Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Zoie Stout. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Zoie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

Taking a risk is a big deal to many individuals. My personal outlook on risk taking is simple, yet so complex. I believe taking a risk can play a part in the foundation of ones life. I, Zoie Stout, took a risk on creating a business as a young adult. At the early age of 15, I started EZModeling with an amazing photographer. Said photographer became very busy with his work, so we decided it was best to part ways as far as the business standpoint. I then branched out to work with another talented photographer! This individual was with me for almost four years. Just before 2024, I wanted to take a huge risk. I wanted to start signing models. Johnson City Modeling was a business in which we worked to host non-profit fashion shows. I wanted to do more. My partner and I spoke, and we decided that signing models and booking talent was not something they felt they wanted to start. From this point, it was decided that the best option was to close down the JCM partnership. I felt the need to chase my dreams. Taking the leap to open your own business is one of the boldest and most transformative risks you can take. It’s a decision that blends ambition, courage, and a sense of adventure. But it’s not without its challenges. In January 2024, I opened Johnson City Modeling as an official LLC. As previously said, it was a challenge. However, without taking the risk of opening JCM on my own, I am not sure where I would be right now.

Zoie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Johnson City Modeling is a modeling agency located in East Tennessee. We are all about helping those in need, while also expressing the need for confidence in today’s world. We teach individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and kinds how to be comfortable in their own skin. We have a class every month on different topics within the industry, as well as several photoshoots for our signed models. We host two fashion shows every year to raise money for my new non-profit, Be Seen Be Heard. Be Seen Be Heard is about helping people with disabilities get access to the resources they need to be able to use their voice in this world! Johnson City Modeling has raised over $10,000 for the Cerebral Palsy Foundation through seasonal runway shows. As of 2024, I wanted to make a difference for people who are experiencing communication barriers due to a disability. Be Seen Be Heard has been a work in progress, but we are excited to officially be tax exempt as of January 2025!
JCM has also had the privilege to allow local businesses to set up as vendors at our shows, as well as present their clothing on our models. We love what we do, and we are excited to watch our business grow.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

There have been several times where pivoting is necessary. One example is having to reschedule our Fall fashion show back in September. The planning process was not going well for myself, nor anyone else. Our sponsors were busy on the dates needed to participate, as well as several models and volunteers. I was truly getting discouraged. I decided to pivot and change the location and date of the fashion show. The week/weekend of September 27th, 2024 there was significant weather that caused damage to East Tennessee, Western North Carolina, and several parts of Virginia. September 29th was supposed to be our Fall fashion show. My life motto is that everything happens for a reason. We ended up having our show on November 2nd, 2024 and raised money for various flood victims as well as for Be Seen Be Heard.
I believe pivoting is a part of anything worthwhile. For myself, I will continue to trust the path that God has paved for me, and pivot when He says.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Funding Johnson City Modeling as well as Be Seen Be Heard has been a process. Through the saving process as well as signed models, we were able to fund Johnson City Modeling as well as the start up of the non-profit, Be Seen Be Heard. I feel as if the funding process is never ending. A non-profit organization takes an empire, it takes resilience, and a passion for wanting to help others. We are still paying legal fees for Be Seen Be Heard, but that is a part of the process if things are done correctly. We are so thankful to our sponsors. Each seasonal runway show, we have sponsors who donate raffle gifts, services, and businesses who feature their clothing. Furthermore, we’d like to shout out all of our photographers who have worked with us countless times. It takes a village, and we have just that. My whole family has truly supported me in ways I cannot even describe. My friends have been there for me. I truly have a vilage from God, and I am so blessed.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://johnsoncitymodeling.com
• Instagram: johnsoncitymodeling and zoiestoutt
• Facebook: jcmodeling

Image Credits

Justin Greene
Ben Wilson
No Boundaries Camera Club