with Kevin Ross. I met Kevin sometime after I had already stepped away from modeling. I’d had my second child in 2017; I was in a new relationship, my body had changed, and honestly, I just didn’t feel like I had the space for modeling anymore. Kevin wanted to bring me out of retirement, but at the time I wasn’t ready. Fast-forward to 2024, and Kevin reached out again. He basically said, ‘Listen, girl, you need to get back out here!’ (laughs) We met and talked about working together. Nothing happened immediately, but that conversation sparked something in me. On my own, I started getting myself back into what I considered model shape and, more importantly, getting comfortable in front of the camera again. I did three photo shoots that year just to reconnect with that part of myself.
In 2025, Kevin formed MODE Creative Productions. That May, I started working with him as a Model Coordinator on a couple of shows. He eventually trusted me to step into the Model Director role for the Tesla fashion show, and from there, everything took off.
Kevin saw something in me before I was fully ready to see it in myself again. He didn’t just bring me back to modeling—he helped open the door to this entirely different side of the fashion industry for me, and I’ll always be grateful for that.
What are some of the things you look for when scouting new talent?
I look for an energetic presence first. Of course, I notice the walk, the look, and how someone photographs, but there’s something that happens before all of that. It’s confidence and a certain quiet knowing. They don’t have to be the loudest person in the room or walk in with arrogance—they just know they belong there. I’m drawn to people who have that natural presence, but who are also coachable. Technique can be developed. A walk can be refined. But that energy—the thing that makes people want to look at you when you enter a room—is harder to teach. When I see it, I know.
Can you also tell us a bit about Fashion Group International and your work as a board member?
Being selected to serve on the Board of Directors for FGI Chicago made me feel seen and validated. For years, I loved this industry and continued to find my place within it, even though my journey didn’t necessarily follow the traditional path. I never landed that big modeling agency contract, and there were times when that could make you question whether you truly belonged in the industry.
FGI was a different kind of recognition. It reminded me that there are so many ways to make an impact in fashion. My experience, my eye, my relationships, my leadership, and everything I’ve learned over the years have value. I didn’t need the traditional path to prove that I belong here. I already do. And now I get to use my position to help support, connect, and create opportunities for other people in Chicago’s fashion community.
That makes it even more meaningful.
Who are three of your personal fashion icons?
Grace Jones, because she has always been fearless. She blurred the lines between fashion, art, beauty, and performance and created an image that was completely her own. She didn’t conform—she made the world adjust to her.
Naomi Campbell represents the power of presence to me. Obviously, she’s one of the greatest runway models of all time, but beyond the walk and the beauty, there’s an authority she brings into a room. Decades into her career, she still commands attention.
And Rihanna, because she takes risks. She can move between streetwear, high fashion, glamour, sensuality, and motherhood without losing her identity. I love that she doesn’t allow herself to be defined by one version of femininity or one lane. All three women remind me that true style starts with knowing who you are.
Name one book you’d absolutely recommend to anyone interested in the world of fashion?
I’m going to cheat again and say: read and study Vogue magazine. And I mean STUDY it—not just flip through it for the clothes. Pay attention to the editorials, the photography, the styling, the poses, the creative direction, the advertising, and how fashion is being communicated. Fashion is visual storytelling. You can learn so much by studying the people who have shaped those images and understanding why an image makes you stop and look. I’ve always been a very visual person, so magazines have been a huge part of how I learned and developed my eye.
Best advice you ever got as a model?
Love your body, even if it isn’t right for everyone’s vision. There is a designer, photographer, or creative out there who would love you as their muse.
Best advice you can give to aspiring models?
Study fashion first. Know the designers, photographers, models, and creatives who are working, and understand the industry you’re trying to become a part of. Study yourself, too. Spend time in the mirror learning your face, your body, your angles, and how you move. Mirror time is important! Take care of your body and your health, because your body is part of your instrument. I also tell models to be professional, be aware of their surroundings, and protect themselves. This is an industry where you have to use good judgment and trust your instincts. And finally, don’t take everything personally. You’re not going to be right for every casting or every designer, and that’s okay. Learn, keep going—and have fun with it. Fashion should still be fun.
Favorite quote or affirmation?
I have two that I live by: ‘What is meant for me can now recognize me clearly,’ and ‘Everything is always working out for me.’
What’s next for Aisha Jackson?
At this point in my life, I’m permitting myself to explore all of it. I spent a lot of years thinking I had to choose one lane. Now I’m more interested in seeing how far my creativity can take me. I’ll definitely do more photoshoots and modeling, and I would absolutely love to see myself in an editorial—and a beauty cover would be amazing! I also love my work behind the camera as well, so more creative things like directing brand campaigns, developing concepts, and helping other people bring their vision to life. I could see myself working with an agency someday—or possibly building something of my own. Beyond that, the sky is really the limit. I’m open. People keep telling me I should act, so maybe I’ll give that a try as well.
Connect with Aisha on Instagram at @AishaTheModel, and for more information on Fashion Group International, please visit. www.FGI.org/Chicago
