Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Lawing.
Hi Jonathan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My adolescent journey began in the rugged terrain of the High Desert — far removed from the greenery and grandeur of the Hollywood Hills. I was a shy, quiet kid who often kept to myself. Growing up in that environment, distant from the flash of mainstream culture, helped shape a deep sense of individuality in me. It gave me permission — even subconsciously — to think outside the lines of what was “popular,” and instead develop a taste, style, and direction of my own.
Still, individuality didn’t always feel empowering at first. I constantly found myself boxed in by societal norms — expectations about how a young man should talk, dress, and carry himself. It was like trying to navigate a world that had already written my story before I ever picked up the pen. I didn’t fit the mold, and in many ways, I wasn’t supposed to.
Before embarking on my modeling journey, I initially began down a very different path — welding. Following in the footsteps of my father, who had been a welder for much of his life, I spent six years working as a welding fabricator in his company before branching out and joining another firm. I had a passion for the trade and the artistry behind welding — the precision, the heat, the hands-on creation — and I was good at it. I could see a future in the field. But over time, I began to feel that something was missing. There was a silence inside me that welding couldn’t fill — a calling I hadn’t yet answered.
Then one evening, everything changed. I was watching Vogue World: Paris in June 2024, live from Place Vendôme. As I sat there, something stirred within me — an overwhelming sense of belonging, as if I was meant to be there. It’s hard to explain, but it was visceral. That feeling lingered long after the show ended. Just two hours later, while scrolling through Instagram, I came across a casting call for models. I almost scrolled past, but the same feeling surged in me again — that tug, that push. I took a leap and applied.
Soon after, I was cast for the runway. That moment ignited something deep inside me — a realization that I was home. The runway wasn’t just a space I admired; it was the space I was born to walk. People had always complimented my walk, not realizing that it was a raw, polished gift. But once I stepped onto the runway, I understood the power I carried in every stride. That was when I truly realized the potential I held — not just as a model, but as an artist.
Along this journey, I came across a glamorous and polished drag queen by the name of Azalea McMichaels, and her partner Alex Dye, who would go on to become my best friends — and eventually, family. Their support has been unwavering, reminding me of the potential and purpose I hold, especially during moments of self-doubt. Through this deep and meaningful fellowship, I was also introduced to a flurry of successful queens, including the iconic Morgan McMichaels, who has played an inspiring role in fueling my stride toward excellence.
With their support and the fire that had been lit within me, I’ve gone on to walk high-fashion runways in New York City and Hollywood, California — moments that not only affirmed my path but expanded it. These opportunities were more than just shows; they were declarations of identity, artistry, and evolution.
As I dove deeper into this world, I began to meet and fall in love with someone new within me — someone who had always been there, waiting to be seen. I uncovered a bold, unapologetic sense of style and a refined creative vision that was both fierce and instinctual.
I discovered I had an innate talent and taste for high fashion — for silhouettes, textures, and aesthetics that whispered elegance while demanding presence. My sensibility was never about following trends, but about curating a visual language that felt timeless, elevated, and uniquely mine. Fashion and modeling became my form of storytelling — a way to express truth, rebellion, freedom, and art.
By stepping fully into my identity through modeling and style, I realized I had become more than just a reflection of personal taste — I had become a symbol for others, a reminder that self-definition is one of the highest forms of liberation. I began blurring the lines between the traditionally masculine and feminine, embracing a fluid, balanced sense of androgyny that felt effortlessly natural — and perfectly me.
I strive to be my own role model — which, as any traveler of the soul knows, is no small feat. But it’s a journey filled with beauty, discipline, vulnerability, and immense reward. Through fashion, modeling, and creative self-expression, I’ve not only found my voice — I’ve found my power.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has been filled with detours, deep valleys, and hard-won lessons. It hasn’t been smooth — but I’ve come to realize that the beauty of the road lies in its roughness. I grew up feeling like an outsider, boxed in by narrow definitions of masculinity and identity, and over time I internalized a lot of pain. I endured intense cruelty from people I trusted — words and actions that left me questioning my worth, and whether I even belonged anywhere at all.
For a while, I numbed that pain the only way I knew how — through alcohol. It became a crutch, a mask, and a quiet escape. But as of May 2025, I am three years sober — and every day, I choose myself over the past. Sobriety hasn’t just been about quitting drinking. It’s been about reconnecting to my power, learning self-discipline, and finding peace without needing to numb the truth. It’s one of the greatest victories of my life.
The modeling industry — beautiful as it is — can also chip away at your self-esteem if you let it. Rejection is part of the game, and it can feel deeply personal. But here’s what I’ve learned: you’re not always going to be everyone’s cup of tea — and that’s okay. Just because you’re not right for one person or brand doesn’t mean you’re not perfect for another. Keep showing up. The people who are meant to see your light will see it without you having to dim it or change yourself.
And while it’s easy to get caught up in chasing big goals or waiting for that one “breakthrough” moment, don’t miss the beauty of the process. Learn to love the journey. The small steps — the ones that feel quiet and unnoticed — are actually the foundation of every big leap. Those little moments are what shape your character and fuel your purpose.
Here’s something I wish someone had told me early on:
Telling yourself you’ll “finally be happy” when you reach a certain goal will keep you from ever truly being happy. Joy doesn’t live at the finish line — it’s found in the way you walk the path.
And remember this too:
The obstacles in life are necessary — they equip your toolbelt for what’s ahead. Without resistance, we never develop the strength to rise.
So no, it hasn’t been easy. But the road shaped me. Every scar, every stumble, every comeback has given me depth, grit, and purpose. And if you’re walking your own rough path right now, I hope you know — you’re not alone. Keep going. It gets brighter.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a professional model with a deep specialization in modeling as a whole — with a particular strength in high fashion and runway. What I do is rooted in movement, storytelling, and presence. When I walk, it’s not just about showcasing a look — it’s about embodying a feeling. Whether it’s couture, avant-garde, or minimalism, I bring mood, message, and meaning to every garment. Modeling, for me, is performance, energy, and truth.
One of the things people often say about me is that when I enter a room, the energy shifts. There’s a stillness, a moment — like something’s about to happen. I don’t seek attention, but there’s a natural magnetism that comes from walking in full alignment with who you are. It’s not about ego; it’s about presence. That’s what I’ve become known for — a commanding walk, a refined confidence, and a quiet power that fills the space before I say a word.
I’ve had the privilege of walking in major runway events, including for Preview Models in Hollywood, which attracts emerging talent and industry insiders. I also walked in a Met Gala–inspired runway experience, which presented grandeur and elevated fashion direction — a show that was as much about art and influence as it was about fashion itself. These were defining moments, but they’re just part of a much larger narrative, and even bigger things are on the way.
What I’m most proud of is how far I’ve come from where I started. I didn’t grow up in a city known for fashion, and I didn’t have an “in” — but I had instinct, presence, and something real to say through this art form. I came from welding masks and work boots to luxury fabrics and high fashion, and I carry that contrast with pride.
What sets me apart is that my androgyny isn’t a performance — it’s who I am. I move with both masculine edge and feminine elegance, naturally and without hesitation. I bring depth to what I do because modeling isn’t just about image for me — it’s about identity, expression, and liberation. I’m not just walking — I’m shifting perspectives. And that’s what I plan to keep doing.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is living in alignment with my truth — fully, fearlessly, and without apology. In a world that constantly tells you who to be, reclaiming your identity is a revolutionary act. For me, that meant embracing my androgyny, my creative instincts, and the unique voice I carry — not just in fashion, but in life.
Creative expression matters because it saved me. Fashion and modeling gave me a language when I didn’t have the words. It’s not just a career — it’s my calling, my form of healing, and my statement to the world. When I step onto a runway, I’m not just modeling clothes — I’m telling a story of survival, self-discovery, and strength.
But this version of me wasn’t handed to me. I reinvented myself. Not to become someone else, but to become who I truly was underneath the noise. That kind of growth requires courage, discomfort, and walking away from anything that doesn’t reflect your purpose. Reinvention is one of the most powerful choices a person can make — and I made it for me.
The people around me have been everything. My parents have shown me unwavering love and support, grounding me even when I doubted myself. My chosen family — like Azalea McMichaels and Alex Dye — have lifted me, reminded me of my worth, and walked with me through the darkest valleys. Surrounding yourself with people who uplift you, who cheer for your wins and hold space for your healing — that kind of love is life-changing.
Inspiring and elevating others is one of my deepest motivations. I know how it feels to be overlooked, silenced, or told you’re “too much” or “not enough.” That’s why I walk boldly — not just for myself, but for the people watching who need to know they’re allowed to take up space too. I don’t just want to succeed — I want to create space for others to rise.
And if I’ve learned anything, it’s this:
You’re not going to be everyone’s cup of tea — and that’s okay. What doesn’t resonate with one person may deeply inspire another. Stay true to yourself.
Learn to love the journey. The small steps — the quiet, unseen ones — are the bricks that build the bigger path. Don’t rush past them. They matter more than you realize.
Don’t postpone happiness for a finish line. Waiting to be happy “once you arrive” will keep joy forever out of reach. Peace starts now.
And remember: the obstacles aren’t there to destroy you — they’re there to prepare you. Every challenge adds a tool to your belt for what’s coming next.
What matters to me is truth, purpose, love, and the freedom to walk through life as the fullest version of myself — while helping others do the same.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/jonathan.c.lawing
Image Credits
@chrisishh
