My Glam Interview with Jerrica Patton, the First Black Hearing Impaired Model to Walk In #NYFW!

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“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”   – Ralph Waldo Emerson

When I read this quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, I couldn’t help but to think about Jerrica Patton. I’m sure you’re probably thinking, who is Jerrica Patton, and why does this particular quote make you think about her? Well, let me give you the tea on this phenomenal woman.

Jerrica is the first Black hearing impaired model to walk in New York Fashion Week! She’s graced the runway on the coveted Harlem’s Fashion Row  for the F/W ’14 – Natt Taylor (Designer Natt Taylor, S/S ’14 – Modahnik (Designer Kahindo Mateene) and Byron Lars Beauty Mark F/W ’13 (Designer Byron Lars)–and this is just the beginning! Jerrica’s definitely living her dreams, but her journey to the runway has not been easy. She describes it as a walk of faith, and from the looks of things the trail she’s created won’t lead to anything short of success. She’s more than just an aspiring model, she’s an inspiring model! Check out our ah-mazingly glam interview below! 

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Jerrica Patton (far right) and fellow models backstage at a fashion show.

How does it feel to be a part of history as the first Black hearing-impaired model to walk the runway during NYFW? 

It’s an awesome feeling, but at the same time, it’s a lot of responsibility because now you have people who will look up to you or who will follow you.  It’s humbling. It’s awesome, but it allows me the opportunity to be an inspiration to others by pursuing my dreams. I can reach out to young women and young models and say “Hey look, I have a disability, but look what I’m doing. Look at what I did and so can yo. To have that influence is an awesome feeling.

What motivated you to follow your dreams and move to NYC?

I was working on my Master’s at Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia, in 2011 and I realized “This is not for me” I believed in my heart that God was leading me to NYC. I had never been to New York– I didn’t know anything. I followed my heart. I dropped out of the Master’s program. I was one semester away from getting my Master’s degree. On May 21, 2011, I packed up everything and drove. I had nothing. No job, no home, no money . That night when I crossed the bridge in NY I broke down and cried, I thought “What did I just do?”

How did it feel when you got your first professional modeling gig?

My first professional modeling gig was with Byron Lars for the 2012 collection lookbook.  Following right after that, it was the 2013 Fall Winter presentation. I couldn’t believe it! I realized who he awas I felt like “Ma I made it, I’m here. I finally got something. I’ve been working and grinding. It’s definitely humbling. So many people take theme moments for granted. I looked for seven months. It was a rewarding, proud moment. All of my hard work paid off.

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Do you instantly divulge to designers that you are hearing impaired at go sees or auditions?

No, I don’t unless I think it may affect that particular audition/show/go-sees but I haven’t come across a situation thus far.  One reason was, I wasn’t really comfortable about making that known until recently. Now that I’m completely comfortable about it, I am. Also, at the #NYFW presentation that took place a (few) weeks ago, I put my hearing aids on AFTER my hair and makeup were done so they wouldn’t get destroyed.

Are designers pretty open to working with you?

Yes, the designers that I’ve had an opportunity to work with were pretty open to working with me; there was almost a fascination with me because I was different in regards to the hearing impairment.

Does being hearing impaired affect the way you walk the runway?

No, I don’t believe that it affects the way I walk the runway.  However, leading up to the runway can affect me, given the situation.  For example, if an instruction was given about the runway and I didn’t hear or understand the person(s) giving the instruction, then it would definitely affect me because I would have missed it and therefore, would not have executed the instructions given. That’s why for every show, I always double-check with the lead makeup artist, hair stylist, show producer, anyone else who is involved with the gig/show/shoot to make sure I heard everything and am doing everything.  Thankfully,  I’ve worked with models and designers that were understanding and quite helpful.  But, I definitely make sure I’m doing my part.

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What designers do you dream of working with?  

My dream designers that I would love the opportunity to work with are Oscar de la Renta, Michael Kors, Olivier Rousteing (Balmain)!

As a beauty-lover I have to ask… what are your top three beauty must-haves?

  1. I can’t live without Maybelline every day mascara (pink & green tube)
  2. Revlon Circling Red Lipstick I love wearing that!
  3. I can’t go without Mary Kay Sparkling Cider blush

What else can we expect from you this year?

Possible showrooms and print work. I’m also a musician– I studied music in college. I sing and I’m classically trained on the piano. I’m kind-of a fusion between R&B, pop, gospel and classical.

You’ve had quite the journey navigating the world of modeling in NYC. Do you have any regrets?

I have zero regrets about pursing my modeling career and moving to New York. If I could do it again, I would do it all the same way. It has not been an easy road. There have been times when I wanted to quit but deep down inside of me there’s a fire that burns inside of me that says “Don’t quit.” I truly believe when God gives you a vision, there will be divine provision.

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Jerrica epitomizes what it means to walk by faith–and look good doing it! I’ve always considered myself to be a pretty ambitious person, but I was absolutely inspired by her strength and drive! Besides being stunning on the outside, she has a beautiful spirit. This is just the beginning of her amazing career and I can’t wait to see her continue to grow and excel as a professional model and musician! Werk, Jerrica!!

Make sure you check out Jerrica’s blog A Model of Life and follow her on Instagram: @jerri13 and Twitter @AModelOfLife.

Ciao Bellas,

  • Jerrica is truly an exceptional beautiful and intelligent young lady. She is one of my younger cousins that comes from a bloodline and family of surviving successful achievers. I am so proud of her. she will continue to be blessed and you are very blessed to work with her. I know that her Grandparents and Uncles are smiling down on her. Jerrica work your magic beautiful.

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