Fashionably Anointed Hitting the Runway for Christ
Nickeeliah Freeman describes herself as "a lover of fashion and a woman of God."
But in her years of modeling, the Jamaica native struggled with maintaining her Christian values and pursuing her love of the fashion industry.
"I love fashion, and as a woman of God I felt like I couldn't do certain things," she told The Christian Post.
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In October 2009, Freeman founded In His Image Modeling Agency, an organization that caters to young Christian men and women who feel out of place in society or may be struggling with their true identity.
Her agency follows the scripture, "You were bought with a price, therefore honor God with your body" (1 Corinthians 6:20).
Freeman said she felt she couldn't adhere to that biblical passage while she was modeling during her college years in the United States. The Coppin State University alumna recalled working with photographers who wanted to take "inappropriate pictures that showed off my body."
"I always advise against posing nude, and wouldn't do it myself," she noted. "If a model ever feels uncomfortable in what they have to wear, I always tell them not to do it. I never want them to feel uncomfortable."
Fashion, Freeman said, is about showcasing unique pieces of art that designers show through clothing.
"We are all beautiful in God's eyes, and in His image we express our beauty through fashion," she explained.
Today, In His Image serves as a platform where people who struggle with their identities can find it in Christ. The Germantown, Md.-based agency offers a plethora of modeling development courses from training courses and runway lessons to motivational lessons taught with a scripture-based curriculum.
Although not all the models – which include youth pastors – signed to this agency are Christian, Freeman said it serves as a platform for ministry.
"We fast together, we pray before big shows, we send out scriptures to everyone, and share the word of God," she stressed. "When they are around me, they know my mission and they know my value."
The designers also are made aware of Freeman's vision and mission.
Being able to change lives with fashion is the goal of the organization, said Freeman. Whether it is a fashion show, a model image workshop, or a daily scripture, "you never know what you can do for someone and how you can change their life," she added.
Like other Christian agencies, In His Image focuses on modesty and the body being a temple of God. However, the company is fashionably aware and recognizes the vision of various designers.
In His Image showcases various designers throughout the Washington D.C. metro area. The location for their next big show on Nov. 13, Who Calls Me Beautiful, has not yet been determined.
The agency admits models five to 20 years of age and all sizes are welcome, Freeman noted.
On the Web: www.ihimodeling.com
