Jennifer Strickland

Jennifer Strickland is a speaker, author, and former professional model.

Early Life

Strickland began modeling at the age of eight years old when she started attending a local modeling school. Her first job was mannequin modeling in the mall and doing JC Penny fashion shows. When she turned fifteen, she traveled to Hollywood, California to audition for photo shoots and commercials. After being bullied and harassed by girls in her school, Strickland graduated at 17 years old and signed with Ford Models. While studying at the University of Southern California she modeled throughout the US, Europe, and Australia.

Modeling

After graduating college at 21, Strickland's career came to a peak when she was chosen with 30 other girls to do the runway with Giorgio Armani in Milan, Italy. Strickland was later cut from doing the run way after her waist line changed due to a small weight gain. Strickland has been open AbOUT her past struggles with anorexia, substance abuse, and [...] abuse while working in the modeling industry.

Christianity

While in Rome, Strickland's backpack was stolen. She cried out to God for the first time, hoping that she could get her bag back and her diary that was inside it. Later, she moved to Munich, Germany to pose in catalogs. It was during this time that Strickland attempted to take her own life by drowning. The next day she was invited to go to church by street evangelists passing out New Testament Bibles. While she was heading for an audition, a stranger stopped her in the road and told her to go home, that "she could not sell beauty." Strickland gave her life to Christ while on top of the highest mountain in Munich. When she returned home, her diary was at her door.

Ministry

Strickland returned to college to get a Master's degree in writing and literature. She travels throughout the country, visiting schools and churches to share her story and to help women and girls struggling with body image. She has been featured on the Christian Broadcasting Network to share her story. She has written Girl Perfect along with Beautiful Lies and More Beautiful Than You Know

Personal Life

Three years after leaving the modeling industry, Strickland met her husband Shane. Together they have three children and currently live in Texas.