Montana Monroe Jenkins went viral after showing off her skills on the runway. The 7-year-old’s video has since been viewed by nearly 12 million people on Instagram, earning her praise from supermodel Naomi Campbell.
After watching modeling videos online, Jenkins, a Montclair second grader, asked her mother if she could try modeling.
It all began with a pair of Disney heels and several hallway fashion performances at home. Her mother, Prudence Walter, told Fox5 that all the signs were there from the beginning.
“I couldn’t get her into bed,” Prudence said. “Constant changing clothes. Constant stage and forts. Always keeping shoes on. A dress. Extra passion for it.”
Monroe had her first tryout at Kings Plaza in Brooklyn. She admits she was nervous at first, but she overcame her fear by taking deep breaths.
“I treat [the hallway] like that. I feel like I’m having a show,” Montana explained, describing how she first started practicing her walk. “It made me so famous and good, and I was doing what I needed to do and handle my business.”
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Jenkins is one of five siblings, and the youngest. She is now getting ready for her next major appearance at Brooklyn Fashion Week on April 12 at Kings Plaza.
“I want all the kids to know what my mom tells me. She tells me, be confident. Love yourself. Take care of yourself, and it will all be [okay],” she said.
Her mother also underlined the importance of representation in their household and what it means to have a legend like Campbell recognize her daughter.
“Representation matters in our home, and I think what Naomi represents… Montana is still in awe with all of this,” Prudence explained.
Though she has big goals, the young model mostly sees herself as a second-grader.
Jenkins’ fan following keeps growing, and she is all set to return to the runway next month at Kings Plaza for Brooklyn Fashion Week.
